Results for "OBD-I"

Engine Easy N/A 133 👍 0

Ford E-350 vs E-450 Chassis: RV Fuel Economy, Power & Weight Capacity

Last weekend I felt this awful engine strain and heard sluggish acceleration sounds while test-driving a 2017 Phoenix Cruiser #2351 with its E-350 chassis and V10 engine. I'll be doing extensive western touring through mountain and plains regions, which means substantial mountain grades and wind challenges. I'm comfortable driving slowly and want to understand two key things: 1) Will this E-350 chassis handle mountain grades without major issues, and 2) What's the real-world fuel consumption like? I plan to do an initial inspection this weekend, followed by a third-party mechanical review. I'm not overly concerned about fuel economy but want to understand the actual performance limitations. I'd appreciate insights from owners who have experience with similar touring conditions on an E-350 chassis. …more

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Engine Medium 2-4 hours (including dealer visit) 112 👍 0

Ford F53 Motorhome Key Programming Guide: Security Features & Programming Tips

Apparently my 2008 Ford F53 motorhome is 16 years old and starting to have key programming issues — should I attempt DIY programming or call a locksmith? I just dropped $176 on two new transponder keys for my 2024 Windsport 34R (2022 F53 chassis) because I only had one set and didn't want to get locked out in the middle of nowhere wearing my pajamas and fuzzy slippers (again).

The Ford dealer quoted me another $140-170 to program these fancy chip keys, insisting I'd need to haul my 35-foot house-on-wheels down there for the programming. But the parts guy said "try them first" - and wouldn't you know it, both keys fired right up without any programming!

So what's the deal here? Are these unprogrammed transponder keys going to mysteriously stop working next Tuesday? Did I just dodge a bullet, or am I missing out on some important anti-theft features that actually matter? I'm feeling pretty smug about saving that programming fee, but also slightly paranoid that my motorhome might strand me at the worst possible moment! …more

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Engine Easy 15 minutes 105 👍 0

5 Star Tuner X4 for Ford V10 RV: Complete Performance & Upgrade Guide

Planning to tune my 2018 Ford 6.8L V10 RV but got quoted $800 for professional tuning and wondering if the 5 Star X4 is DIY-friendly. Specifically want to know about real-world performance improvements - does it actually improve throttle response and shift points? What about fuel economy gains?

Which of the 3 programs works best for RV towing? Is the investment worth it for better drivability or just hype? …more

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Best RV Solar Panel Kits

4.5 (12,700 reviews)

Engine Medium 2 hours 97 👍 0

Ford V-10 Misfire Codes P0305 & P0307: Complete RV Engine Repair Guide for Motorhomes

Turned my compression tester on cylinders 5 and 7 and got 150 PSI readings, but I'm still pulling P0305 and P0307 misfire codes on my 2001 Ford E350 V-10. The engine runs smoothly overall, but the diagnostic codes are persistent.

I have replacement spark plugs and ignition coils available but want to ensure I'm following the proper troubleshooting sequence before investing time and effort. What is the recommended diagnostic approach for simultaneous misfires on cylinders 5 and 7?

Given that multiple cylinders are affected, should I prioritize certain components over others, or is there a systematic order that typically yields the most efficient resolution for this engine configuration? …more

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Engine Easy 30-60 minutes at dealer 90 👍 0

Ford F53 AdvanceTrac Warning Light: TSB Software Fix for Motorhomes

Already seeing that AdvanceTrac warning light on my F53 motorhome chassis — would this TSB software fix be covered under my extended warranty before I start tearing into it? Because apparently my RV decided it needed MORE personality quirks, right? Now my cruise control won't work (there goes my lazy highway driving), and the hill assist is MIA too.

I'm getting mixed signals here - is this one of those "pull over immediately and call a tow truck" situations, or more of a "well, that's annoying but I can still get to the campground" kind of deal? And please tell me this isn't going to cost me my firstborn child to fix at the dealer! …more

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Engine Easy N/A - informational 90 👍 0

Banks Pedal Monster Ford F53 Motorhome Review: Does It Really Work?

Halfway through every camping season, I find myself second-guessing whether that Banks Pedal Monster I installed on my 2017 F53 chassis motorhome was worth it. After installation, I'm honestly not feeling much difference in performance, even in the most aggressive setting. The sales literature made it sound like it would dramatically improve acceleration and power.

