Ford Cam Sensor Recall; 7.3l Diesel

[Hitchhiker]

Here's a Ford recall that was recently issued that some of you may be interested in:

<span class="ev_code_RED">TO: All U.S. Ford and Lincoln Mercury Dealers

SUBJECT: Safety Recall 07S57:
Certain 1997 - 2003 F-Super Duty, Excursion, and E-Series Vehicles
Equipped with 7.3L Diesel Engines
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Inspection / Replacement

AFFECTED VEHICLES
Vehicle Line Model Years Assembly Plant Production Dates
Econoline 1997-2003 Lorain Assembly Plant 4/3/1996 - 9/16/2003
Excursion 2000-2003 Kentucky Truck Plant 3/25/1999 - 11/1/2002
F650/750 Series 2000-2003 Cuautitlan Assembly Plant 1/20/1999 - 10/31/2002
F-Series 1997 Kentucky Truck Plant 6/18/1996 - 12/17/1997
F-Series 1997 Cuautitlan Assembly Plant 6/11/1996 - 12/10/1997
F-Series 1999-2003 Kentucky Truck Plant 9/3/1997 - 11/4/2002
F-Series 1999-2003 Cuautitlan Assembly Plant 10/2/1998 - 7/21/2003
Affected vehicles are identified in OASIS.

REASON FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL
In some of the affected vehicles, the Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor may fail due to circuit
degradation. If the CMP Sensor should fail, the engine may stall. In the event of an engine stall, a
crash could result without warning. A new CMP Sensor with improved reliability is now available.

SERVICE ACTION
Dealers are to inspect the CMP Sensor to verify which design level sensor is installed in the affected
vehicles, and replace all prior level sensors. This service must be performed on affected vehicles at no charge to the vehicle owner.

OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING SCHEDULE
Parts to repair this condition are currently not available in sufficient quantities to service all of the
affected vehicles. Therefore, to ensure that an ample supply of parts is available, owners of affected
vehicles will be notified in separate phase mailings over several months. Phase mailing will begin the
week of December 17, 2007; prioritized by age of vehicle. Dealers should repair any affected vehicles
that arrive at their dealerships, whether or not the customer has received a letter.</span>

[Rick A]

For those of us who have already had to replace the CPS, and I know htere are a lot, I wonder if Ford is going to reimburse us. This was one of the reasons I got out of the diesel and into a V-10. Ford should have fixed this problem years ago.

[CWIL]

I have 2001 F-250 7.3 PSD and can't get to the site you mentioned. My truck was mfg in KY. From what you know is it one effected. If so, I am surprised I did not get the notice. If you have any website I can get to so I can check let me know. Thanks for Info

[Rick A]

Yes, your's should be one effected. This has been a lknown problem for a long time with 7.3 and I am really suprised it took this long for something to be done about it. I would call your Ford dealer and follow up with them.

[CWIL]

I called dealer this morning and yes it is on the recall lists. What they told me was they needed to inspect it to determine the color of the sensor and the wires and if not correct one they would replace. Thanks for the info

[CWIL]

Dealer told me I would need appointment to come in and they check color of sensor to determine if eldgible, even though my truck is listed. Rather that go to them to look I thought I would look and call and tell them the color of the sensor and wire to it to determine if mine ok or does it need to be replaced. Can anybody tell me where to look for it or better yet have a photo or diagram.

[CWIL]

Well, I went in today and was out in 40 min with new CMP sensor

[FatDog]

thanks for this notice, i'm going to call the dealer tommorow to see about mine
my Cam sensor has been replaced TWICE in 100,000 miles and although it is reasonably cheap it is a real PITA

but what annoys me about my '01 PSD is the 4R100 tranny which ALSO has gone south twice in that 100,000 miles,
and my truck is having its tranny being rebuilt for the last time, this time by a aftermarket (qualified) JohnWoods as versus having the dealer glue together another ol' 4R100

gotta tell you though, i love that truck very much

[TexasPSDX]

When my CPS failed last year, I replaced it with an International CPS. Saw an immediate smoother running engine and a slight increase in fuel milage. I doubt I will take mine in when I get the letter.

[Rick A]

TexasPSDX, you may already have the updated CPS. The new sensor has been around for awhile, it just took enough of us to complain to the right people to get Ford to do anything about it. I believe it is the blue sensor that is the upgraded one now being used.

[MtnVision]

Here is a helpful tool that determines details about your Ford vehicle using it's VIN number. I do hope many will find it useful.

VIN Lookup
To use this utility, simply enter in a vehicle's VIN in the box provided. The vehicle information applies to 1982 through present models only. Once the VIN has been entered, click the Submit button, and a response page will appear with that particular vehicle's VIN information.

My truck was made in Kentucky according to this Ford Fleet.com online utility.

To change this part yourself:
1. Make sure you have the correct part. This depends on the serial number of your engine which should be located on a sticker below the front of the plastic cover for the fuel bowl. Neither Ford or International calls it a "CPS", Ford calls it a CMP sensor and International calls it a CAMP sensor.

Ford Part #'s: Before engine serial #375549 F6T012K073A

Serial #375549 and above F7T012K073A

International Part #'s: Before engine serial #375549 1821720C98

Serial #375549 and above 1825899C93

2. Remove the #9 fuse under the hood (not in the dash).

3. You may want to remove the belt for easier access, but it's not necessary.

4. Disconnect the CMP sensor electrical connector. The sensor is located towards the bottom left on the front of the engine. You'll see the single wire bundle going to the sensor.

5. Remove the old CMP sensor using a 10mm socket. Be careful not to round off the bolt (there is only 1). It's on there real tight and is tough to get to.

6. Take the new CMP sensor and coat the seal with either motor oil or Vaseline and intall it. Install the bolt and reconnect the wire connector.

7. Reinstall the #9 fuse under the hood and you should be ready to go.
MV

[bmfbull]

I had my cam sensor replaced by ford last year and again last month due to the recall, but after they replaced it the first time my truck would shut off time to time as if the cam sensor was failing. Still happening after the recall replacement. Is anyone having the same porblem. Ford can't seem to figure it out.

[Jody & Jeff]

We got the notice about a month ago.
We aren't having them change ours.
We have a spare in the glove box & will
change it out if needed.
We just turned 100,000 miles on the TV
and no problems so far.
I heard they re-flash codes (whether you
want it done or not) and that can cause
problems after you pick it up from THEIR
repair.
Jo

[CWIL]

I use a SuperChip, so before taking mine in I had set back to stock and then after I got it back I reset to tow safe. Since then I have done 4 outings for a total of about 1400 miles and had no problems.