Hello and Help

[HopefulFordFixer]

Hello from the Grass Valley area of Northern California
My truck is a 99.5 F250 4x4 Crew Cab that my son and I picked up in Tulsa about 2 years back(cheaper there). Its stock with about 180k mi and we used it as a main transportation vehicle and as a tug for our camping trailer that we use far too infrequent. Up to this point its been a great vehicle...we can pack and pull the farm with it. Yesterday while my wife was driving it home on the freeway it lost all power and she had it towed to a local outfit for repair. Once the tow truck put it down they tried starting it up and it started right up! She paid the obligitory $40 for opening the hood and cleaning a few things then she pointed the grill home...and made it about 2 miles down the road where it pooped out again. Its now back at the fixit shop waiting for my direction. Any one out there have a suggestion as to what's the problem? Appreciate your comments.
Thanks,
Tom

[ABOBB]

Welcome to Powerstroke.org

I'm not a tech.... so take anything I tell ya with a grain of salt, but what you describe sounds like a classic CPS (Crank Position Sensor) problem to me. If that is indeed what it is, and you know one end of a wrench from another, it should be an easy self fix, if you don't want to pay the shop.

Here is a link to a really good write up on how to replace the cps: 7.3 Cam sensor replacement procedure

Many of us with 7.3 engines keep a "cps kit" in the glove box. It's just a couple of simple hand tools, and a spare sensor that will help to keep you from getting stranded.

[NOVAJOE105]

Welcome to the forum. I agree with Aaron. Sounds like the cam sensor to me as well. I have replaced several of them with the same symptoms that you are describing. Good luck witht he fix and if you have any problems or questions, feel free to ask. Someone here will jump in and help.

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by ABOBB

Welcome to Powerstroke.org

I'm not a tech.... so take anything I tell ya with a grain of salt, but what you describe sounds like a classic CPS (Crank Position Sensor) problem to me. If that is indeed what it is, and you know one end of a wrench from another, it should be an easy self fix, if you don't want to pay the shop.

Here is a link to a really good write up on how to replace the cps: 7.3 Cam sensor replacement procedure

Many of us with 7.3 engines keep a "cps kit" in the glove box. It's just a couple of simple hand tools, and a spare sensor that will help to keep you from getting stranded.

I concur with you Aaron CPS is most likely the culprit here. When you buy one, buy two. Keep the extra in the glovebox. As you may never know when you need it. The CPS fails when it feels like it. Kinda like a computer it crashes with no warning.

The CPS is a easy repair, the link provided by ABBOb is a good writeup.

[Banshee34]

by the by ..... WELCOME ABOARD!!!!

[NoSpark]

to the forum

[MrJohnWayne]

Howdy and

[HopefulFordFixer]

Thank you too all for the warm welcome and helpful advice. A quick question though...The codes were read and no fault codes came up. Could the CPS still be bad and there not be any codes come up? Not surprising....a new fuel filter didn't do the trick.
Thanks

[mschn99]

Originally Posted by HopefulFordFixer

Thank you too all for the warm welcome and helpful advice. A quick question though...The codes were read and no fault codes came up. Could the CPS still be bad and there not be any codes come up? Not surprising....a new fuel filter didn't do the trick.
Thanks

yes...the CPS does not always throw a code...

[Raul@Stealth Automotive]

Originally Posted by HopefulFordFixer

Thank you too all for the warm welcome and helpful advice. A quick question though...The codes were read and no fault codes came up. Could the CPS still be bad and there not be any codes come up? Not surprising....a new fuel filter didn't do the trick.
Thanks

my truck was doing the same thing and it wasnt throwig any codes out.. i still had warranty so i just had it towed to my ford dealership and they fixed it....