1985 Ford Club wagon problems
The Ford E-Series (also known as the Ford Econoline, Ford Econovan or Ford Club Wagon) is a range of full-size vans manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company. Introduced for 1961 as the replacement of the Ford F-Series panel van, four generations of the model line have been produced. Marketed for both cargo and passenger transport configurations, the E-Series has been designed with multiple design variations for both retail and commercial sale, including vans, and commercial-grade cutaway van chassis and stripped chassis (a chassis without bodywork).
With over 8.2 million units sold since 1961, the Ford E-Series is the third-best selling van line in history (outranked only by the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter). Ford retired the E-Series passenger and cargo vans after 2014, replacing them with the Ford Transit. As of current production, the E-Series remains offered exclusively in cutaway and stripped-chassis configurations. In 2021, the model line entered its 60th year of production (becoming the second current Ford line to do so).
The E-Series (cutaway/stripped chassis) is assembled by Ford at its Ohio Assembly facility (Avon Lake, Ohio), which has produced the model line since 1975. Prior to its closure, Lorain Assembly (Lorain, Ohio) assembled the model line from 1961 to 2005.
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Common 1985 Ford Club wagon problems
The 1985 Ford Club Wagon, part of the Econoline line, is known for its spaciousness, comfort, and versatility. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems.
- Fuel issues: One common problem reported by owners is a big fuel problem that cannot be solved despite changing the fuel pump, filters, carburetor kit, and ignition switch. The van will start but dies when put in gear or while climbing a hill. This could be due to a vacuum leak or a faulty fuel regulator.
- Engine problems: The 4.6 engines in these vans are known to have exhaust manifold leaks, while intake manifolds have a tendency to leak, causing the engine to run poorly or blow coolant.
- Suspension issues: All Fords, including the Club Wagon, go through ball joints, but they last if kept greased. Rear leaf spring shackles are known to rust through and break sometimes.
- Electrical issues: Spark plugs have been known to occasionally blow out of the head, and there can be issues with the computer.
- Routine maintenance: For a 1985 Ford E150 conversion van, routine maintenance includes changing fluids in the cooling system and automatic transmission, checking drive belts, ensuring the tires are in good condition, and regular oil changes.
- Rust: Living in a state like New York, where rust is a significant issue, it's important to undercoat the vehicle with oil to prevent rust and have it reapplied periodically. Taking the van through a car wash may wash off some of the oil, so it's recommended to avoid car washes or reapply the oil afterward.
These are some of the common problems reported by owners of the 1985 Ford Club Wagon. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
What years did Ford make the Club Wagon?
The Ford E-Series, also known as the Ford Econoline or the Ford Club Wagon , was a series line of passenger or cargo vans which began in 1961 and ended in 2015.
What is a club wagon?
Positioned at the heart of the full-size van market, the rear-drive Club Wagon was designed to appeal to buyers who needed a large people mover but who wanted to travel in comfort and style. Cargo versions were known as the Econoline.
How many seats does a Ford Club Wagon have?
The popular E-150 Club Wagon, a great vehicle for family travel, offers seating arrangements for five, seven or eight passengers.
What year was the last Ford station wagon made?
The Ford Taurus wagon was discontinued in 2005 and the Ford Focus station wagon was discontinued in 2008.
What years did Ford make the Club Wagon?
The Ford E-Series, also known as the Ford Econoline or the Ford Club Wagon , was a series line of passenger or cargo vans which began in 1961 and ended in 2015.
Who makes the Club Wagon?
The Ford E-Series (also known as the Ford Econoline, Ford Econovan or Ford Club Wagon) is a range of full-size vans manufactured and marketed by the Ford Motor Company.
How many seats does a Ford Club Wagon have?
The popular E-150 Club Wagon, a great vehicle for family travel, offers seating arrangements for five, seven or eight passengers.
What is a club wagon?
Positioned at the heart of the full-size van market, the rear-drive Club Wagon was designed to appeal to buyers who needed a large people mover but who wanted to travel in comfort and style. Cargo versions were known as the Econoline.
1985 Ford Club wagon car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Club wagon problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Ford Club wagon vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Ford Club wagon complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Ford Club wagon.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1FBHE21L8FH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE FUEL TANK SWITCH HAS FAILED SEVERAL TIME CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, ON ONE OCCASION THE WAS A NOISE (EXPLOSION) WITH SMOKE AND A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED 7 TIME. NLM
1985 Ford Club wagon recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1985 Ford Club wagon.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE UNDERHOOD TEMPERATURES AND FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURES IN SEVERE DUTY APPLICATIONS.
- Consequence: THIS CREATES POTENTIAL FOR FUEL EXPULSION FROM THE FUELFILLER PIPE WHICH IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN AFIRE.
- Remedy: INSTALL MODIFICATION KITS TO MINIMIZE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL EXPULSION AND TO SHIELD UNDERBODY COMPONENTS FROM EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:DRAG:LINK:CONNECTION
- Summary: THE RUBBER THAT ENCASES BALL STUD AND SOCKET JOINT (CONNECTS STEERING DRAG LINK AND PITMAN ARM) MAY DETERIORATE, CAUSING METAL TO METAL CONTACT, AND MAY EVENTUALLY RESULT IN COMPLETE SEPARATION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: COMPLETE SEPARATION OF THE DRAG LINK TO PITMAN ARM CONNECTION RESULTS IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHICH MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: INSTALL NEW DRAG LINK ASSEMBLIES WITH STEEL BALL AND SOCKET JOINTS AT THE PITMAN ARM CONNECTIONS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Ford Club wagon problems:
Old Style Ford Van - Known Problems
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1985 Power Window Problem - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
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Q&A: Troubleshooting 1985 Ford Econoline Van Brake Light Issues
Jan 16, 2008 ... This switch is mounted at the top of the brake pedal assembly. You can unplug it and short the two wires together using a jumper wire or ...
Other years of Ford Club wagon
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