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Quick ICP Sensor Diagnosis...

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Old May 26, 2021 | 03:07 PM
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Quick ICP Sensor Diagnosis...

If you disconnect the ICP plug (at idle) and detect no difference in engine sound(s); this usually means the sensor is bad or good?
 
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Old May 26, 2021 | 03:22 PM
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From: Ponca City, OK
Good. And 10
 
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Old May 26, 2021 | 04:20 PM
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Not exactly what I wanted to hear . The reason is this video says the opposite:
In the video, when the author unplugs the ICP, the engine clearly changes sound and the ICP is declared good. I will give the video a thumbs down if this is wrong, but it's hard to deny what you can see and hear. Mine throws code P1280 (ICP low) and nothing changes when the ICP is unplugged. According to the video, I would deduce that my ICP is therefore bad???!
 
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Old May 26, 2021 | 06:04 PM
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If the engine does not change at all that usually means the icp sensor is bad. At least that's the way I have always understood it to be
 
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Old May 26, 2021 | 08:54 PM
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Definitely no difference in sound when disconnecting at idle. So we have one FTE member indicating this means the ICP sensor is good and one FTE member indicating this means the ICP sensor is not good. Come on guys, is the video right or wrong on this? Thanks in advance
 
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Old May 26, 2021 | 09:38 PM
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My answer was from information I've read here. The explanation given was that the PCM doesn't require the ICP sensor to control the engine. It is capable of using other sensor data and approximate the injector pressure to allow the engine to continue to function. A functioning ICP does give the PCM more accurate date which would allow the PCM to run the engine more efficiently but still not required. So if the PCM is operating with incorrect data from a faulty sensor it's making adjustments that may not be required or just plain wrong. Driving with one eye closed in a sense, if you haven't tried it, it's a challenge at the least.(not responsible if/when you crash) So if you unplug the faulty sensor the PCM no longer has the incorrect data in the mix which allows it to run better. If the sensor is good then shouldn't see any real change because it was already using accurate info.
 
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Old May 27, 2021 | 06:42 AM
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Yes the truck will run with a bad ICP sensor but at different ICP values. If you have a good ICP sensor the truck will be running at its normal let's say 525 PSI, when you unplug the sensor the PCM will default to 725 PSI. This is where you will hear a change in the engine. If you hear no change when unplugging the sensor the PCM is already running on the default value meaning the sensor could be bad. Forscan would confirm this.
 
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Old May 27, 2021 | 06:50 AM
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Originally Posted by jstihl
Yes the truck will run with a bad ICP sensor but at different ICP values. If you have a good ICP sensor the truck will be running at its normal let's say 525 PSI, when you unplug the sensor the PCM will default to 725 PSI. This is where you will hear a change in the engine. If you hear no change when unplugging the sensor the PCM is already running on the default value meaning the sensor could be bad. Forscan would confirm this.

i would agree with this statement exactly

so the video is correct
 
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Old May 27, 2021 | 10:27 AM
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OK, I am going to purchase an OEM ICP and hope that does the trick. I have code P1280 (iirc - it was an ICP code). My harness looks good and there is no tell-tale oil in or on the plug. From what I have read, the ICP sensor can still be bad without weeping oil. I will report back. Thanks!
 
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Old May 27, 2021 | 11:14 AM
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Before you start throwing $200 of parts at it, considering it isn't weeping oil, it may be worth investigating further...as you haven't really said much about how the truck is running, only that the sound doesn't change so we can assume it does start, but there isn't much to go on.

What would really help is some data from FORScan...if you're not familiar with what you need to get started I'd suggest starting here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...d-q-and-a.html

It's a very small investment and worth 10x its weight in gold when it comes to diagnosing problems instead of throwing parts at the issue...

 
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Old May 27, 2021 | 11:23 AM
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Originally Posted by MD_7.three
Before you start throwing $200 of parts at it, considering it isn't weeping oil, it may be worth investigating further...as you haven't really said much about how the truck is running, only that the sound doesn't change so we can assume it does start, but there isn't much to go on.

What would really help is some data from FORScan...if you're not familiar with what you need to get started I'd suggest starting here:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...d-q-and-a.html

It's a very small investment and worth 10x its weight in gold when it comes to diagnosing problems instead of throwing parts at the issue...
I would definitely agree with this, forscan is the most important tool you can have for diagnosing problems. Doesn't cost much and you will have it for any future problems as well. Not a matter of if you will need it but when....
 
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Old May 27, 2021 | 12:49 PM
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Although I have no personal experience, I agree with jstihl’s logic.

I also agree that getting $25 worth of diagnostic tools before changing a high dollar part would be wise. Then it should be easy to see if ICP sensor is faulty.
 
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Old May 27, 2021 | 02:08 PM
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Originally Posted by RacinJasonWV
I also agree that getting $25 worth of diagnostic tools before changing a high dollar part would be wise. Then it should be easy to see if ICP sensor is faulty.
Speaking of high dollar parts.
 
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Old Jun 17, 2021 | 08:24 PM
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FIXED! It was the ICP sensor. My issue was just like in the video; with the ICP plugged in or unplugged there was no difference in engine sound. Just for reference, my ICP sensor had no signs of oil anywhere, so I guess these ICP’s can just go bad without the seeping. Not surprising as it was the original sensor. Thanks for the suggestions, especially to the guy who suggested unbolting the alternator. Unless you have a crows foot, that’s the only obvious way to get to the old style sensor.
 
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