First off, let me say THANKS to the fine members of this forum (AGAIN) for providing me with the knowledge to resolve the issue I encountered today!!

Going to work this morning, my truck stalled out with me. I restarted it and went a little further, but the same thing happened again. I was able to restart it a few more times before it quit starting all together. Finally it would not fire over at all. I knew (from reading about it here ) what the deal was. I noticed that the tach wasn't moving during the cranking process, but I did see it jump a couple times when the truck was still restarting and then stopping again. I called my wife to come get me, and I checked the codes while I was waiting for her to get there (I just happened to have my SCMT in the glove box). I saw the 0304 (or whatever it was) code and another one I don't remember. I checked the list when I got home and this reaffirmmed my suspicions.

Soooo....I came home and started calling parts places to see how much it was gonna cost me. Called the local dealer first. Their list was $185 and some change. I asked the guy on the phone if that was the best he could do, and he came down to $125! I was pretty happy about that, but I called NAPA, and they had it for $114. So, since the closest IH dealer was about 40 miles away, I let NAPA have my money. As far as the dealer goes, let me just say this. People, don't accept the first price they give you. Folks (including me) complain all the time about their high prices, and I know that different dealers will deal differently, but in my experiences with my local dealer, they will work with you.

I have read on here many times that replacing the sensor is a "10-minute" job. To that, I say POPPYCOCK!! Maybe it just SEEMED longer, but I estimate that it took me about 10 minutes (maybe 15) to get the old one out, and about 10 minutes to install the new one. Perhaps since this is my first time, it took a little longer. Keep in mind that the truck was about 2 feet off the side of I-40 and there were cars and trucks and semis whizzing by at 70++ MPH. Since it is fresh on my mind, here are some things that I might advise folks about this job: Wear safety glasses! I got a couple pieces of trash in my eyes while doing this job. Throw a pair of specs in the glove box so you'll have them. Second, use a thin-walled 10mm socket. The only decent 10mm socket I had was a HD 1/2"-drive. I took it and a 3/8" drive ratchet, short extension, and a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter. My socket was so big, there was some interference between the socket and the crank damper. I was able to get it to work, but a thin-walled, or 3/8" drive socket would have been much better. It's easier to go in from the bottom. A skinny-armed person might be able to do it from the top, but they wouldn't be able to see what they were doing. Can't see too much better from the bottom, but there is plenty of room to get your arm(s) up in there. Also, my '00 had TWO bolts holding it in. I wasn't sure about that until I actually got in there. Don't start prying on it until you get both bolts out!!

10-minute job?? Maybe if I practiced for a while. Hopefully, I won't ever get the chance to practice doing that again!

THANKS AGAIN, FTE FORUMS!!!!

Sorry this was SO long.........

 

I have a 2000, and when I had the water pump off I took out the CPS retaining bolt to add anti-sieze to the threads.

It's in plain view when the pump's off, and there's only one bolt on my 2000 that holds the CPS's retaining clip.

YMMV

Pop

 

I had the same good fortune to have studied this site before my CPS went out. I also knew just what to do, and I already had a spare in the glove box. Honestly it was a very quick job on mine but everything went as smooth as it could have. That was one of the factors that urged me to pay up and become a member. I was in the woods when mine went out and it could have turned out to be a really bad day if not for FTE.

 

That's great you had it fixed. Must have been crazy out next to the traffic like that. I would have been nervous of somebody not paying attention and running into the truck.

 

In reading here at FTE, it seems like the CPS goes south after the mule is more than 3 or 4 years old with 120,000 miles, does that seem sort'a right?
I mean, I would like to have all the parts I need but this one cost a little more than others. Perhaps wait til I have 100k on the meter?

Redtaurus, glad it all worked out safe and well for you!

 

NO, NOT TRUE!! I've known people's whose have gone out as early as 30k. Mine was 2 1/2 years old and about 60k. Order one from one of our sponsers or buy one off Ebay, but I'd get one just in case. Ford=$185, internet+$90, Ebay= $80 or less. When mine went out I had to pay Ford. My spare came from an internet site.
Joe

 

RT94... really good post..! i think my cps may have "blinked" today... just for a second my mule stalled, but she didn't stall out.... it was strange... i'm closing in on 100k so i think i'll see about putting one in the glove box..

 

Mine went out at 55k on a '99.

 

I failed to mention that my truck has 72,xxx miles on it. I also might mention that thought I noticed that the truck was running weird right before it quit. Even the day before I thought it seemed a sluggish. I even thought that the wipers appeared to be running a little slower thsn usual. I really dunno if this has anything to do with it or not. May just be my imagination. Anyone else notice any of these type symptoms??

 

Yikes!
40k on mine, I'm putting a spare in the glove box!
I'll also do a trial run on the wrenching, not actually removing it though.
Gosh RT, we sure are glad you are ok.
On a big highway, too scarry.

ON EDIT:
(below) John, most excellent idea!
Like the serpentine belt too.

 

good idea... wrenching to see how to get at it and how tough it is... just a thought.. you could replace the original and keep it as a spare to "get you by" till you got a new one if the replacement fails...

 

My daughter recently had a mishap with the hood of her Lexus flying up and demolishing her windshield during rush hour traffic. Cars were rocketing by at 80+ mph. I guess I assume too much, but you'd think people would slow down a notch when they see an obviously mangled vehicle on the side of the road.

Ironically, my F-250 died three times as it idled behind her car while we waited for the wrecker. I have a new CPS in the cab that I need to install ...

 

CPS hit me about a month ago( im thinking) just up and quit while i was at a light freeked me out !!!
well it restarted and i went on my way thinking it was a fluke
started acting up agian yesterday quiting twice on me and once today
so im going to napa to get me a new on tomarrow
got to dust off the ol 95 f150 to go get the parts and ill set the timer to see how long it takes me to change
thanks for the insight
Dwayne

 

ok got it today and cost me 200.36 at the Ford dealer !!
and took me 13 min to change it
im sure i could do it faster lol
going to look to ebay and pick up a spare for the glove box
Dwayne

 

WOW!!! I started to say something smart-a$$ed, like "Was the parts guy smoking a cigarette when you left??" but I figured it wouldn't be too cool to do that. You've paid enough already. Anyone who has seen a CPS knows that kind of price is ridiculous no matter where you live or what dealer you frequent. It ought to be against the law.........