I just bought a 2011 e-250 to use as a work van. It was formally a gas company vehicle in Illinois. It is CNG and has 17K miles! The radio does not power on. The fuse under the dash (IIRC 20A) looks OK. I wonder if anyone knows if the gas company disconnected the radios? Any schematics around? It looks like an OEM service manual set is around $120 on dabay.

 

Doubtful the former owned did anything to the radio---the most they might have done is remove the fuse.

Remove the existing radio, check for power at the connector---if there's 12 VDC there you probably have a failed radio. They're somewhat plentiful on eBay or any good aftermarket unit would be suitable. I myself use Crutchfield as they have the most comprehensive selection and include or have all the installation supplies/parts you'll need for an easy swap.

 

I just ordered an EVTM. When it comes I will pull the plastic off the dash and pull the radio so I can check the voltages. The former owner was the Gas company so I thought they may disable the radio to minimize driver distraction. When I got the van the OBD-II port was disconnected from the lower trim piece. Like maybe they had a GPS plugged in there and tucked under the dash. Also, every time I open the door, the paking lights go on for a minute or so.

 

First you don't need to do anything more than remove the stock radio---it pulls forward out with the dash fully intact. There are removal tools for this job--two holes each side of the radio face allow a hoop-like wire tool to be inserted releasing locking tabs holding it in the dash. Search YouTube for a video.

Your van might have illuminated entry which would explain the parking lights coming on. Does the dome light come on and off too with door opening?

 

Dome light yes. No, the radio does not have those snazzy holes in the side like my older Ford products did. I have to pull off the plastic dash cover and remove 4 small bolts. The CNG thing is a learning curve. I filled it to 3800psi, Gauge read full. Next day (& 3 miles) I got in and the gauge read 1/4! Then as I drove, it slowly went up to 3/4 tank! Evidently the gauge gets it's info from a pressure sensor and a temp sensor to guestimate how much fuel I have.

 

Ahhh you're right about radio removal---I forgot to pay attention that you have a dash past the '08 or '09 "new style". Sorry 'bout that............

If you want to replace the stock radio they should be plentiful on FleaBay---personally I'd go with aftermarket as they tend to have more user-friendly features. I'm partial to Sony, had a horrible experience with Kenwood so will probably still recommend anything Sony.

Can't help with the CNG bits---I'm completely out of the loop on that fuel system.

Good luck with all this--sounds like you've got a head start!

 

Thanks. I am so far quite happy with this new to me CNG van. I need to get the radio working, transfer the aftermarket cruise control from my old 2000 e250, get my shelves etc set up, and CLEAN this puppy. But otherwise with 17K miles I will be driving this van for years (God Willing!).

 

I do hope this serves you well as long as you own it---the E-Series do tend to be reliable!

Regarding cruise control---your year would allow activating the factory option by you installing the appropriate steering wheel and switches--a new clock spring and the master cylinder safety switch would probably also be required too. Once all that's installed take it to a dealer and have them switch that option to "on" in the PCM.

 

Thanks on the cruise info. This is my third e-250. My last one had no cruise, so I bought an aftermarket system Rostra 250-1223 Universal Cruise Control System I plan on just transfering it from my old one before I get rid of it.

 

Got the EVTM. Checked fuses and F39 20a fuse was open. It didn't have the blown look, but, replacing it gave me tunes. Thank You

 

That's one of those lessons we all learn---double check real continuity with a test light or meter, never rely on visual inspections alone for fuses. I've had the same thing happen---a humbling experience.

Glad you got it sorted out.

 

Spent today moving my shelving from the old van to the new van. I'm ready to make money now!

 

Been there, done that---it's good to be finished with that chore too!