Couple questions, First what cps is the best to have? black, gray, blue?
Why does the gray make phantom codes? Anyway to stop this? And with those codes is it messing with timing or anything like that?

 

It depends on the truck. First we need to clarify the fact that the color of the CPS ONLY MATTERS if it is from Ford or International. If you get a CPS from the local parts store, it really doesn't matter what color it is, it will likely give you problems. Stay away from all aftermarket CPS's.

The black CPS from Ford / IH was the original factory OEM part. It was known as the weak link on these motors and prone to failure. A recall came out and the gray CPS was introduced to replace the black one. There have been very few reports of failures with the new gray CPS that I've seen here. So the new part does seem to fix the original issue, however, on some vehicles it will also cause a rough idle and the truck to fail cylinders 3 & 8 on the contribution test.

The size and strength of the new CPS and magnet inside of it is different from the original black one, so there is some change in how it works. It would make sense that the different unit would read the notches in the cam gear differently, which would affect our timing. The CCT failure codes aren't necessarily "phantom" codes, since the perdel readings of those cylinders is noticeably higher when read on a scanner. The reason they are referred to as phantom codes is to make sure the dealers who see them don't start replacing injectors for no reason. You will just have to try one to see if your truck likes it.

The blue CPS is from International and was designed for a completely different motor. It does change the timing.

There are also reports of a newer dark gray CPS from International that seems to do better in some trucks than the light gray recall version.

 

Thanks for typing all of that and clearing that up. I have the gray one on now, i'm guessing thats why #8 isn't passing CCT. As long as the gray cps doesn't hurt the motor, I'll keep it on. Guess its time to buy another one through it be hide in the seat just in case

Thanks again.
Another quick question, If you have hybrid injectors and you run a buzz test with the chip OUT, will they all pass? or does the chip have to be in for a buzz test?

 

A buzz test is run with the truck off. Hybrids will still make the audible buzz noise with the chip removed.

 

I bought the dark gray one from IH some weeks ago and the engine definitely runs quieter and no longer sounds like a bucket of bolts when stone cold. Even my wife noticed it without me saying anything. I am going on a 2000 mile trip tomorrow so it will be very interesting to see what affect this dark gray CPS has on mileage. Performance so far is great. Here is the part number. IH CPS part # 1876736c91 whereas the light gray one is IH CPS part # 1876735c9. The dark gray CPS is for the '96 +- vintage of powerstroke engine IIRC.

 

Thanks!! what cps did you have on before you put the dark gray one on? the light gray?

 

My 96 stopped running. Hit the key started back up. Pulled the code it showed CPS. Replaced the CPS with the dark gray IH # 1876736C91. Runs like a scolded dog until it just shuts off. Check engine light comes on. It will start right up and runs great for a few miles then it shuts off. Where do I go from here?

Thanks,
Justin

 

It sounds like your new CPS is bad as well.

 

Thanks. Sure sounds that way to me. Could using the IH CPS cause this problem on a stock 96 7.3? Only mod on the truck is a 10k mod. What else could it be? I need to pull a 14,000 lb fifth wheel today. Not much fun not knowing when the truck is going to die!

Thanks,
Justin

 

I replaced the light gray ford recall cps with dark gray from IH same part # as in above post. Truck seems to start better cold or warm. I was curious about the magnetic strength between the 2 so played with a 1/2 flat washer. I think the d/gray was just a little stronger & was in a little diff pos on the end that goes into engine. Not very scientific but was interesting.

 

I don't have a code reader to pull the code but it's doing the same thing just shutting off. Yesterday I had it checked and it showed a bad CPS. I did unhook the battery in an attempt to reset the code last night after installing the new IH CPS. Acts the same way with a new IH CPS. Check engine light came on. Any ideas of what could be wrong? Will they take the CPS back at IH? Should I stick with Ford?

Thanks,
Justin

 

Update........

Returned the CPS to IH. The new one was installed this AM. Does the same thing. Just runs great and then shuts off. Any thoughts from the experts as to what could be the problem? Wiring? Would the 10K mod cause it to read a bad cps? The shop can't look at it until next week. Help!

Thanks,
Justin

 

Chaffed wires on the ICP sensor or the 10k mod can cause this. Check your wiring closely. Also check the wires on the IPR. If the CPS has been throwing codes, check those wires too. If they short together it would be just like a CPS failure. Same goes for a loose plug connector on any of the sensors.

 

Winner! Winner! A chicken dinner! The problem was with the 10K mod. One of the connectors was loose causing it to interment and throwing the CPS code. Removed the 10K, installed the dark grey IH CPS. Runs great. Better now than before with the 10K mod. I highly recommend the new IH CPS.
Thanks for all of your help.

Justin