I'm worried this expensive modification isn't actually doing anything meaningful for my heavy motorhome. Should I be feeling more power by now, or did I just throw money away? I'm starting to think maybe these throttle controllers don't actually work on big RVs like they claim to. Can someone help me understand what this thing is supposed to actually do versus what it can realistically deliver on an F53 chassis? …more

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Engine Medium 3-4 hours 89 👍 0

Ford F53 Chassis Misfire Problems: Early Spark Plug & Coil Failure Solutions

Walked out to my 2021 Class A motorhome this morning facing the third Ford F53 chassis misfire this year and I'm done throwing parts at it blindly. We've got less than 20,000 miles on the odometer, but recently experienced rough running and got a check engine light. When I took it to a Ford dealer that services Class A rigs, they diagnosed misfires in two cylinders and recommended servicing the entire fuel system. I ended up having them replace all eight spark plugs, plug wires, and ignition coils since we were already dealing with failures.

The coach now runs better than it ever has since new, which makes me think the original components may have been subpar from the factory. What's really bothering me is that we shouldn't need major ignition system work this early in the vehicle's life. I'm curious if other owners of 2021 or newer F53 chassis motorhomes have experienced similar premature failures with their spark plugs, ignition coils, and plug wires? Is this pointing to some kind of quality control issue with Ford's ignition components on these newer chassis, and should I expect better reliability from aftermarket replacements going forward? …more

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Engine Medium 2-4 hours diagnosis 83 👍 0

RV Engine Stalling & Transmission Issues - Diagnosis Help

Replaced multiple parts but I'm still standing in the auto parts store aisle staring at diagnostic tools with no clue which one I actually need for my RV's stalling and transmission issues. When I'm cruising and let off the gas, sometimes the RPMs drop like a rock, other times they just hang there until I slow down more. That's weird enough, but here's the real kicker - every now and then the whole engine just dies on me when I'm rolling up to a stop sign or red light. Maybe happens twice in 600 miles or so, so it's not constant but definitely not normal either.

I'm wondering if these two issues are connected somehow? Like could whatever's causing the stalling also be messing with how the transmission acts when I let off the throttle? Really hoping someone has seen this combo before because I'm in Germany and finding RV-specific help is tough.

I'm looking for any insights from folks who might know what could cause this - hoping to get to the bottom of this before it becomes a bigger problem! …more

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Engine Medium 4-6 hours research and shop visits 82 👍 0

DPF Failure Code: Repair Cost & DIY Options for RV Diesel

According to my diagnostic scan the DPF failure code shouldn't be appearing since regeneration happened just 500 miles ago on my 2022 Holiday Rambler Cummins B6.7. Local Freightliner service center is quoting $6,400 for complete DPF replacement at 38,000 miles.

Before proceeding with this expensive repair, I need to verify: Is this quote within normal range for dealer pricing? Should my 2022 engine still have emissions warranty coverage that would apply to DPF failure? Are there alternative repair options like professional cleaning that might resolve the issue without full replacement?

Looking for technical guidance on the most cost-effective approach to address this DPF failure code before committing to the quoted repair. …more

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Electrical Easy 30 minutes setup 80 👍 0

Torque Pro App Review: Complete RV Engine Monitoring with OBD2 Diagnostic Tool

The previous owner of this used RV left me completely in the dark about monitoring what's actually happening with the engine! I recently bought an OBD Link adapter and an Amazon Fire tablet specifically to use the Torque Pro app for engine monitoring. I'm pretty much a caveman when it comes to technology, and I'm currently stuck trying to figure out how to set up the dashboard.

I keep hearing horror stories about transmission temps and engine issues that could have been caught early with proper monitoring. Problem is, I have no clue how to actually configure the app to show me useful data. Anyone have tips for getting the Torque Pro dashboard set up for someone who's totally tech-challenged? Bonus points if you can help me understand how to get meaningful information without wanting to throw my device out the window! …more

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Engine Medium 2-3 hours 77 👍 0

Cummins 400 Throttle Power Loss: ECM and Other Causes

Standing here looking at my first RV with a Cummins 400 that loses power whenever I hit the throttle, leaving me crawling up hills at 35mph while everyone flies past! My Cummins 400 has developed this charming habit of suddenly losing all throttle response. One minute I'm cruising along just fine, the next minute the pedal might as well be connected to my hopes and dreams - completely useless.

