The 2004 Ford E-150 has 5 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: a short in the anti-lock brake module that can overheat and produce smoke or ignite, and an air filter element that can catch fire under the hood during normal driving.
The ABS module issue involves a failing diode that can either disable the anti-lock braking system entirely, which the dashboard warning light will signal, or generate enough heat to cause a fire under the hood. The air filter concern is separate: hot carbon particles from the engine can reach the filter and ignite it, potentially spreading fire to other components in the air intake system.
The remaining recalls center on aftermarket adaptive equipment installed on certain converted vans. Vehicles equipped with a VMI/Ricon six-way power seat base may have a faulty weld on the pivot pin that holds the seat's swivel plate. If that weld breaks, the seat can shift unexpectedly and injure the occupant. Two related recalls cover Ricon platform-style wheelchair lifts fitted to some converted E-150 vans: in both cases, the lift can begin to stow or move on its own without being commanded to do so, which could injure anyone on the platform at the time. These adaptive equipment recalls apply only to vans that were converted and equipped with this specific aftermarket seating or lift hardware.
At a glance
What can fail
The pivot pin weld on the power seat base swivel plate may be defective and could fail, potentially affecting seat stability.
What the fix does
The swivel plate will be replaced at no cost if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The wheelchair lift's pressure-sensing switch wasn't set to the right sensitivity level. It may fail to detect when a wheelchair user or mobility aid is on the platform, allowing the lift to fold up while someone is still on it.
What the fix does
The pressure-sensing switch will be adjusted to the correct sensitivity level to properly detect weight on the platform.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wheelchair lift's safety sensor may fail to detect a wheelchair or mobility device positioned in certain areas of the threshold zone, creating a potential hazard.
What the fix does
The wheelchair lift will be corrected at no charge. Contact Ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or Van Conversions at 610-837-0707 to schedule service.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air filter paper element can smolder or burn when hot carbon particles from the engine contact it during certain driving conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the air filter element. Ford will also extend ABS module warranty coverage to 10 years or 150,000 miles.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A diode inside the anti-lock braking system module may develop an electrical short.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new fuse in the ABS circuit and add a heat shield over the ABS module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
