What did you do to your SMB today? - Page 72

Ford_6L_E350 · 08-17-2011, 10:52 AM

Changed out a failed Vehicle Security Module.

While on vacation, the door locks starting going crazy. They stopped locking automatically at 15mph. They would unlock by themselves. Sometimes 15-20 in one hour.

That meant we couldn't leave the van locked and expect it would stay locked. So, I stopped a dealership and asked about the fuse for the VSM. Then I removed that fuse and continued on with manual door locks - we had to use a key!

Got the module yesterday, and it came with labels warning it had to be programmed using the Ford Module Programmer to move our settings from the old to the new module. That didn't sound right, so I installed the new one and went through the programming steps for the keyfobs and the keypad on the back door. Works great.

Mike

LenS · 08-17-2011, 02:47 PM

Added screens to rear door windows for better bug free cooling in our lavatory. Rear of van was facing sun during recent trip and only way to get air flow in back of van was opening windows and getting cooler air in as well as bugs.

joey2cool · 08-18-2011, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ANZAC

Did you have any electronics fail as a result of the old bracket?

Nope, just taking a preventative precaution. SMB uses marine application components and they should be able to take some vibration, but I don't want more than necessary.

joey2cool · 08-18-2011, 09:01 PM

I know I'm hogging this thread

I so seldom have any handy work to show off. This seemingly simple task took me and another pair of hands a couple hours. Yes, it's embarrassing, considering how some of you can do this kind of stuff in your sleep. Just drilling the proper size holes in the metal bracket was a monumental task (done with cheap no frills hand held drill and no vice grip).

Before with peanut can wedge:
[photo][/photo]

After with stabilizing bracket:
[photo][/photo]

ANZAC · 08-18-2011, 09:18 PM

Nice. Looks like we have quite a few SMBs in the PNW ("PNWSMB"?)

Stupid question, on 50 floorplan couch/rear seat, can the rear seat be easily removed to get access to the AC wiring?
(I know I can lift it up, I mean completely removed)

jage · 08-19-2011, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ANZAC

Stupid question, on 50 floorplan couch/rear seat, can the rear seat be easily removed to get access to the AC wiring?

I think bolts are involved.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joey2cool

I know I'm hogging this thread

You do something to your SMB every day, you're in the thread every day.

Today I played with my solar panel...

ANZAC · 08-19-2011, 12:40 AM

BTW I think I'm going to put my Power Inlet where Gooseberry's is.

Driver's side, right in front of rear wheel, looks like high enough to feed right inside the van itself, rather than down below the "skirt" part of the body.

ANZAC · 08-21-2011, 09:23 PM

- installed WeatherTech hood deflector (wife says "looks more badass")
- installed Draw Tite 41926 hitch
- put the correct length top straps on Aluminess rear bumper (there are two lengths: RB and EB, for some reason I was sent shorter RB straps and it meant both swing arms had to be forced to latch, now latches "like butter")
- cut vinyl/rubber exterior covering off XL storage unit to expose big dent and 2 ft dia patch of rust

- cleaned up chassis rails aft of the axle, prep for more POR-15
- dropped a rotating wire brush on my bare arm (despite wearing long sleeved overalls and long gloves). Massive OUCH. Not part of plan.

**Gooseberry** · 08-21-2011, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ANZAC

BTW I think I'm going to put my Power Inlet where Gooseberry's is.

Driver's side, right in front of rear wheel, looks like high enough to feed right inside the van itself, rather than down below the "skirt" part of the body.

I would have it by the driver door just so I can loop the cord over the mirror so I don't drive out without unplugging in. Yes I did it and $74 later it's all new.

woodbee · 08-22-2011, 10:23 AM

I did my 15,000 mile maintenance this past weekend. Changing out the fuel filters was not as much trouble as I was expecting. The lower filter was a breeze. I might have drained off a pint of fuel before it stopped draining. I did loosen the cap to allow air into the housing and my fuel tank was probably about a quarter tank down. The upper was a bit more difficult. It took me about 2 hours to do the upper filter change and put things back together.
Thanks to all of you for the posts on the forum on this subject, made it much easier.

Woody