Just changed cam sensor, old one was black, new one is grey, I notice now when I use wipers the motor skips, or will die at a red light. What color sensor should be in a 1999 7.3?

 

Didn't know this question was so hard, they make a dark blue, black, and grey, if you changed yours what color did you use and how good does it work.

 

Well, I'll try somewhere else, thanks anyway.

 

Unfortunately they have offered no less than 7 different engines, both diesel and gas, in these trucks. If you give us absolutely no more information than the fact that you replaced a cam sensor on a (some year) (some truck) with (some engine) powered by (some fuel).

Nobody has much of anything to go on. I couldn't even hazard a guess without more information. Care to share?

 

He did say a 1999 7.3L.

 

Sounds like I need more coffee. I apologize, I should have read it again.

I don't think the sensor itself will have much to do with this; if the engine is stumbling when the wipers are on there is something very strange going on with your electrical sensor. It's possible that it involves your CPS, but that's not necessarily true.

I would suggest hooking up to a good scan tool and monitor PCM inputs when you engage your wiper blades. If something is interrupting the CPS signal you should be able to see that, and then with a good wiring diagram you would have a place to start. Electrical problems SUCK, and this may take awhile to track down.

 

This is actually a very common complaint with cam shaft position sensors specific to the 7.3L. There are MANY MANY MANY documented cases where aftermarket cam shaft position sensors will receive electrical interference from the wipers.

This is caused by the use of cheap aftermarket sensors. To rectify this problem go pick up an OEM Motorcraft sensor, they cost about $25. You can buy one here: Riffraff Diesel: Motorcraft CPS 94.5-03

I would place money on this fixing your problem.

The original color was black, then updated to grey with a recall notice. Grey is the correct color for you to be using. But only if we are talking Motorcraft color scale, aftermarket they can be pink if they want. But dont use aftermarket as I stated above.

 

Sorry you didn't get an instant response but it also sometimes helps to post in a more appropriate / specific forum such as the 1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums where the majority of the people who could help you with this hang out.

 

Whoops. I'll just stop talking then. Thanks Trey!

 

Hey thanks Trey, the one I have in there is from Napa and I think it's a Borg Warner, the old truck has a lot of miles and wanting to put alot more on it, thank you again for the help.
John

 

No worries, both of you

Borg Warner has a tattered history when it comes to 7.3 cam sensors. Try an OEM one like I said.

 

Hey thanks, I looked on that sight you posted for the Motorcraft one, gona have one comming.

John

 

Absolutely amazing!! EXACT same issue I had too. Right down to the wiper activity. BLACK is the replacement...totally cleared up my issue. Been almost 6 years ago now and never had the problem again.

 

I was still on the original grey CPS after 13 years and 285,000 miles. I changed to the black from Riffraff 2 weeks ago and it seemed to run a bit smoother at idle. I keep the original grey one in the glove box just in case!