It just sits there maintaining 50mph no matter how much I stomp on it. Occasionally the RPMs will jump to 2000 and I get a brief taste of actual power before it drops back down like my expectations for this rig. The worst was climbing out of Death Valley at a blazing 15mph - I'm pretty sure I saw a tortoise give me a dirty look as it passed.

My kid thinks it might be the ECM, but honestly at this point I'm open to suggestions that don't involve selling a kidney. Anyone dealt with similar power loss and throttle issues on a Cummins 400? …more

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Best RV Air Conditioners

4.4 (8,100 reviews)

Engine Hard 3-4 hours 75 👍 0

1988 E350 Class C 460 EFI Won't Start - Advanced Fix

Got stuck with this 1988 E350 Class C 460 EFI that the previous owner left me — thing absolutely refuses to start. My 1988 E350 Class C with the 460 EFI decided to throw the ultimate tantrum right as we were heading out for a trip - just completely died and refuses to start.

Here's where it gets fun (and by fun, I mean expensive): I've got spark, I've got 40 psi fuel pressure at the rail, timing looks good, and I've already thrown money at fuel pumps, filters, plugs, wires, TFI module, distributor, and even the inertia switch. The thing will occasionally act like it wants to fire but never actually starts. The real kicker? Even when I give it a shot of ether, absolutely nothing happens - not even a sputter!

At this point I'm wondering if there's something more advanced going on that I'm missing. When you have spark, fuel pressure, and timing but even ether won't make it fire, what else could be the culprit on these 460 EFI engines? …more

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Engine Medium 1-2 hours 74 👍 0

How to Replace Rear ABS Sensor on Heavy Duty RV Chassis - Complete Guide & Tips

Looked forward to spring camping season prep on my 2011 Ford F53 22,000 lbs GVWR RV, but that damn ABS light killed my inspection plans again. I'm trying to figure out where exactly the rear ABS sensor is located, specifically on these heavy duty chassis. I found a RockAuto part (WELLS 5S12339) that seems specific to my 2011 model.

I see there's one sensor at each rear wheel. I've already removed a small screw, but I'm unsure about next steps. Do I need to remove the wheel, drum, or bearing to access the sensor? There seems to be a metal cap over it that's complicating things.

Any advice on accessing and replacing this sensor, especially dealing with potentially rusty mounting hardware? I haven't found clear guidance on YouTube or IRV2.com for my specific setup. …more

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Engine Hard 4-8 hours diagnostic time 72 👍 0

Ford V10 Crate Engine Problems: Rough Idle & Power Loss

Opened my RV hood this morning and my Ford V10 crate engine is doing that rough idle and power loss thing again — only when it's above 85°F outside. My 2015 Bounder 35K with 27k miles needed a complete engine replacement, so I had a new Ford V10 crate engine installed. Now I'm dealing with really rough idle, loud engine noise, shaking during acceleration, and hardly any power.

The shop said they fixed a misfire by replacing a fuel injector, but the problems are still there. Now they're telling me they've done everything they can with the engine and that it must be a transmission issue causing all these symptoms. Does that sound right to you experienced folks? I'm just having trouble understanding how transmission problems would cause such rough idling and engine noise, but I honestly don't know enough to argue with them. …more

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Engine Medium 4-6 hours for gear change 72 👍 0

2000 Ford E450 V10 Uphill Power Mods for Mountain Towing

Called three different YouTube tutorials claiming to boost my 2000 Ford E450 V10's uphill towing power, but now my motorhome struggles even worse in the mountains. The unit struggles substantially on extended uphill grades, particularly during Rocky Mountain travel where sustained climbs can last 30+ minutes.

I'm evaluating several modification options to address this performance deficiency: rear differential gear ratio changes, SCT programming modules, K&N high-flow air filtration systems, and catalytic converter removal. I need to understand which modifications will provide measurable uphill towing improvements versus those that offer minimal gains.

What is the relative effectiveness of these power modifications for V10 mountain towing applications? I'm looking for a technical assessment of which upgrades deliver the most significant performance improvements for this specific application. …more

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