1996 Ford E-Series Van Engine shuts off

ECON123

MEMBER
1996 FORD E-SERIES VAN
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
170,000 MILES

I warmed-up my Econoline 150 van. When I went to drive it away, it idled up, and stayed idle (as if I had my foot on the gas). I later decided to pull over, and shut the engine down. When I try to re-start the engine, it would not start. I waited a few minutes (5-10), and it started. I returned the van to the shop. I turned the engine off, and tried to re-start, and it wouldn't start. 5 hours later (Had to go to work), I tried to restart, and it started--yet the engine light came on, and it doesn't sound normal. Wondering what it "may" be?

6 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Econ123,

Thank you for the donation.

When Check Engine Light (CEL) shows, it means a component of the engine management system is malfunctioning and a scan is necessary to find the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). Most probably a sensor is faulty causing the non starting. The CEL is a warning indicator.

Most parts stores provides the scanning service either free or for a nominal fee. Get back with the exact DTC and we shall see what needs to be done.

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Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 AT 1:21 PM

ECON123

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I actually went out and purchase one (Actron OBD11 autoscanner). The code = P0118 Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High Input? I also have a repai book for my 1996 econoline 150

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Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 AT 3:21 PM

ECON123

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Note: I have no idea about repairing cars. Yet, as of today, i'm going to learn--seeing that I spent 130 for an autoscanner. The scanner will come in handy, so I have no complaints! :)

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Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 AT 3:25 PM

ECON123

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Ok, I did some research (took some things apart for a better look) on my work van. After all the looking, I simply looked over, and seen that the radiator coolant reservoir is empty. Could this have caused the problem?

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Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 AT 9:25 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Sorry for the delay in replying.

Low reserve tank coolant level would not cause the problem but if the radiator itsellf has low coolant level, that would happen and the DTC seems to indicate that. A malfunstioning ECT would cause the engine to stall followed with difficult starting.