1979 Ford E250 problems

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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.

1979 Ford E250

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Common 1979 Ford E250 problems

The Ford E250 1979, also known as the Ford Econoline, is a popular model for its versatility and reliability. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most reported issues based on complaints from owners:

  • Equipment Problems: Equipment problems are also common in the Ford E250 1979. These issues can range from minor inconveniences, such as faulty interior lights, to major safety concerns, such as brake failure. It is essential to address any equipment problems promptly to ensure the vehicle's safety and reliability.
  • Engine Issues: Engine problems are a significant concern for Ford E250 1979 owners. These issues can range from minor problems, such as a faulty ignition coil, to major concerns, such as engine failure. One common engine problem is the lack of spark, which can be caused by a faulty pickup coil. Replacing the pickup coil can solve this issue, but it requires removing and disassembling the C6 transmission .
  • Transmission Issues: Transmission problems are a common concern for Ford E250 1979 owners. These issues can range from minor problems, such as a slipping transmission, to major concerns, such as complete transmission failure. One common transmission problem is the lack of forward or reverse gear engagement, which can be caused by low transmission fluid, a clogged filter, or a stuck valve.
  • Steering Issues: Steering problems are a safety concern for Ford E250 1979 owners. These issues can range from minor problems, such as a loose steering wheel, to major concerns, such as complete steering failure. It is essential to address any steering problems promptly to ensure the vehicle's safety and reliability.
  • Brakes Issues: Brake problems are a significant concern for Ford E250 1979 owners. These issues can range from minor problems, such as a spongy brake pedal, to major concerns, such as complete brake failure. It is essential to address any brake problems promptly to ensure the vehicle's safety and reliability.
  • Wheels Issues: Wheel problems are a concern for Ford E250 1979 owners. These issues can range from minor problems, such as a wobbly wheel, to major concerns, such as wheel failure. It is essential to address any wheel problems promptly to ensure the vehicle's safety and reliability.
  • Frame Issues: Frame problems are a significant concern for Ford E250 1979 owners. These issues can range from minor problems, such as a rusty frame, to major concerns, such as frame failure. It is essential to address any frame problems promptly to ensure the vehicle's safety and reliability.
  • Seats Issues: Seat problems are a concern for Ford E250 1979 owners. These issues can range from minor problems, such as a loose seatbelt, to major concerns, such as seat failure. It is essential to address any seat problems promptly to ensure the vehicle's safety and reliability.

In summary, the Ford E250 1979, like any vehicle, has its share of common problems. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to major safety concerns. It is essential to address any problems promptly to ensure the vehicle's safety and reliability. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these issues, and prompt attention to any problems can help ensure the vehicle's longevity and reliability.

1979 Ford E250 engine

Did Ford make a Highboy in 1979?

A Highboy (sometimes Hi-Boy) is an F-250 made between 1967-1977 with 4WD. Because the driveline required a divorced transfer case, and because it sat further back, a longer front driveshaft was needed. This meant more clearance was needed, and so the F-250's front end sits up higher.

What is the towing capacity of a 1979 Ford F250?

The towing capacity of the 1979 Ford F250 supports up to 2000kg. This is a braked figure, while the maximum load for any vehicle without using trailer brakes is 750kg, if rated to tow that much in the first place.

What is the difference between Econoline 150 and 250?

The Basic Difference:

The higher the number, the more weight the van can haul and the heavier duty it is. For example, in this case, the E-250 is more of a heavy-duty option than the E-150. This means that vans are all built with different parts, so they can accommodate different weights.

How much does a 1979 Ford F250 crew cab weigh?

(base), 4.1L, Leaded Petrol, 3 SPEED AUTOMATIC

DimensionMetricImperial
Ford F250 Length5360 mm17 ft 7 in
Ford F250 Wheelbase3378 mm11 ft 1 in
Ford F250 Weight1845 kg4068 lbs
Ford F250 Turning circle15.45 m50 ft 8 in

What engine is in a Ford E250?

4.6-liter Triton V8

The Ford E-250 cargo vans are built on a rugged platform and offer large interiors with vast cargo capacities. The Ford E-250 comes with a standard 225-hp 4.6-liter Triton V8 with an optional 255-hp 5.4-liter Triton V8. Both engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

When did Ford stop making the E-250?

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.

