2004 Ford E-550 problems

General information about Ford-E-550
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

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.

Social links

Common 2004 Ford E-550 problems

Based on the information provided in the sources, here are common problems with the Ford E-550 2004 based on complaints from owners:

Heater Core Leakage and Electrolysis: Electrolysis in the cooling system can cause breakdown of the heater core material, resulting in leaks. This problem is exacerbated by improper maintenance of the cooling system .

Blower Motor Failure: The blower motor in commercial Ford E-Series vans from 1997-2013 is prone to premature failure due to extreme underhood temperatures, leading to issues like melted wires, frayed connectors, and even fires. An updated heavy-duty design is available to address these issues .

Instrument Cluster Problems: Issues with the instrument cluster, such as faulty gauges, intermittent power loss, and dim backlighting, are common in Ford E-Series vehicles. These problems can affect the usability of various components like the radio, door switches, and interior lights .

These problems can significantly impact the performance and reliability of the Ford E-550 2004, requiring timely attention and maintenance to ensure the vehicle operates smoothly.

What engine is in a 2004 f550?

Show the engine. The business end of this f-550. We finally hearing 6-litre power stroke turbo diesel v8 32-valve engine produces 310 horsepower 560 foot-pounds of torque. See everything is all stock.

Is the 6.0 Powerstroke a bad engine?

Read: When left unmodified, the 6.0 Power Stroke was plenty reliable, if it was properly maintained. Problems with the 6.0 Power Stroke began to happen when enthusiasts started adding power to the engine.

What is the best Powerstroke engine?

The 6.7L Power Stroke V8 and the 7.3L Power Stroke V8 stand out as top choices for their exceptional power, reliability, and aftermarket support. The 6.9L V8 International Harvester IDI holds historical significance and remains a reliable option for those seeking a workhorse engine.

Are 2005 6.0 Powerstroke a good engine?

with a factory VGT turbocharger, the 6.0 made 325 horsepower and 570-foot pounds of torque which was respectable for the time but not outrageous numbers by any means. Unfortunately, the 6.0 just isn't known for its power and reliability, it's really more known for all the problems that it had.

What engine does a 2004 F-550 have?

The 2004 F550 is equipped with a powerful 6.0 liter, 32-valve turbocharged Diesel V8 engine that offerS325 HP and 560 lb-ft of torque, and from 11,200-13,400 pounds of towing capacity. The "Super Duty" F550 features a GVWR of 17,950-19,500Lbs and is offered in XL, XLT, and Lariat trims.

Is the 2004 6.0 Power Stroke a good engine?

Unfortunately, the 6.0 just isn't known for its power and reliability, it's really more known for all the problems that it had. There were a host of problems that led to total failure on these Powerstrokes but the main source of that was an oil cooler that was inside the block.

Which Ford diesel engine is the best?

The Navistar/Ford 7.3L Power Stroke® diesel engine isn't available on the latest Ford trucks, but its legendary reliability has earned it a high-ranking spot on our list all the same. Look for the 7.3L Power Stroke® in models produced between 1994 and 2003: Power — 275 hp @ 2,800 rpm. Torque — 525 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm.

What was wrong with Ford 6.0 diesel?

Ford 6.0 Power Stroke Problems: EGR Cooler

The EGR cooler was notorious for cracking when starved of coolant (that's the 6.0's engine oil, see next section). The EGR valve is also known for becoming fouled with soot and sticking (in either the open or closed position), which leads to poor engine performance.

2004 Ford E-550 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Ford E-550.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2004 Ford E-550 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2004 Ford E-550.

2006-06-13

Manufacturer: UFI FILTERS USA
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

2004-09-13

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: ON CERTAIN VANS, THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT MATERIAL PROCESS RESULTED IN AN AIR FILTER PAPER ELEMENT THAT CAN SMOLDER OR BURN. THIS CHANGE IN FILTER PAPER COMPOSITION COMBINED WITH THE CONFIGURATION OF THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM, MAY ALLOW HOT CARBON PARTICLES TO CONTACT THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT DURING CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THAT CREATE HOT PARTICLES.
Consequence: THESE HOT PARTICLES MAY IGNITE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM DAMAGE OR UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO FORD IS EXTENDING THE LIMITED WARRANTY (FOR A ONE TIME REPLACEMENT) OF THE ABS MODULE FOR A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2005.

2004-09-13

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Summary: ON CERTAIN VANS, A DIODE IN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
Consequence: THE ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, OR THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN A BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN OR UNATTENDED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUSE IN THE ABS CIRCUIT AND INSTALL A HEAT SHIELD OVER THE ABS MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO FORD IS EXTENDING THE LIMITED WARRANTY (FOR A ONE TIME REPLACEMENT) OF THE ABS MODULE FOR A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2005.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2004 Ford E-550 problems:

E550 reliability and common problems? - MBWorld.org Forums

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w212/753482-e550-reliability-common-problems.html

Aug 15, 2019 ... E-Class (W212) - E550 reliability and common problems? - Currently own a 2012 c63 and thinking of adding a Mercedes for my wife.

Common AC Problems in Ford F550 Diesels - Q&A

https://www.justanswer.com/heavy-equipment/3h1yb-common-problems-ac-f550-diesels.html

May 6, 2010 ... Some 2004-2007 F-Super Duty 250-750, and 2004-2005 Excursion vehicles may exhibit a lack of air conditioning (A/C) cooling, due to desiccant ...

Should I buy this 2013 E550 4Matic? - Page 2 - MBWorld.org Forums

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w212/607364-should-i-buy-2013-e550-4matic-2.html

Nov 25, 2015 ... The 550 has more issues ... The most common problems with E class seem ... 2013 C250 Coupe, 2013 C250 Sedan, 2004 Ford SVT Cobra, 2002 Toyota Tacoma ...

Q&A: Ford F550 PTO Troubleshooting - Hydraulic Pump, Torqshift ...

https://www.justanswer.com/ford/21ysy-05-ford-f550-pto-runs-hydrolics.html

May 2, 2009 ... I have a 05 ford F550 with a PTO that runs the hydrolics. MY problem is when i engage the PTO the truck does not idle - Answered by a ...