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Old 09-13-2015, 10:28 PM   #1
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THOR #1503
E350 Won't Shift out of Drive

I arrived at a campground this weekend to find that the shift quadrant would not move out of Drive. This occurred in the check in area of the campground. I tried turning the MH off to see it it would reset. No luck and of course it wouldn't restart as it was in Drive.

After talking with a Ford Motor Home technician, I spent several hours pulling fuses. All the fuses were good.

I then decided to call a tow truck to pull me from the check in area to a site. The only local tow company, a Citgo garage, did not have a driver available. The gent on the phone suggested that I get under the vehicle and disconnect the shift linkage cable so I could manually change the gears.

Here is what I found:


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The linkage cable had deteriorated and couldn't move the shift lever on the transmission.

I was able to move the shift lever putting it into neutral to start it and then in drive to move the MH to a site. Of course the ebrake was set and a person stepping on the brake during this procedure.

Tomorrow off to Ford to see what they have to say about it.

Bruce

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Old 09-13-2015, 10:47 PM   #2
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Wow it looks like the heat from the exhaust there melted it.
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Old 09-14-2015, 12:09 AM   #3
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I am surprised you made it to a campground with the cables that close to the exhaust. Looks like the cable was routed wrong as that is a really bad place for cables even if they were all metal. Let us know what Ford says and hope everything works out ok and is fixed quickly.
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Old 09-14-2015, 12:17 AM   #4
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THOR #1295
Holy Crap! That is dangerous! Where the hell is quality control!?!?!?!?!?




They did not see this would be a potential problem!? Or is it like the pinto!?


arggggggg! I will check my F53 tomorrow for the same thing! Just to be sure!
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Old 09-14-2015, 12:45 PM   #5
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Update.

Ford Motor Home tech support has referred me to a local Ford dealer.

The dealer has had an Axis/Vegas in before with the same problem. The problem was determined to have been caused by Thor in the process of stretching the chassis.

Bruce
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Old 09-14-2015, 02:04 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bruce View Post
Update.

Ford Motor Home tech support has referred me to a local Ford dealer.

The dealer has had an Axis/Vegas in before with the same problem. The problem was determined to have been caused by Thor in the process of stretching the chassis.

Bruce
Bruce, that's strange considering the chassis is stretched behind the area where the engine, transmission, and driver controls are mounted. I'd be interested in knowing what Thor revised in that area. I can see Thor moving things out of the way to clear the body, but have a harder time visualizing why shifting controls would be affected by stretching the chassis further back. Any information you learn would be appreciated.


As I mentioned in another thread, I would feel more comfortable with idea of buying an Axis if the wheelbase came the right length from Ford so these kinds of problems and potential finger pointing between Thor and Ford are reduced.

Considering so many E-Series-based motorhomes are built with wheelbase longer than Ford offers, I think it's time Ford step up and produce at least two more longer frames for both the Cutaway and Stripped chassis. The idea of cutting a brand new chassis in two and stretching it is almost absurd when so many of them go through the process.
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Old 09-14-2015, 02:27 PM   #7
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THOR #1765
See new thread Vegas/Axis E350 Problem Alert for more discussion on this issue.
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Old 09-14-2015, 05:27 PM   #8
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I agree. However, in the one instance that I know of, Ford convinced Thor that it was their fault.

I've written to Thor and will post their reply.

Bruce


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Bruce, that's strange considering the chassis is stretched behind the area where the engine, transmission, and driver controls are mounted.
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Old 09-14-2015, 05:47 PM   #9
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Bruce,


You are correct sir in your assessment! This is a blame game!
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Old 09-14-2015, 11:27 PM   #10
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Bruce,

On the last trip I had occasional trouble getting the transmission out of Park (stopped for gas and a doggie break. I had to turn the engine off, stand on the brake and try, try, try again.

After seeing your Post I wedged myself under the RV on the Drivers side and after several pictures got the one below. It would appear that the cables are run that close to the exhaust!

Has anyone else crawled under there and looked? When mine goes in for the heater/AC fix I am going to ask them about this.

I'll keep all Posted, good luck with your efforts.

Exhaust vs cable.jpg
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Old 09-15-2015, 12:21 AM   #11
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THOR #1765
Wow? I've got 25000 miles on my Vegas. I will crawl under it tomorrow and take a look. With what happens to Bruce's and now this, it looks like another recall is in order. If you are talking your's in to get the A/C switch fixed you must have a 2016. Thor has not told me if they will fix my 2014 with the same problem.
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Old 09-15-2015, 01:36 AM   #12
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Oneil,

Yeah it's a 2016; screwy the way Thor handles problems from one year to the next.

Right now I'm concerned with the cable vs exhaust. I would like to see a picture of how it was done correctly on the Vegas/Axis 24.1...hopefully the little band of metal around the cable is not the official correct way!
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Old 09-15-2015, 02:47 AM   #13
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Had me go look see... and the frame clip seems to keep the wire heat shield area a good few inches away from the exhaust so it should be ok as long as the cable stays in the clip. Without the clip it could rest too near the heat for my comfort.
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Old 09-15-2015, 10:07 AM   #14
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Ty,

Thanks I am either missing the clip or the cable has slipped out of the clip...either way not a safe situation. I hope as others check their units out having the cable's heat shield touching the exhaust is the exception and not the rule.
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Old 09-15-2015, 11:53 AM   #15
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If anyone has access to an E-350 van: I'd be curious to see how that cable is routed in "the real thing" so to speak.
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Old 09-15-2015, 12:16 PM   #16
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Jamie.

That would be a great reference point to have.
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Old 09-15-2015, 02:18 PM   #17
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I just crawled under and checked my 2014 Vegas 24.1 and the linkage cable is several inches from the exhaust pipe and has no discoloration. I cannot get far enough under to see where it is attached, but I will have my Ford dealer do that when I take it in for my next oil change. Mine looks similar to TyCreek's.
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Old 09-15-2015, 02:41 PM   #18
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Oneil,

Next time you are under there can you take a picture. I want to show my CW Dealership what it is suppose to look like (or at least a much safer option).

I am going to the Dealership Friday.

Thanks
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Old 09-15-2015, 02:43 PM   #19
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It would have to be a van with a V10 engine to be comparable.

Bruce


Quote:
Originally Posted by JamieGeek View Post
If anyone has access to an E-350 van: I'd be curious to see how that cable is routed in "the real thing" so to speak.
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Old 09-15-2015, 02:53 PM   #20
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It would have to be a van with a V10 engine to be comparable.

Bruce

Would also help if of the same Ford model year range. My van is V10 but too old to be relevant, otherwise I'd take a picture.
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