What is the gas mileage on a Ford E250?

Find and Compare Cars

2014 Ford E250 Van FFV
Personalize Find a carFlex-Fuel Vehicle 8 cyl, 4.6 L, Automatic 4-spd Compare
Fuel Economy
EPA MPGRegular Gas 15 combined city/highway MPG 13 city 16 highway 6.7 gals/100 miles E85 11 combined city/highway MPG 10 city 12 highway 9.1 gal/100mi

How much weight can a E-250 hold?

The E-250 has a payload capacity of 3,470 pounds. With that being said, these are general numbers. You should verify the model year you're looking at as it can vary widely from year to year. You should really think about what you'll be hauling around in your heavy-duty van.

1979 Ford E250 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford E250 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Ford E250 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1979 Ford E250 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1979 Ford E250.

2003-07-14

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS CRACKED ON THE RIGHT SIDE WHICH CAUSES THE EXHAUST GASES TO ENTER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *AK

1979 Ford E250 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1979 Ford E250.

1979-06-19
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
  • Summary: CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY NOT CONTAIN THE SPECIFIED BODY MOUNTED HEAT SHIELDS. THIS COULD CAUSE HIGH FLOOR PAN TEMPERATURES WHEN THE ENGINE IS IDLED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. FOULED SPARK PLUGS OR OTHER ENGINE CONDITIONS COULD FURTHER INCREASE EXHAUST TEMPERATURES.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL THE NECESSARY FRAME MOUNTED HEAT SHIELD, IF MISSING.
1979-06-19
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: THE INCORRECTLY INSTALLED LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSES MAY ALLOW FOR CONTACT BETWEEN THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES AND THE FRONT TIRES WHEN THE FRONT WHEELS ARE IN FULL RIGHT OR LEFT TURN POSITIONS. IF CONTACT IS MADE, THE HOSE COULD WEAR AND ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSPECT FRONT BRAKE HOSES AND REPLACE THOSE LACKING THE PROPER CLEARANCE WITH CURRENT PRODUCTION HOSES, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
1979-05-15
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
  • Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH BRAKE PUSH-ROD TO BRAKE PEDAL RETAINING PINS WHICH WERE NOT HEAT-TREATED AS SPECIFIED. THIS COULD ALLOW THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BECOME DISENGAGED FROM THE PUSH-ROD.
  • Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT BRAKE RETAINING PIN.
1978-10-05
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
  • Summary: ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR THE OUTBOARD SEAT BELTS TO BECOME TRAPPED IN THE SEAT-BED PIVOTING MECHANISM. SHOULD THE BELT BECOME TRAPPED IN THE MECHANISM WHEN THE SEAT IS CONVERTED TO A BED, THE BELT MAY BECOME CUT OR FRAYED.
  • Remedy: THE DEALER WILL INSTALL SEAT BELT SHIELDS ON THE FOLDING SEAT/BED PIVOTING MECHANISM AND REPLACE THE OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES IF DAMAGED, FREE OF CHARGE.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1979 Ford E250 problems:

Turn Signal Switch Problems - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
Turn Signal Switch Problems - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
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Have a 1977 ford f150 w/351, no spark when cranking. replaced all ...
https://www.justanswer.com/ford/47hmp-1977-ford-f150-w-351-no-spark-when-cranking.html

Nov 10, 2010 ... The original problem was that the engine ... No spark on 1985 ford e-250 23 ... the motor is a 351 winsor that came out of a 1979 ford cougar.

1979 Ford Econoline Camper - Ford Forum - Enthusiast Forums for ...
1979 Ford Econoline Camper - Ford Forum - Enthusiast Forums for ...
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Sep 20, 2011 ... I'm more concerned regarding the safety issues with the vehicle. This is my main concern. It will be used as a daily but it will also be used to ...

Our 1979 Ford E250 4x4 Van : r/vandwellers
Our 1979 Ford E250 4x4 Van : r/vandwellers
https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/3r8ttc/our_1979_ford_e250_4x4_van/

Nov 2, 2015 ... Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem... if no one else can help... and if you can ...

Other years of Ford E250

ford e250 1980 photo
E250 1980
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E250 1984
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E250 1985
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ford e250 1988 photo
E250 1988
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E250 1989
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ford e250 1990 photo
E250 1990
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1979 Ford E250 photo