The 1998 E-350 with the 6.8L V10 Triton is a workhorse chassis that can handle heavy loads, but the early Triton V10s are notorious for spark plug ejection and transmission cooler failures that can strand you. Expect major drivetrain work if you're buying high-mileage.
Spark Plug Ejection from Cylinder Head
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Sudden misfire with loud popping or hissing noise from engine, Check engine light with misfire codes (P030X), Loss of power, especially under load, Spark plug literally blown out of head, dangling by wire
Fix: Early 2-valve Triton V10s have inadequate thread engagement in the aluminum heads. Repair requires HeliCoil or TimeSert thread insert (2-3 hours labor per hole), but if multiple plugs have blown or threads are severely damaged, you're looking at head removal and machine work or replacement heads (12-16 hours labor). Preventive: replace plugs every 30k miles, never overtorque.
Estimated cost: $400-800 per cylinder for inserts; $3,500-5,500 for head removal/repair if damage is extensive
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure and Cross-Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant reservoir (strawberry milkshake appearance), Coolant in transmission (transmission slipping, delayed engagement), Transmission overheating, Sudden transmission failure after coolant mixing
Fix: The cooler inside the radiator fails, allowing ATF and coolant to mix. Requires radiator replacement, complete transmission fluid flush (often multiple flushes), and sometimes full transmission rebuild if coolant damage is severe. If caught early (fluid in coolant only), flush and radiator swap is 4-5 hours. If transmission internals are contaminated, add 12-18 hours for rebuild.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 for radiator and flush if caught early; $2,500-4,000 if transmission rebuild needed
Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant leak visible at front or rear of engine valley, Overheating or coolant loss with no external leak, Rough idle or misfire from coolant in cylinders (severe cases), White smoke from exhaust if coolant enters combustion chamber
Fix: The plastic intake manifold and gaskets deteriorate. Replacement requires manifold removal, new gaskets, and often new coolant crossover tube. 6-8 hours labor. While you're in there, replace thermostat, hoses, and inspect spark plug threads.
Estimated cost: $900-1,500
Exhaust Manifold Stud/Bolt Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud ticking or exhaust leak sound at startup, lessens when warm, Visible exhaust soot streaks on manifold, Broken or missing stud visible on inspection, Check engine light possible if O2 sensor reads incorrectly due to leak
Fix: Exhaust manifold studs corrode and snap off in the head. Repair involves drilling out broken studs and installing new ones—2-4 hours per side if studs come out clean, up to 8-10 hours if they break off flush and require head removal. Driver side is much tighter. Do both sides if one has failed.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200 per side; $2,000-3,000 if head removal required
Fuel Pump Driver Module Failure
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: No start, no fuel pump prime sound when key turned on, Intermittent stalling, especially when hot, Engine dies and won't restart until cool, No fuel pressure at rail
Fix: The fuel pump driver module (mounted on frame rail near fuel tank) overheats and fails. Replacement is straightforward, 1-1.5 hours, but diagnosis can take time if you're chasing an intermittent no-start. Common failure point on all Ford trucks of this era.
Estimated cost: $300-500
Cruise Control Deactivation Switch Failure (Recall-Related)
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Cruise control inoperative, Brake pedal feels mushy or has excessive travel, Fluid leak at brake pedal area, Possible brake system contamination from leaking speed control switch
Fix: The speed control deactivation switch can leak brake fluid and fail. Ford issued recalls for this. Check if your VIN was included and if recall was completed. Replacement is simple, 0.5-1 hour, but verify brake system integrity if switch has been leaking.
Estimated cost: $150-300 if not covered by recall
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive driveline movement visible under acceleration, Transmission sag visible on inspection
Fix: The rubber transmission mount deteriorates, especially on vans used for towing or heavy loads. Replacement is straightforward, 1.5-2 hours. Inspect engine mounts at the same time. Common wear item, not a catastrophic failure but annoying.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Owner tips
Change spark plugs every 30,000 miles and NEVER overtorque—use anti-seize and torque wrench religiously to prevent ejection.
Install an external transmission cooler and bypass the radiator cooler to prevent cross-contamination—cheap insurance.
Check coolant and transmission fluid color at every oil change; catch mixing early before transmission damage.
Inspect exhaust manifold studs and listen for ticking—address before they break off flush in the head.
Verify all speed control/cruise recalls were completed; check NHTSA database by VIN.
