Ford Recall 1997-2003 7.3L Power Stroke-Camshaft Position Sensor

[Diesel Engineer]

WASHINGTON - Ford Motor Co. said Thursday it is recalling 1.17 million trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans to fix an engine sensor that could lead to engine stalling.

The recalled vehicles are all from the 1997-2003 model years with 7.3 liter diesel engines, including the Ford E-Series van, Excursion full-size sport utility vehicle, and F-450 Super Duty and F-550 Super Duty trucks.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a posting on its Web site that the camshaft position sensor located on the engine could function intermittently and lead to an engine stall and potential crash.

The sensor is an electrical component that helps regulate the fuel going into the engine.

Ford spokesman Dan Jarvis said there have been 14 accidents associated with the problem, but no injuries reported.

In the event of an engine stall, Jarvis said drivers traveling at speeds greater than 30 miles per hour would have full power steering and power braking, allowing them to pull over to the side of the road.

At speeds below 30 mph, the motorists would still have braking and steering functions, he said.

Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with a new one free of charge. The recall is expected to begin around Dec. 17, with mailing of notification letters to be completed in phases by May 2008. Owners can contact Ford at (866) 436-7332.

[johns4dor]

Thank you Diesel Engineer. I thought it might be the cam sensor. I am only surprised that it wasn't done sooner. I was ainformed by Colley Ford Parts and Service out here that it is the most common problem with the 7.3. I had to replace mine about 6 months ago. It farted a couple of times on the freeway one day, then did it again several times the next day as well as stalling twice, once in an intersection and again about 600 feet from my driveway while returning home. It started right back up both times that it stalled.

I had to replace my water pump last week. I understand that is another very common problem that usually occurs between 75,000 and 125,000 miles, if it going to happen. Mine had 77,000 miles. 3 of my friend/customers have also had to replace theirs this past year. 2 had less than 100,000, the other less than 125,000.

Thank you again for the recall info.

[HandyDad]

D.E.,

Would a faulty CPS cause an intermittant "bump" in the engine while cruising? My 2002 Excursion 7.3 does it once in awhile, but hasn't stalled yet. I checked mine and it is under the recall. I'll be getting it in shortly.

[johns4dor]

HandyDad,
Yes. That is what my truck did about 1/2 dozen times before it finally stalled a couple of times. Feels like somebody shut the key off for an instant, just enough to feel a quick lurch or coast, lasts less than a second.

[HandyDad]

Thanks John. I thought that might be it. I'll be in contact with you soon.

[AprilGlover]

I have a 7.3L Powestroke F350. I was on my way to work, and the motor started sounding really sluggish and then it just shut off. When ever I tried to crank it, it would start but was burping and making all kinds of racket, like it had air in the motor. I figured I just ran out of fuel, but the light had only came on for a mile. I've put fuel in it, tried to crank it, now it won't even start, I've bled the fuel lines, fuel pumps working, fuel filter is clean, plenty of oil. When I opened the fuel filter though there was no fuel in the reservoir there. I'm not sure what's going on, but it sounds like it could possibly be the Cam Sensor, but I'm not a mechanic by any means. If anyone has any ideas, let me know. Thanks.

[Nosparkplugs]

Five years to late, for me I'm done with Ford & their venture with International, I was hauling a 30ft 15,000lb gooseneck when one of the many cam position sensor failed. The only good that came out of my Ford Powerstroke 7.3L owneship was my introduction to AMSOIL Synthetic lubricants, the 7.3L needs "special oil" never forget that out of the Ford Engineer while in Memphis looking at my engine, along with many others with "warranty" claims

[96 power stroker]

I have a 96 powerstroke F350 and have the same problem some times it shuts down for a split second in mid accleration and sometimes stalls at intersections could my cam sensor be bad also?

[90international4700]

today while i was driving on the freeway, my engine stlled and i seen a lot of white smoke. wondering what the problem may be. the truck has not been driven for about 7 months and had a 3/4 tank of gas. i went about three hundred miles before this hapened. any suggestions will help

[90international4700]

and it was losing power before the stall.

[oilkan]

and Ford says:
1997-2003 F-SUPER DUTY, EXCURSION AND E-SERIES EQUIPPED WITH A 7.3L DIESEL — CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR

This program involves inspecting the Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor and, if necessary, replacing theCMP sensor and bracket assembly with a new CMP sensor and bracket assembly.
INSPECTION1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
2. Inspect the color of the CMP sensor and bracket assembly.
• If the CMP sensor is gray with a silver bracket, no action is required.
• If the CMP sensor is black with a gold bracket,
NOTE: There is currently no Ford approved Cam Position (CMP) Sensor pigtail available for service.To avoid damage, please use caution when disconnecting/connecting the CMP connector.