I've been having trouble with my '89 E-350 460 Cabriolet Custom Hauler since I bought it in June. Initially, the van was fine, then it would not start. The battery was not taking and holding a charge, so I replaced the battery. Everything was fine for a while, then the intermittent no start problem started again. It seemed at first a topped up battery would do the trick and get the van going again. Now it doesn't. When the problem occurs, there is one consistent indicator: the check engine light stays on when the key is off or out. If I disconnect the battery, the light goes out until I try to start the van again.

I have replaced the corroded cable from the battery to the solenoid, the solenoid, and now the starter. This has been an intermittent problem through the summer, but now the van is dead. I made sure the battery is fully charged. I turn the key and get a click, but nothing else.

I have cleaned every connection I can find. I tried to replace the battery to starter cable, but it appeared to be more complex than it should have been, and was not just a chunk of cable running from the solenoid to the starter as I expected.

Suggestions? This van is too big to be marooned in front of my shop all the time. Help!

Brett Fairbanks
Delaware, Ohio

 

Dose the battery drain over night?Souds like maybee the ignition starter switch on the steering colum.There is a small plastic piece that gets worn down on the switch.It might not be getting pulled back far enough ,and thats why your engine light stays on.The new switches come with a metal clamp so the plug dosent come out.Just a thought.

 

The battery drains slowly, over a few days. When I reattach the negative cable after charging, I get a little spark telling me something is drawing current. I haven't been able to track that down yet.

Thanks for the switch idea. I will take care of the cables first, then go after the switch if that doesn't do it. Is there a good place to order OEM Ford parts online?

Thanks,

Brett

 

Try to pull the codes from the computer. There is something going on, that's why the light is on. It's possible the computer is bad, or has a short in a wire.

 

What type of code reader do I need, and where is the access port? I didn't see any OBD II stickers under the hood so I didn't think pulling codes was an option. Thanks for the tip!


Brett

 

Mine was tucked way down in the fender on the passenger side under the hood.You may have a hot wire so pulling codes is a good idea.

 

Thanks for everyone's help. I replaced the ignition switch at the base of the column and now she fires right up. Now I just have to troubleshoot some lighting issues and I can tow the rally car!


Thanks,

Brett