Weird jerking/surging problem!?!
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
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Weird jerking/surging problem!?!
I have a 96 F250 with a PSD with 163000 miles. When the engine is cold (and sometimes when it is lukewarm), the engine will run unsteady and if feels almost like it is surging or jerking while I am maintaining a steady speed on the highway. It can also be a little hard to start sometimes when temperatures fall below 40 F or so. Could these two problems be related? I can understand the hard starting being a GP problem, but I don't think the surging is. Someone told me that it might be the ICP sensor, but does that sound like a possibilty?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 6
From: Rio Rancho NM
Does it do it all the time or intermittently? Sounds like it could be the CPS (cam position sensor). I had the same symptoms when mine was going out. You can get them from the dealer (just tell them you want one for a 97 & up - it will work) for a little under $30. They are available online for less than $20 but others will chime in w/ a link for that and replacement procedures. I don't have it. It's located on the front passenger side of the engine at about the 10 or 11 o'clock position of the crank pulley if you're standing in front of the truck looking at the engine. It's easier to replace it from underneath. Possible it could be something else too but the CPS can have many different symptons when it's failing. They're so cheap to replace sometimes it's best to eliminate that possibility.
The hard cold starts could be your glow plug relay, associated under valve cover wiring or glow plugs themselves. Again, others may chime in with troubleshooting procedures.
The hard cold starts could be your glow plug relay, associated under valve cover wiring or glow plugs themselves. Again, others may chime in with troubleshooting procedures.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,756
Likes: 38
From: Nampa, ID
With any luck, you'll receive the recall notice Ford sent out to owners of the 7.3-liter PSD. Mine has already been replaced.
Are you getting any codes? Is the OD light flashing? Is your speedometer and needle acting erratically?
The surging you mention could be the engine momentarily stalling and restarting. That would be a CPS issue. That's what mine was doing. Hasn't happened since the CPS was replaced under the recall notice.
To replace the CPS yourself, I did this:
Are you getting any codes? Is the OD light flashing? Is your speedometer and needle acting erratically?
The surging you mention could be the engine momentarily stalling and restarting. That would be a CPS issue. That's what mine was doing. Hasn't happened since the CPS was replaced under the recall notice.
To replace the CPS yourself, I did this:
- Remove the negative battery cables
- Loosen the serpentine belt and remove it from the lower pulleys. (You don't need to completely remove it, just move it out the way.)
- Go under the truck from the front so you're looking up at the front of the engine.
- Disconnect the wire connection to the CPS.
- Unbolt the CPS and remove it. You may need to pry on it a bit. DO NOT BREAK THE CPS. Small amounts of persuasion are better than large amounts of force. If the CPS breaks, you could be in BIG trouble. Go slow and steady with this step.
- Once you have the CPS out, reverse the procedure to install the new one.
- Dielectric grease on the connection is a good idea. A lot of moisture can get into this area.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 12,835
Likes: 3
From: Silver Lake Dunes, MI
It could be the CPS but may not be as well. Its a cheap and easy place to start plus if its not the problem you will have a spare. The Recall doesn't include 96 and earlier but the 94.5 to 96 truck now also have a cheap CPS they can buy new.
http://catalog.powerstrokeshop.com/p...&subcat2=86772
Is there a check engine light?
http://catalog.powerstrokeshop.com/p...&subcat2=86772
Is there a check engine light?
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2006
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Yes, it is somewhat intermittent and no the overdrive light does not flash and the CEL is not on. I also checked for codes and there were none. I'll look into the CPS. Thanks for the input guys; I appreciate it.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 39
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Have you tried the CPS yet? Your description of what your truck does (jerking while driving) sounds like what mine does also. Mine is a 95. It does it mainly when it is cooler outside. Usually if I let off the accelerator then get back on the accelerator it will run normal. I'd like to know what you find.
David
David
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