99 7.3 won't start, service engine light on

[JPickel]

Still new to the diesel world and looking for some ideas here. When I go out in the morning to start the truck, turn the key and wait for the "wait to start" light to turn off, if the "service engine soon" light stays on the truck will turn over but will not start. If I keep turning the key off and on (without cranking the engine) until the "service engine" light goes off like it usually does then the truck starts right up. Any ideas??? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[RHFDpowerstroke53]

I have the same problem. It does it when it's cold. Not as bad after the engine Is warm. I have 83500 miles on my 01. Truck runs fine after it starts up but it won't fire up when the service engine soon light is on. Any help is great. Thanks

[JPickel]

I talked to a Ford tech yesterday and we need to check for codes but one thing that I looked at this morning (when it did it again!) is the tach. Check to see if your tach is registering when you crank the engine with the 'service engine' light on...if it isn't, it could very likely be the crank position sensor which is what I am hoping for. The other two options are the PCM and the IDM!

[RHFDpowerstroke53]

Yea, i went to auto zone today to get the code read but the light wasn't on so no code came up. I am going to borrow their reader for a couple of days to see what it is. I will check the tach next time too. Thanks

[JPickel]

I am getting mine scanned tomorrow night, will let you know what we find. Another thing to check is the ebp from what I'm being told so if the PCM looke like it's bad it might actually be the ebp. Hope we both figure this out!

[RHFDpowerstroke53]

yea i tried to start my truck up today and i think things got worse. It does not want to crack over and it only clicks when you turn the key. Im having a buddy of mine who is a ford mechanic come by tomorrow to see whats up, I will let you know what he says

[melmount]

please let us know
good luck

[RHFDpowerstroke53]

I talked to my buddy today and he said it souned like it was the batteries. turn your headlights on and have someone watch if they dim when you crank it over. if they do bring your batteries to an autozone or something and have them check them. Thats what I did and both of my batteries were shot. Good luck and i hope this helps. let us know how it goes. o btw the code reader did not work because there was not enough power. it said there was an error

[International Tech]

guess i'm to late...check your batteries!!!

[HVAC SuperTech]

I was gonna say check your batteries. Also, a good code scanner will bring up soft codes and past codes.
I would say its probably your CPS.
BTW, its your CAM position sensor, not crank position sensor. its always good tohave a spare in the glove box and a 10mm socket and ratchet. they can go out at anytime.