Buy one only if it has documented proof of spark plug and trans cooler preventive work, or budget $3,000-5,000 for deferred V10 gremlins.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Large V10 engine requires high CCA rating; battery located under hood
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Every control module on the 1998-2003 Ford E-350 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Anti-Lock Brake System Module (ABS)2.2 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hrwith ABS (standard on most E-350s)▸ programming details
📍 Driver side frame rail forward of driver door, integrated with hydraulic control unit
🔧 Scan tool with ABS bleed function
⚠️ Requires brake system bleeding and sensor calibration after replacement. Module and HCU are one assembly.
📍 Behind driver side kick panel, left of steering column
🔧 Ford NGS or IDS
⚠️ Controls lighting, wipers, door locks, and numerous body functions. Configuration required for options like remote entry, autolamps, and trailer tow.
📍 Under center console between front seats, floor mounted
🔧 Ford NGS or IDS
⚠️ Requires crash data clear and system configuration. Battery must be disconnected 1+ minute before removal. Stores crash data.
Trailer Tow Module (TTM)1.0 hr R&Rno codingwith factory trailer tow package
📍 Behind driver side rear interior panel near rear door
⚠️ Controls trailer brake output and lighting interface. Plug-and-play replacement.
Air Suspension Control Module (ASCM)1.0 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hrwith rear air suspension (optional on E-350 cutaway/motorhome chassis)▸ programming details
📍 Frame rail passenger side, mid-vehicle near fuel tank
🔧 Ford NGS or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Controls rear air springs and compressor. Height sensor calibration required after replacement. Not available on standard van body.
⚠️ PATS function is embedded in PCM. Key programming requires scan tool access. Transceiver ring is at ignition lock cylinder.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply, Inc. (Cummings) is recalling various model year 1994-2011 Ford and Chevrolet vans equipped with Braun NCL-2, and NVL-2 wheel chair lifts manufactured November 20, 2006, through September 10, 2010. Over time, and with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the outer barrier of the lifts in these vans may become bent or misaligned.
Consequence: A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchair's occupant could fall and sustain injury.
Remedy: Braun Corporation notified all the vehicle owners, and Cummings Mobility replaced the recalled parts with new parts, free of charge. The recall was completed as of April 10, 2014. Owners may contact Cummings customer service at 1-800-639-5438.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · 09V399000
2009-10-13 · EA08021
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · 09V014000
2009-01-14 · EQ08011
ONENESS MOBILITY IS RECALLING 19 MY 1998, AND 2005-2006 E-350 VANS BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.
Consequence: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.
Remedy: ONENESS MOBILITY IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR ONENESS MOBILITY AT 1-818-267-3000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL · 08V051000
2008-02-04
FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
Consequence: AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · 07V336000
2007-08-03 · EA05005
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ON CERTAIN VANS WITH AMBULANCE PREP PACKAGES OR OTHER SEVERE-DUTY APPLICATIONS INVOLVING OPERATION AT OR NEAR THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT WITH FREQUENT TWISTING OF THE VEHICLE BODY, SUCH AS OFF-ROAD, ROUGH ROAD OR SPEED BUMP EVENTS, THE 35 GALLON MID-SHIP FUEL TANK COULD DEVELOP A CRACK WHERE IT CONTACTS THE FRAME CROSS MEMBER. IF THE FUEL TANK CRACKS, FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND, IF CRACKED, WILL REPLACE THE TANK. INSULATOR PADS WILL BE INSTALLED ON ALL VEHICLES TO REDUCE THE STRESS LEVELS IN THE FUEL TANK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 00V284000
2000-09-21
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: BI-FUEL CNG PICKUP TRUCKS AND BI-FUEL CNG VANS, MODIFIED BY CFI CONTROL SYSTEMS, INC., FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 303, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY OF COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS VEHICLES." THE LABEL AFFIXED TO THE FUEL FILLER DOOR BY THE VEHICLE MODIFIER CONTAINS THE INSPECTION DATE AND EXPIRATION DATE OF THE CNG TANK. HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT CONTAIN THE STATEMENT "SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FUEL CONTAINER FOR INSPECTION AND SERVICE LIFE."
Consequence: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED A LABEL WITH THE REQUIRED STATEMENT, ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFFIXING THE LABEL AT THE FUEL FILLER DOOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 2, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Performance
Horsepower
305hp
Torque
420lb-ft
Capability & size
Towing capacity
10,000lb
Payload
4,140lb
Curb weight
5,800lb
Wiper blades
1992-2002 E-Series generation uses symmetrical 20-inch blades with standard hook attachments. No rear wiper.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 1998 Ford E-350 6.8L V10 Triton and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.