Weird Trans/Engine Incident While Towing
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Freshman User
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Weird Trans/Engine Incident While Towing
I wish I could have make the title more descriptive, but this is an odd issue.
2001 7.3 PSD w/240k on it. Towing a trailer and car with a total weight of about 4k pounds. Full tank of fuel.
I was going up a moderate incline at around half throttle at about 70 mph.
The rpms dropped to idle and no amount of throttle input would make it move. It was like the throttle was disconnected. The engine was still running, no lights on the dash, all gauges showing normal, power steering still working. I coasted to the shoulder and stopped.
I put the trans in neutral and then I could rev the engine. It sounded fine. Put it back in Drive and the truck acted normal. Drove the rest of the way home with no issues.
Any idea where I should start looking for the problem? I'd hate to have this happen or get worse when I'm farther away from home.
Thanks
2001 7.3 PSD w/240k on it. Towing a trailer and car with a total weight of about 4k pounds. Full tank of fuel.
I was going up a moderate incline at around half throttle at about 70 mph.
The rpms dropped to idle and no amount of throttle input would make it move. It was like the throttle was disconnected. The engine was still running, no lights on the dash, all gauges showing normal, power steering still working. I coasted to the shoulder and stopped.
I put the trans in neutral and then I could rev the engine. It sounded fine. Put it back in Drive and the truck acted normal. Drove the rest of the way home with no issues.
Any idea where I should start looking for the problem? I'd hate to have this happen or get worse when I'm farther away from home.
Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 1
From: Morehead, Ky.
On top of the drivers side head , there is an IPC, I think it is called. If it gets oil in the electrical connection, strange things happen. I know that they say if you unplug it, you will reduce the engine speed.
Someone else will jump in soon. Just wanted to give you a bump.
Found a great 7.3L link
You might find this helpful. Tugly linked this:
Someone else will jump in soon. Just wanted to give you a bump.
Found a great 7.3L link
You might find this helpful. Tugly linked this:
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
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I don't think it is the gear selector, as I should have been able to rev the engine if it had slipped into neutral. It was still in drive and no amount of stomping the throttle pedal would make the rpms move.... it just stayed at idle.
I replaced the IPC a while back as preventive maintenance. It did have oil in the connector, but wasn't causing a problem.
Also, I don't think this could be a CPS issue, but I am running one of the black international units... also done a while back as preventive maintenance (it had a grey CPS when I bought the truck).
I replaced the IPC a while back as preventive maintenance. It did have oil in the connector, but wasn't causing a problem.
Also, I don't think this could be a CPS issue, but I am running one of the black international units... also done a while back as preventive maintenance (it had a grey CPS when I bought the truck).
Molon Labe
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,272
Likes: 1
From: Alaska
Sounds to me like your throttle position sensor (TPS) is acting up.
My pedal will go dead from time to time just like you explained.
I believe 2001's have a different pedal assembly than the earlier trucks. The TPS is located on the go pedal.
Hopefully someone who knows will chime in here.
You can take an air hose and blow the dirt out of the sensor, or pound on the pedal with your fist (truck turned off) Sounds redneck, but it works
Here is the early style TPS (your '01 may be different) I keep a spare in my console. I'm on my third sensor in two years.
My pedal will go dead from time to time just like you explained.
I believe 2001's have a different pedal assembly than the earlier trucks. The TPS is located on the go pedal.
Hopefully someone who knows will chime in here.
You can take an air hose and blow the dirt out of the sensor, or pound on the pedal with your fist (truck turned off) Sounds redneck, but it works
Here is the early style TPS (your '01 may be different) I keep a spare in my console. I'm on my third sensor in two years.
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Freshman User
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My TPS is the type that is integrated into the throttle pedal. I have a gut feeling that the problem is the TPS as you suggest.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Dalton,Ga
Sounds to me like your throttle position sensor (TPS) is acting up.
My pedal will go dead from time to time just like you explained.
I believe 2001's have a different pedal assembly than the earlier trucks. The TPS is located on the go pedal.
Hopefully someone who knows will chime in here.
You can take an air hose and blow the dirt out of the sensor, or pound on the pedal with your fist (truck turned off) Sounds redneck, but it works
Here is the early style TPS (your '01 may be different) I keep a spare in my console. I'm on my third sensor in two years.
My pedal will go dead from time to time just like you explained.
I believe 2001's have a different pedal assembly than the earlier trucks. The TPS is located on the go pedal.
Hopefully someone who knows will chime in here.
You can take an air hose and blow the dirt out of the sensor, or pound on the pedal with your fist (truck turned off) Sounds redneck, but it works
Here is the early style TPS (your '01 may be different) I keep a spare in my console. I'm on my third sensor in two years.
X2 on the TPS
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,877
Likes: 49
From: Tennessee
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2008
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Well, I replaced the TPS/APP with one from Napa. Mine was the type where you have to replace the entire pedal assembly.
I haven't had the issue repeat itself, but I don't drive the truck that much, so I'll have to wait and see.
However, a new problem came along with the new TPS/APP. I now have about 2 inches of dead travel before the throttle pedal does anything.... very annoying. Does anyone know if you can calibrate the engine computer to the new TPS or do I need to get a Ford part?
I haven't had the issue repeat itself, but I don't drive the truck that much, so I'll have to wait and see.
However, a new problem came along with the new TPS/APP. I now have about 2 inches of dead travel before the throttle pedal does anything.... very annoying. Does anyone know if you can calibrate the engine computer to the new TPS or do I need to get a Ford part?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,760
Likes: 27
From: Hampton, Maryland.
Assuming it is working properly (big assumption, I know), most companies that chip these trucks play with the amount of fuel indicated by the pedal voltage so yes, it can be done, but it is more than likely going to require a knowledge of tuning and or a chip in order to do it. I personally would take the part back and have them exchange it. It sounds like it is calibrated wrong.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,877
Likes: 49
From: Tennessee
I remember some that have to be adjusted to specs. Not sure about yours though . The ones that are the whole assy , that I have installed , are preset with no adjustment . May just be a bad part , heck , you can't get a good cam sensor aftermarket !