This factory service and repair manual for the 2003 Ford Econoline applies to the three-door standard cargo van in Base trim, built with either the 4.2L V6 using overhead valves or the 5.4L V8 with single overhead cams, both naturally aspirated gasoline engines. The manual gives each engine its own procedures, specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams and diagnostics, then covers the transmission, driveline, brakes, suspension, steering, body and electrical system that the two versions of the van share.
Engines covered
- 4.2L V6 (256 cu in) — OHV, naturally aspirated, gasoline
- 5.4L V8 (330 cu in) — SOHC, naturally aspirated, gasoline
Body styles covered
- 3-door standard cargo van
Trims covered
- Base
Known issues on the 2003 Econoline. The 2003 Econoline has four recalls on federal record. One concerns cruise control wiring harnesses that did not match the circuit polarity, leaving the fuse in the output circuit instead of the power feed. Another covers cutaway chassis cabs with the school bus option missing two brackets and two outrigger members near the fuel tank, and two involve aftermarket corner and bumper lamp assemblies that failed to conform. Owners have logged 215 complaints with NHTSA, clustering on engine and engine cooling, the electrical system and the fuel system. The manual's engine, wiring and fuel system procedures and diagnostics address those areas.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HE
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HE
ON CERTAIN CUTAWAY CHASSIS CAB WITH THE SCHOOL BUS OPTION, TWO BRACKETS AND TWO OUTRIGGER MEMBERS ARE MISSING IN THE AREA OF THE FUEL TANK.
MERLIN MULTIPLEX SYSTEM WHEN A PROER/GROUND LUG IS NOT CORRECTLY TIGHTENED OR BECOMES LOOSE FOR ANY REASON; ERRATIC SYSTEM OPERATION IS POSSIBLE.
FORD: VEHICLES MISTAKENLY CHARGED $100 POWERTRAIN WARRANTY DEDUCTIBLE FOR FUEL INJECTOR REPAIR OR REPAIRS. NO MODEL OR MODEL YEARS PROVIDED. *PE ECONOLINE, EXCURSION AND F-SERIES SUPER DUTY VEHICLES, MODEL YEARS 2002-2005. UPDATED 10/24/08.
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT
VARIOUS 2003 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PREMIUM CD-6 RADIOS - CD-6 SHUFFLE FEATURE BETWEEN DISCS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT
LOW POWER, POOR FUEL ECONOMY, FUEL GELLING COLD, EXCESSIVE WHITE SMOKE COLD, OR HARD START. *MJ THIS OASIS UPDATES PREVIOUS OASIS DATED 12/01/03. *TT
AIR BAG LAMP ILLUMINATED. *TT
EMISSION RECALL 04E10: COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) VEHICLES - FITTING CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT. *MJ
CERTAIN 2001 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR ECONOLINE COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) VEHICLES - REAR HIGH -PRESSURE FUEL LINE INSPECTION. IN SOME OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE CNG FITTING CONNECTORS MAY DEVELOP A FUEL LEAK AT ONE OR BOTH OF THE FITT
Showing the 8 most recent of 17 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.
2003 ECONOLINE MADE A LOUD POPPING SOUND IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, LOST POWER SHORTLY AFTER. VEHICLE LATER CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS ***NO ANSWER REQUIRED*** AFTER THE NOISE WAS HEARD
VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE THE OWNER'S HOME. OWNER WAS AWAKENED, AND TO DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FI
Showing the 2 most serious of 215 complaints filed with NHTSA.
