Very likely picking up an 01 7.3 e350

[Eric3187]

Well in my ever lasting hunt for a diesel cargo van, i made a trip from houston to Lake Charles today to look at 2 possible vans, to which i found out the guys idea of "minor dings and dents, and good paint" was what looked like sledge hammer damage, and no paint with rust in large areas. On my way back to texas my mom sent me a msg about one she saw outside of McDonalds near the house, got the guys number and i called him when i got home.

the van: 2001 EB E350 7.3L Cargo with barn doors, 270K miles, no leaks at all, and a very clean body.
the only "Issue" is the Parking brake light and ABS light are on, and tires need replacing. but it drives and brakes fine, slight pulse in the brake pedal with light braking.

here is where i need yals help, what are the possible causes of the Parking brake/abs light being on? the parking brake pedal is completely release in the neutral position as that was the first thing i checked.

what is the Worst case scenario with this one issue? i feel i can get the van at a low enough price that even if i had to redo the brakes, id still be ahead of the game.

I am waiting on a carfax report just to see what all has been documented/reported, but if everything checks out, ill pick it up on wednesday.

 

[jjohnny350]

I have a 99 e350, mine intermittently comes on every once in a while, then goes away. I thought it was cause I had a bulb out, not sure what is causing it but it hasnt seemed to cause any problems I should probably check it out though. Im sure its not a big deal.

 

[CrabbyMcNab]

My Nissan Titan ABS and Brake light were on in the dash due to the front pads being low. As soon as I replaced them, the lights were off.
Possibly from the reservoir being low?

 

[philos]

my 2003 E350 does it every once in a while too I've checked fluids, pads, etc... I'm not that worried about it either I guess.

 

[djbonsu]

my 2003 E350 does it every once in a while too I've checked fluids, pads, etc... I'm not that worried about it either I guess.

+1

 

[Pinnacle Campers]

Test drive it to one of the chain auto parts stores, autozone, oreillys, etc. and check for codes. My oreillys will even print out a page describing the fault and possible causes, solutions.

 

[Eric3187]

cool, thanks for the replies. im calling the guy tomorrow to haggle on the price and likely picking it up tomorrow evening as im sure we can strike a deal. im pretty excited to start this build.

 

[Eric3187]

Also, instead of creating a new thread, Since this van will need 4 new tires right off the bat, i was hoping to step up to a 265/75/16, would i have any clearance issues with this size tire with a 1.5" lift from the SuperSprings SSC-30 spring, #3995 spring and states 1.5" lift over stock, for the rear i would imagine i would have no issues with an Add-a-Leaf out back.

If i can fit those tires on 1.5" lift up front, id be super stoked

 

[Bbasso]

I have run 265/75-16 bfg at on two of my past stock suspension E350s.

 

[tgreening]

Re: brake light. Does it have cruise control and does it work? If it doesnt then odds are its the brake pressure switch causing your issues. On my 92 it was in the brake line down by the proportioning valve on the frame rIl. They have a habit of springing internal leaks and shorting themselves out. Anywhere from intermittent to full blown toasted. I had an 01 Ford and it was up by the master cylinder. Cheap eAsy fx even if you are only basically mechanical. Probably cheaper even than a diagnostic fee at the stealership.

 

[Eric3187]

Re: brake light. Does it have cruise control and does it work? If it doesnt then odds are its the brake pressure switch causing your issues. On my 92 it was in the brake line down by the proportioning valve on the frame rIl. They have a habit of springing internal leaks and shorting themselves out. Anywhere from intermittent to full blown toasted. I had an 01 Ford and it was up by the master cylinder. Cheap eAsy fx even if you are only basically mechanical. Probably cheaper even than a diagnostic fee at the stealership.

Im giving it a second look today, i dont believe it has cruise control. but that is good to know. negotiations on the price will happen this evening, so ill use that to my advantage

 

[Eric3187]

Well i struck a deal with the guy, he is not done at his job site until friday, so saturday afternoon i will be taking over ownership of the van.
Once it is in my possession, rear Add-a-leaf, SuperSpring SSC-30, Bilstein HD shocks, and an Energy Suspension Master bushing kit will be ordered, and once installed will be replacing the tires with some Cooper ATP 265/75's, as well a full service of all the fluids and filters.

My father is retired and has turned part of his garage into a wood shop, so the planning of the interior build will begin once the suspension and tires are taken care of.

 

[philos]

woot!

 

[r_w]

The pressure switch is ~$20 and 15 minutes to fix. They have failed to full on engine fires.

The other problem that can cause intermittent ABS lights is dirty/rusty front wheel sensor rings. Clean them up and they work again.

 

[89s rule]

Looking forward to updates and pics.