Keats
February 3, 2025, 9:39am
1
I’ve had my 2002 Ford 7.3 diesel for 15 years with zero problems. The other day, I got off the freeway, stopped, and it just died out of nowhere. It started right back up and ran fine, but then it died again when I stopped. It kept doing this multiple times before finally refusing to restart at all.
Had it towed to a shop, and now they’re telling me it’s running perfectly even though they didn’t do anything. They aren’t diesel experts, so I’m trying to find someone who really knows these trucks. I need it running in two weeks for my yearly camping trip. Any help would be much appreciated. I love this truck and want to keep it going!
Zeek
February 3, 2025, 9:39am
2
Cam position sensor. Super common issue.
Easy fix, and you should always keep a spare. You’ll need a 10mm socket and a flathead screwdriver to pry it out.
Keats
February 3, 2025, 9:39am
3
Zeek said :
Cam position sensor. Super common issue.
Easy fix, and you should always keep a spare. You’ll need a 10mm socket and a flathead screwdriver to pry it out.
That’s what the shop said today. Appreciate it!
Keats
February 3, 2025, 9:39am
4
Zeek said :
Cam position sensor. Super common issue.
Easy fix, and you should always keep a spare. You’ll need a 10mm socket and a flathead screwdriver to pry it out.
Turns out it was the cam sensor! Thanks, everyone, for the help.
Ellis
February 3, 2025, 9:39am
5
Zeek said :
Cam position sensor. Super common issue.
Easy fix, and you should always keep a spare. You’ll need a 10mm socket and a flathead screwdriver to pry it out.
Exactly this!
Zeek
February 3, 2025, 9:39am
6
Had the same issue with mine. It would die at stop signs or red lights. Ended up being a bad ICP sensor.
Val
February 3, 2025, 9:39am
7
Zeek said :
Had the same issue with mine. It would die at stop signs or red lights. Ended up being a bad ICP sensor.
Yep, my first thought too. Just make sure to get an OEM one, or you’ll be dealing with the same problem again soon.
Keats
February 3, 2025, 9:39am
8
@Val
Told the shop to get OEM parts. Thanks for the advice.
Levi
February 3, 2025, 9:39am
10
My uncle’s ‘99 did the same thing. Turned out to be a bad ground strap on the engine. One of them was completely disconnected. Check and clean all your grounds—bad connections can cause all kinds of weird issues.
Keats
February 3, 2025, 9:39am
11
@Levi
I had some battery trouble this winter, so I’ll definitely check and clean the grounds. Thanks!
Zeek
February 3, 2025, 9:39am
12
Could be a few things—thin oil from lack of maintenance or fuel in the oil can mess up the HEUI system.
Another possibility is the ICP solenoid, which controls injection pressure.
Find someone who actually understands how the HEUI system works. Not every shop does. First step—pull the codes!
Keats
February 3, 2025, 9:39am
13
@Zeek
The first shop said no codes, but honestly, they didn’t seem too eager to work on it. Not sure they actually checked.
Penn
February 3, 2025, 9:39am
14
Crank position sensor? Just a thought.
Zeek
February 3, 2025, 9:40am
15
Penn said :
Crank position sensor? Just a thought.
Only use Motorcraft parts for these old Fords. Aftermarket ones will just cause more headaches.
Kavi
February 3, 2025, 9:40am
16
Zeek said :
Penn said :
Crank position sensor? Just a thought.
Only use Motorcraft parts for these old Fords. Aftermarket ones will just cause more headaches.
Yep, 100% this. Motorcraft only.
Keats
February 3, 2025, 9:40am
17
Zeek said :
Penn said :
Crank position sensor? Just a thought.
Only use Motorcraft parts for these old Fords. Aftermarket ones will just cause more headaches.
Got it, thanks!
Nuri
February 3, 2025, 9:40am
18
Penn said :
Crank position sensor? Just a thought.
You mean cam position sensor, right? Fixed that for you.
Penn
February 3, 2025, 9:40am
19
Nuri said :
Penn said :
Crank position sensor? Just a thought.
You mean cam position sensor, right? Fixed that for you.
Haha, yeah, long day. My bad.
Aki
February 3, 2025, 9:40am
20
Penn said :
Crank position sensor? Just a thought.
Another vote for cam sensor. I used to keep a spare and an 8mm socket in the glove box just in case. Only use Motorcraft replacements.