Questions and Answers

Ford E-450 Power Loss Or Drain? Q. I own a motor home built on a 1992 Ford E-450 that has a starting problem whenever it has been running. You turn the key and all the idiot lights on the dash dim like the power is going to a dead short. Have replaced the starter twice so far but the problem comes back. It will even do the trick cold once in a while. Vic

A. Without seeing the vehicle myself, the best I can do is offer you some general advice. Now I'm assume from what you said that this happens when you turn the key ON and not to START. It is probably a power lose, since a short would cause fuses or fusible links to blow.

The first thing to do is check the battery connections. A loose or corroded battery terminal will cause this to happen. Check the cables, corrosion will travel up the wire under the insulation and be hidden from sight.

Replace the cables if they won't tighten or are too far gone. Finally check the ground wire connection at the block and/or frame to make sure it is clean and tight.

If the problem persists then I would recommend checking the battery. Batteries will often break the connection between the post and internal plates causing a drop in voltage. If you have a spare battery, swap them and see if that clears the problem.

Check all the fuses and fusible links with a meter to make sure they are good. Remove the fusible links, grab the ends and pull. If the insulation stretches, the link is no good. Check all the connections to be sure they are clean and tight.

If all this does not resolve the problem then the next time it happens, pull fuses out one at a time until the lights brighten again. The last fuse pulled will be for the circuit that is causing the problem.