[Rhodes22-list] Re: Regarding Econoline Speed Control

[Dan B]

Hi Ed,
I'm still on the list, reading it religiously, but usually too late to contribute anything new.
 
All Econoline Vans are built in the same location-- Lorain Ohio.
Conversion vans, are generally E150s. and occasionally E250s.  Besides saying either Econoline 150/250 or E150/250 on the rear door, the next best way to tell is 5-bolt wheels are on 150s (light duty) and 8-Bolt on 250 and 350 versions.
 
Now the speed control.  As it happens I have a 2004 E150 with 55000 miles and exactly the same problem you describe.  I have decided to take it to the dealer for two reasons.  Although it's a balmy 45 degrees in the Detroit area, it is still hand numbing to be out there for extended periods.  And the most important reason:  The $800 airbag is in the steering wheel and one slip.....!!!!!
 
Now, believe it or not, the Econolines have the most sophisticated Electronics of any Ford product, often getting expensive electronic controls before the Lincolns.  Why?  Because they must meet the same safety requirements as all other vehicles, and that short nose makes it very difficult to do.  
 
I'm afraid I don't remember what level of electronics were installed  in '99.  I do know that my speed control is really controlled by something called a "gem" module, which also monitors dozens of other systems on the vehicle, like the air bag sensors.  My recommendation is that you take it back to the dealer, and insist that the service manager go with you for a trip down the freeway and that he drive, and engage the speed control.  It is possible  that nothing is showing up during a static electronic diagnostic.
 
My van will engage correctly about 1 time out 50.  If it happens to engage, I can change speeds, cancel with the brakes, and resume, and it will work... until  the van is stopped and has the ignition switched off.  After that it won't work again for the next long time.  This started last October while I was in the Carolina's.  Hmmm, do you guys have a runaway reactor or something in the area?  ... I did visit Greensville and Lake Hartwell. :)

Oh , and if the dealer is doing his job, every time they type in your VIN number, they should be able to get a list of any recalls or owner notifications applicable to your Van.  One of the cost saving ideas instituted by the company that has a real customer benefit. ( Saves labor, paper and postage.

Sorry I didn't have a silver bullet for you.
 
Dan B 



----- Original Message ----
From: Brad Haslett <flybrad at gmail.com>
To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Wednesday, January 3, 2007 8:52:58 PM
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Replies to Capt's Rummy, Mike, Brad and Rob...


Ed,

First, dogs and cats.  My last attempt at cat adoption didn't go so well.
An employee of the think tank where I serve on the board, the Memphis Center
For Peace And Prosperity (otherwise known as RP Tracks Bar & Grill) came in
one day about six months ago with a long tale of woe about how her neighbor
had been thrown in jail for an indefinite amount of time and left behind a
cat.  I couldn't take the moaning anymore and, long story short, ended up
taking the cat home.  I grew up with cats and always had one as an adult but
for the last few years.  Fan came home and said "not no, but hell no!".  My
oldest son came home from the MS Gulf a few days later and said, "my mom
would love that cat".  She is a nurse and was in Honduras on a volunteer
mission at the time.  Her cat had died a few weeks earlier.  When she
arrived home, Spencer introduced her to her new cat and it was "love at
first sight".  Happy ending!  When I bought my farm outside of Nashville I
inhereted a gazillion cats with the property, including a new litter that
was living in the old farmhouse.  After several months I was able to find
homes for half-a-gazillion, spayed the rest, and had a sizable herd of
mousers left over.  Unfortunately, I bought cat food in bulk at Sam's Club
and my herd quickly evolved into socialists.  So much for the mousing.

Now to the Ford - I have a 92' Ford conversion van for sale on the coast as
we speak.  There is very little mechanical or electrical difference between
the F-150 and the E-150.  They are virtually identical.  You still didn't
describe the problem.  What is it doing, or not doing?

Brad


On 1/3/07, Tootle <ekroposki at charter.net> wrote:
>
>
> Capt'n Rummy:
>
>     The reason I am now involved is that I already took it to Fairway Ford
> (Biggest Dealer in Greenville Area).  Their mechanic said he could not
> duplicate problem.  I have had no trouble duplicating the problem.  I
> expect
> to pay for a fix, but not to pay more diagonistic fees that the repair
> costs.
>
> Capt'n Mike:
>
>      Thank you for your detailed reply.  Where can I a get a good picture
> of the Speed Control Servo/Amplifier
> control unit?  Yes it could be an E-150 Econoline.  I just could not find
> reference to E-150 in materials that I looked thru.  Kept referring me to
> the page with the F-150?  It is a conversion van, and it is original
> cruise
> control, not put in by conversion shop but at assembly.  But evidentially
> Van's that went to this conversion shop had many unique model numbers that
> distinguish them from regular E-150's.  Maybe the particular plant only
> made
> vans for conversion and regular vans were assembled elsewhere.
>
> Capt'n Brad:
>
>       I now have an adopted cat.  I have had cats in the past, but this is
> not a regular cat.  It is a she, and the ower wanted a new home for her.
> They had a couple of other cats and they picked on her.  This cat is more
> dog like than cat.  Meows all the time.  Meows to go out.  Meows to come
> in.
> Meows to get food dish freshly filled.  Sits on you lap to get ears
> scratched and when you stop goes to next in line to get ears scratched.
>       Previously I had a rescue dog.  Dog was a hunting dog, who obviously
> had not been well cared for before I adopted him.  He was a German Wired
> Haired Pointer.  He was a gentle giant appreciative of his new home.  I
> found out that his disposition was typical for the breed.  After he died
> of
> old age, my wife said no more dogs, but she said cat was ok to keep mice
> away.
>
> Capt'n Rob:
>
>       Capt'n Rummy lives right on the lake and just a mile off I-85.  My
> boat is now in a storage yard, out of the water.  I have some mantainance
> to
> do.  I also have a second boat on the lake at:
> http://familyoutdoors.com/pages/bigwater.htm  It is a O'Day 26.
> I live in Greenville, South Carolina.  The town with all the speed traps
> you
> must have passed thru.  Did you come down I-77 to Charlotte?
>
>
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://www.nabble.com/Replies-to-Capt%27s-Rummy%2C-Mike%2C-Brad-and-Rob...-tf2916596.html#a8150653
> Sent from the Rhodes 22 mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>
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