I just picked up this truck a cpl weeks ago and it has a random engine light come on intermently. when starting first start of the day or if it sits for a long time basicly when the engine is cold. It only stays on for a few mintues then goes out when light is on turbo seems to be off line because it lacks power then when light goes out it surges for a second then truck runs fine and I can hear the turbo. I am going to scan it this week to get codes and see if anyone can help me but I thought i would post symptoms to see if anyone had any ideas.

also I cant believe how many acronyms there are for this 7.3 is there a post somewhere that gives you all the names I have figured out one of them

hpop =high pressure oil pump

 

There was a list floating around somewhere with all the acronyms. The Service manual looks like code in the appendix.

Your best bet is to retrieve the codes and post them and we'll try our best to help you along.

 

do the codes stay in memory or do I need to wait until the engine light is on to scan it

 

They are stored until erased or power to the PCM is removed.

 

gonna try and read codes tonight and post, in the mean time I would like to know what a good service manual is to buy for this vehicle

 

Well, that depends on what you'll use it for. The Wok Shop Manuals from the manufacturer are divided into main components such as Engine, Transmission, Suspension, etc. But, can be somewhat expensive for the DIY'r. There are also Third-Party available from ALLDATA, Mitchel's, Chilton, ATSG, and a few others.

The majority (all the above) are available as Hard Copy, Electronic, and Web Based accessible by subscription. Most are now seeding to a web based subscription service because of its ease of access and reduced cost of printing and the fact a lot have been pirated.

One draw back to the third party is there ability to get updates out following manufactures corrections or updates. I'll get the FOMOCO ones the day they're released with a link in the e-mail. Some of the third party ones won't have them for years, require an additional subscription, or the purchase of a DVD or CD to get them.

It's all contingent on their contract with the manufactures copy write materials.

For the most part, this Forum is excellent in provided information when asked. Probably more than most other forums on the net. Furthermore, many people have dedicated web-pages which contains an abundance of data.

I have, and use all the above services. If there is any inconsistencies, I always use the OEM.

I would suggest you do some research and make a decision on what your individual needs are.

 

Much has changed from when I first started working on gassers under a tree. Everything is sensors and computers now, so you need a good scan tool and the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnostics book (PC/ED).

 

Ok used my buddies creader from matco had a bit of trouble using it but got these codes before it stopped working (the reader not the truck)
p1280 injector pressure sensor circuit low. I got this on first scan then I got p1284 injector pressure control failure and p0113 iat sensor circuit high input. That was on a second scan.
everytime I cleared codes vehicle stalled. The engine light did exactly what it always does comes on cold start goes out after running 3 to 5 min then trucks rpms fluctuate up and down runs a bit rough but has full power I need help.

 

You are supposed to read and clear codes key on engine off.

 

Gotcha on that, I will try another scan tht way but any idea about the codes I do have. truck seems to run fine once warmed up problems are only present when cold so far.

I also found a download in someone's signature for all the acronyms, now I am looking for a picture of where all these parts can be located on the engine. I am new to diesel engines but am fairly handy mechanically and have good electrical knowledge background. But a good picture with all the sensor locations would be great.

 

so I did a little research on the p0113 code and will check that the sensor is plugged in later today, maybe I bumped it when I changed air filter or it was unhooked prior to me buying vehicle, not sure. that one doesn't seem to be a big issue

the other codes p1284 and p1280 I am going to check icp sensor first and make sure ipr nut is still present to start then go from there. will report back. these codes are more concerning to me as they are most likely the source of my cold start engine light issue.

 

ICP sensors are a common failure right now. Try unplugging the sensor and see if that helps your starts.

 

Ok so I ran a code scan key on engine off and the p1280 was the only code in system. I checked the icp and bam full of oil at the connector but the connector is ok. I cleaned until I can get to the dealer tomorrow and it did run much smoother at idle. I did check the iat sensor to it was shoved under air box so I put it back where it belongs. once I get the new icp sensor in I will report back. Almost forgot ipr nut is present.

 

Icp sensor fixed it, it ran perfect since I changed it but the true test will be tomorrow morning.

 

Thank you very much for reporting back - this will help others in the future.