where to get "plug in diode"

[ppsi]

Hello-I am knee deep into the fixing of my wifes E350 and the plugin diode that is in the Power Distribution Box vanished. I took it out-w- a pair of indespensible double hinge long nose pliers and it flipped off as it came out of the contacts and is nowhere to be found. Is this a required item? I went to a local Napa and they has know idea what I was talking about.

[fordnut85]

I have never seen them at an auto parts store, I would imagine you could get one from ford but I don't know for sure. You might try roaming around your local salvage yard for one.

[ppsi]

Originally Posted by fordnut85

I have never seen them at an auto parts store, I would imagine you could get one from ford but I don't know for sure. You might try roaming around your local salvage yard for one.

I found out this is called the PCM relay protection diode. I got the part number from the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forum but I didn't keep it because I can go to radio Shack and get a 6V 25Amp Diode for about a buck and put some male battery spade terminals on it and put the band end toward the incoming +12 and I'd be set. I'll but a couple of dozen in case I drop a few more dam@^t!
I'm sure as soon as I get thes e from the Shack and configure/install it I'll find the one I lost.
Might I recommend no one buy a diesel Van?

[ppsi]

Just as an update that may help someone in the future I went to Radio Shack and got a package of diodes for about $2.00. They are the largest they carry but it may be helpful to note they were in the "rectifier" bin and not the "diode" bin. They were the only diodes in this drawer in the store I went to. Maybe the smaller ones in the diode drawer would work but I figured the larger the better. I soldered a male spade terminal on each end but I had to file them down on each side to make them narrow enough to fit in the terminals. I configured the spades and made a "mold" out of the plastic the diode cam in. I cut the end of the mold so the lugs would protrude and filled the mold-w-fast setting epoxy. It came out perfect and is an easy fix when you can't get to a dealer and need this piece in order to get back running. I took some pictures if anyone is interested.

[Logan]

Great to hear ya figured it out. What part of NC are ya from? Other than the SE

[pipelayerjdh]

Good thinking on the repair.

Welcome to the ORG.!

[ppsi]

Originally Posted by Logan

Great to hear ya figured it out. What part of NC are ya from? Other than the SE

I am in Hampstead, NC recently moved from Wilmngton-next town South. I like a less crowded town and Wilmington is crazy IMO. Hampstead is about 1hr from the SC border & 1 1/2 hrs from Myrtle Beach-not crazy about there either.

[fordnut85]

Way to be creative man!! post some pics man.

[ppsi]

Hopefully I'll get some time to post pictures soon. Of course I found the original 2 days later in the driveway

[fordnut85]

Originally Posted by ppsi

Hopefully I'll get some time to post pictures soon. Of course I found the original 2 days later in the driveway

Don't feel bad man, that's the way it would have went for me too lol