Ford will be recalling 1.2 million trucks, SUVs and vans due to a faulty engine sensor. The recall affects vehicles of from 1997 through 2003 that are equipped with the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engine. This diesel motor actually came before the dreaded 6.0L diesel from International/Navistar that was known for its unreliability. Though also built by Navistar, the 7.3L is actually considered to be quite bulletproof. The recall, however, encompasses F-series Super Duty pickups, Excursion SUVs and E-series vans that were equipped with the 7.3L diesel. The sensor in question is the engine's camshaft position sensor. Over time the part can apparently degrade leading to engine stall, potentially causing an accident if the vehicle is moving. Ford claims it's aware of 14 accidents or instances of drivers losing control of their vehicle related to this issue, which we'd say is about 14 too many. Customers with possibly affected vehicles will be notified beginning December 17th for a free repair.
[Source: Detroit News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ligor @ Dec 6th 2007 2:43PM
The sensor in question is the engine's camshaft position sensor???
Nissan just recalled for a similar issue just not too long ago - maybe it's the same sensor supplier (though not necessarily the same sensor, but it'd be nice to know if this is so.
the dude @ Dec 6th 2007 4:47PM
The sensor is an international part, so there is no telling...
Todd @ Dec 6th 2007 3:01PM
That looks like a success ratio of 99.9983% to me, and that's after up to 10 years. It must be a very inexpensive part to replace.
Pete @ Dec 6th 2007 3:05PM
Good grief.
Sensors like this fail over time. This seems very stupid.
I had a similar issue with my ford conturd took about 15 min to replace and cost me +/- $50
Guenther @ Dec 6th 2007 3:34PM
On 7.3's it happened often enough to where I know guys that would just buy one and throw it in the glove box.
I wonder if anyone will get refunds if they've replaced it already (I know the answer)
Gardiner Westbound @ Dec 6th 2007 3:54PM
Ford has been fighting a rearguard action to avoid this recall for years.
It just has to be cheaper to build them correctly in the first place.
k.w.a @ Dec 6th 2007 4:26PM
O Lord cmon guys,
as soon as the word "recall" stopped being synonimous with Ford trucks/suvs (firestones, anyone?) they start this up again? too bad, so sad
Papi L-Gee @ Dec 7th 2007 10:28AM
As long as it's not associated with fresh new models, it's not as bad a problem. Some things you just don't see for a few years.
50this @ Dec 6th 2007 4:53PM
I'm one of those guys that carries around a spare in the glovebox for just this reason. This is definitely something they've tried to ignore for a long time. In their defense though, they recently introduced a new replacement CPS that was only $25 rather than the $100+ one that you used to have to buy when they went bad.
fireblade @ Dec 6th 2007 7:08PM
LOL. Quality is job 1 *sarcasim* What a joke!
dieseltech @ Dec 6th 2007 9:07PM
After fixing these things since they were originally produced in 1993.5, i can tell you the sensor has been a problem from the beggining. The biggest issue is the aluminum front cover of the engine which expands when the engine warms-up causing the sensor air gap to change.
j_diesel @ Dec 7th 2007 2:06AM
i dislike ford and this is further proof of why. however, in their defence, i seem to remember a big issue with the 6.5L diesel designed in the same era. i believe GM's fix was to replace the faulty fuel pump and also gave the fuel system an 11year warranty from the in-service date. ford recall...and life goes on.
That One Person @ Dec 7th 2007 12:56PM
Why dislike Ford? They didn't build the engine.
Kind of like everyone hating Ford over the supposedly crappy 6.0L.
j_diesel @ Dec 8th 2007 1:03PM
ford didn't build the 7.3 or the 6.0 or the 6.4 and GM didn't build the 6.2 or the 6.5 and only played a part in the 6.6. the point is the engineers from those companies accepted those engines as suitable for the application. the 7.3 is/was a good engine but ford's handling of the sensor problem was typical large auto company logic.
the 6.0 is a bad engine and by the time all the issues are sorted it's reputation will have been tarnished beyond repair. even ford and navistar agreed the 6.0 was not acceptable. that is why the 6.4 was released.
Willem B @ Dec 7th 2007 8:07AM
i'm surprised they are recalling 14-15 year old vehicles.
I'd say kudo's to Ford for still fixing a problem. And besides, it's an International part, not a Ford part, so don't blame Ford.
Owain Ozymandias Buck @ Dec 7th 2007 8:52AM
Everybody I know with a 7.3 keeps a spare in the truck. Bout time.
My mom's deville has been having the symptoms of a bad crank sensor, and when I went on caddy forums looking for info--lo and behold, it's epidemic.
I wonder who makes these crappy parts?
MikeSS @ Dec 7th 2007 9:01AM
Ford vs. Toyota - The recall wars!
Anyone keeping score?
jim @ Feb 4th 2008 8:45PM
Well as a former employe of ford motor company "29 years " why dont they reveal whear the recalled parts originate? it is usually a forgin country ie;japan,milisia ,korea.china,mexico,or usa,etc gee I want to take over your auto market shure I'll build your quality parts for you "lol"
pat delaney @ Feb 4th 2008 9:33PM
Anyone know if this is the same part as a "tach sensor" which obviously drives the tachometer? Mine (99 F350) went out 3 yrs ago on a trip and I was charged $300 to replace it.