I purchased a 1992 ram van 250 with a 318 5.2L engine. It was doing good- for the price- except it stalled while driving it one day. I've heard of this on many occasions from other owners. Anyway, I had work done; tune up, oil change, rotor-cap all that stuff done. Was running soooo quiet. I was pleased. Then I went out this morning to go somewhere and BAM- nothing! Not even the door locks clicked. Deader than dead. What the heck?! I didn't leave anything on; lights, etc. I wiggled wires, checked fuses. Nothing. I mean, as dead as it is seems more than battery problem. Right?

sqeked

Sorry, I'm still learning how to get around in here...
I'm trying to answer to "txgreasemonkey" on the status of my battery. Hope you get this...
I'm a little embarrassed, but a whole lot relieved!- It WAS the battery. After taking it up to be checked- which they charged it to see if it was good. It was. So I brought it home and as soon as I hooked the positive cable- something was running...Oh NO! I'd forgotten there is a "fan" knob that must run on auxilliary that fans the back of the van. I DID leave something on... cause when the van is off, it will stay on. I must have turned it on when I had my son and grand-daughter in there Friday. So by Sat. afternoon- it was dead. So I have to check all knobs from now on before exiting!!! I didn't realize that even a dead battery would give you nothing when trying to start. I thought I would have gotten at least a couple of clicks. But there was NOTHING. Thats why I was afraid it was something worse. I'm soooo relieved.
As far as rating your answers- Is that the "support member" button? Otherwise I'm not seeing the "rate your answer" tab. I DID see something along the way that resembled rating that has excellent, etc on it but when I "vote" it doesn't seem to do anything. So I'll post it HERE- Your advice has been EXCELLENT!!! I need one of you around MY house.
I also saw your page about HVAC stuff. One of the problems I'm having right now. I've got this Clacky sound coming from the fan outside. I investigated and saw this cover over some wires that was hanging down. So I pinned it up. And I also noticed an "oil" hole on the side that I know has never been oiled. So I put some in. I thought I remedied the problem but it still makes a racket, just not for long. The unit is 15 yrs. old and overall, I've been pretty lucky. Only had to have freon put in twice and the blower motor in the attic rebuilt.
And the list goes on....Anyway, thanks again sooooo much. You're a God-send.
Have a good day!

ScottGem

For future reference, to add followup to a thread, just use the Answer this questions options. I've merged the two threads for you.

sqeked

OK ScottGem, thanks. I'll try it. And if it works- thank you again

TxGreaseMonkey

Usually, there are two aluminum oil "plugs" that need to be removed on air conditioner condenser fan motors--one going to the bearing at the top and one going to the bearing at the bottom of the motor. I use a small pair of dikes, in order not to drop the plugs. If you don't have HVAC turbine oil, which you can get at many ACE Hardware stores, use 3-in-1 oil. Tap plugs back in with a small tack hammer.

sqeked

Ew.. I'll have to look for the other one. This is a York Heat Pump System. Does the same apply? Cause when I first heard the noise it sounded like scrubbing- like dry motor. Strain and the like...

TxGreaseMonkey

Not sure--most do. The lower oil plug will be between the fan blade and the motor. Turn ALL power off and you will likely have to lift the top up to gain access. As the article pointed out, replace the contactor every 5 to 7 years. It's also important to gently hose down the condenser coils.

The van runs fine, I guess?

sqeked

Yep. I tried to reply back to you specifically. I'm still learning how to navagate through here. But it WAS the battery. And its fine now.