Code P0344 CPS and P1280 ICP now what?
 

I just got the codes scanned and got a P0344 CPS sensor intermittant, and a P1280 ICP circuit out of range low. I know that the CPS sensors are common on these trucks to go bad, but would a bad CPS cause the ICP to read low? I'm just trying to figure out if i am dealing with two seperate problems. What is the ICP and what would it mean if it was low? By the way thanks for all the help you guys have given me over the past couple years.

Replace the CPS, erase the codes and see if the ICP come back. A bad CPS can cause a low idle causing the ICP code. Extremely low idle will set a low ICP IMO.

The injection control pressure (ICP) sensor is a variable capacitance sensor that, when supplied with a 5 volt reference signal from the powertrain control module (PCM), produces a linear analog voltage signal that indicates pressure.

The ICP sensor's primary function is to provide a feedback signal to indicate rail pressure so that the PCM can command the correct injector timing and pulse width and the correct injection control pressure for proper fuel delivery at all speed and load conditions. (except an extremely low idle)

If the PCM detects a malfunctioning ICP sensor the CHECK ENGINE light is illuminated and the PCM will go to open loop control of injection control pressure. (Operate from an estimated injection control pressure.)

Cuda_jim, thanks for the response.... excellent info. I called all the parts stores and the ford dealer and they all wanted roughly 160 for a new cps. I then called a heavy duty truck repair shop and they have several in stock and only want $92.00 for one. I think i'll go to the truck shop and pick on up. My friend is a GM mechanic who specializes in diesels... he brough over a snap-on scanner to read codes, and mentioned something about having to make the truck re-learn itself after i replace the sensor but wasnt sure if it applied to a powerstroke.

nope no relearn for the cam sensor. install and drive!

I'll let you guys know how it does later tonight. TJBeggs, i noticed your signature says that you have a 17 degree hpop in your truck. From what i understand this is the hpop from a newer super duty correct? Is this a direct bolt in replacement?

CPS is a 20 min job that requires one 10mm wrench. You might also need somthing to gently pry it loose, especially if it's OEM.

I buy them from the IH dealer. he doesnt even snicker when I tell him what it's for evidently lots of folks do the same.

Yes the 17 degree pump is from the 99.5 to 03 superduties. For a 94.5 to 95 it requires some modification to the timing cover to create a stand pipe to keep the oil in the HPOP reservior from draining back into the oil pan thus creating a hard start after sitting for a few days. For 96-99 models it is a direct bolt up. there is a write up about the timing cover mods needed but I don't have it on this computer so I will try to find the link when I get home tonight.

Is it true that there are two different camshaft position sensors for the 7.3L? I have a 1995 powerstroke so would i probably have the earlier model?

yes but the only difference is the metal the electical contacts are made from. The earlier use silver and the later use gold contacts. they can be interswapped. some have said that the dissimilar metals is a problem. I am not a metal expert but I doubt it would be a problem.

Gold has lower resistance then silver, gold is your best conductor to the best of my knowledge

I went to my local international dealer and they happened to have several of all three types of CPS in stock. I picked up the one recommended for my year truck and put it in after work. The truck runs perfect now, but it also ran perfect on the way to the international dealer to get the part.. haha. We'll see in the next day or two if it fixed the problem. Not only that but they sold it to me for $88.00, and every parts store in town wanted at least $180, if not $240 for one. Does anyone know of a way to clear stored codes on my truck without a scanner?

tjbeggs, I'm interested in seeing the modification quide to install the superduty hpop, and also if you could tell me why it would desirable to install one in our OBS trucks.

http://www.nigh.org/HPOP_Mod/HPOP_reservoir_HowTo.htm

there is the 17 degree install and drainback fix for 95 and earlier trucks

Pull #9 fuse under the hood & re-install. It will reset the PCM and turn off the CEL.

Well this morning is started up the truck and drove off and everything ran fine until about a mile and a half down the road and it started cutting out and sputtering again. It did this for a few seconds until the CEL came on and then it got a little better. Is it possible that when i start it cold the engine is in some sort of "cold start" mode and when it warms up it starts taking readings from the ICP sensor and then I start having problems? A few other pieces of information.... the truck had a 10k mod when i bought it, but i took it out right after i got it. I noticed the wires were pretty mangles at the ICP sensor when i did but it never gave me a problem before. Could the wires be shorting out on eachother and now causing a problem?

Also I put a DP tuner chip in the truck a few weeks ago, and shortly before that I shimmed my FPR. This was right around the same time it started giving me a problem. Could it be possible that the contacts on ECU are not clean enough? The only thing is that the problem is not consistant so it would have to be making good contact at least most of the time. Should i try pulling the #9 fuse to reset the computer and maybe then my truck will work good now that it has a new CPS? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys

There are two CPS for the 7.3 you can tell which you need by the motor number.
The year and model of your truck have less to do with it.