Diesel versus gas maintance

[56FordGuy]

so you are saying the cps is putting him in limp mode?

It doesn't sound to me like his truck is going into a 'limp' mode. Sounds like a bad throttle position sensor is very likely. We can't say for sure without further diagnostic work, but that's where I would look first, since it runs okay. Need to know what the codes are.

 

[Soundguy]

i thought the 'wrench' symbol he saw was the limp mode indicator.. etc??

 

[56FordGuy]

I don't believe the 7.3 trucks have a limp mode indicator. The light on the dash is most likely indicating a trouble code is present due to an active fault, aka the computer is seeing the problem happen right then. Depending on what the problem is, the light may or may not stay on after the computer sees the issue go away. If the TPS is acting up, the light may only come on when the trouble is occurring. Once the computer sees things go back to normal, the light goes out. This is where we need to know what code(s) have been set.

 

[Soundguy]

I think I was getting this thread confused with another. i went back an re-read the new posts and see I was in error thinking he said he saw a 'wrench' light ont he dash.

soundguy

 

[sandman2234]

How long will a set code stay in the computer on my truck? The problem hasn't manifested itself in a few days, and the truck has been started/stopped more times than I can think over the last few days. I found a place locally that can read codes, so the next time it happens I will probably be away from home, lol! Didn't think it was worth checking the codes if they go away after XXX number of starts/cycles.The TPS could very well be a culprit, had one act similar in a Volvo truck one time.
David from jax

 

[sandman2234]

I think I was getting this thread confused with another. i went back an re-read the new posts and see I was in error thinking he said he saw a 'wrench' light ont he dash.

soundguy

No, didn't see a wrench light, but took a few minutes and looked over the lights when I turned the key on tonight...and noticed a water in fuel over on the left side. Previously in another thread we had discussed a water in fuel available on the 450 trucks and Excursions but the one I had seen previously was in the right hand corner of the dash and red. This one was on the left side and yellow.
David from jax
... hey, I am learning...lol!

 

[Soundguy]

i believe my 250 and 350 and 450 do have a different wet fuel lamp as well...

 

[RDrancher]

Double tap...

 

[RDrancher]

Ok, just to add a little bit to my lack of knowledge, now that I have the truck...
Left the house, after 5 minutes of warmup, drove 2 miles, stopped for traffic at a light, and when I started to go, no go. The truck never left idle, "service engine soon" light came on, and since I was holding up traffic, I let the clutch out and it idle'd around the corner, and a 1/4 mile up the street before the light went out and the truck decided to "go". Up on startup the next day, as I started to go, and the light popped on, engine stayed at "idle". It did that "light on, idle only" three times yesterday. After the first time, I dropped by one of the local parts stores, and they brought their trusty tester out and checked for codes, but none were available. That either means their reader doesn't read diesel trucks codes OR the truck doesn't retain the codes once the light goes off.
Any clues on what types of code readers I need, or better yet, anyone have any idea what might be the problem. Things that run through my head are the throttle sending unit, or for some reason the CPS (isn't that the catch-all for 7.3???).
Thanks guys, David from jax

This is how the ICP sensor problems on my '99 started. It would shut down on deceleration but usually restart right away. It would go into limp mode as well. Removing the plug on top of the ICP would sometimes put it back to running semi-normal. If you remove the plug and it's soaked in oil the ICP is either bad or on its way. If you find this to be your problem...whatever you do don't order one from the guy on ebay that uses a newer ICP with an adapter. It doesn't fit without bending your hard fuel lines.

The ICP is located at the front of the drivers side valve cover. There's a photo here. where is the icp sensor? - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums