Icp sensor

[rl69]

I was doing some research on a problem a buddy is having on his 7.3. It seams one of the symptoms of a bad Icp is hard starts? Soooo what I'm wondering could my cold start problems be do to a bad Icp?

If temps drop below 40 degrees I need to plug in my heater. or cycle the glow plugs 15 times,give or take.

This summer I changed out the glow plugs. 4 of the 8 were bad but it hasent helped much

[tinhorn97062]

Check your glow plug relay- it’s the more likely culprit.

< power stroke diesel owner

Pm me and we can discuss.

[lylejb]

What tinhorn said. The glow plug relay has a bad habit of melting the connection to the glow plugs, then you don't get power to the plugs.

[Greg S]

I've got the same problem with 157k on a 99. Going to check i believe fuse 22 under the hood. Replaced the relay and no joy.

[rl69]

Relay is good

[tja6435]

Unplug the icp sensor and see if it'll start easier. That's what I do on my 99 F350 7.3 when it's cold outside.

[tinhorn97062]

For what it’s worth, I have the ICP sensor unplugged on my 6.0, and have for a couple years now. The glow plug system is pretty similar between the 7.3 and 6.0, and should be easy to trouble shoot.

[Handloader109]

Never heard of the ICP sensor, but I thought I had a good relay, replaced it and my problem went away..... Just say'n

[Djones]

Could be a number of things. I have a 2000 7.3.

Cheap options to try:
When mine first started acting sluggish a few years ago I started using synthetic in the winter. Another option is Lucas oil additive. It helps keep oil in your hpop ( high pressure oil pump). Your high pressure oil pump could be taking time to get oil flowing to your injectors.

Get a decent sized automatic timer (like for lights while you are on vacation) but sized for a higher load and start plugging your block heater in. Set the timer for about 4 hours before you leave.

More expensive/more troubleshooting options:

Check your uvch (under valve cover harness) making sure all of your glow plugs are hooked up and working.

Is your hpop reservoir full in the morning after sitting? Look in through the plug on top of the reservoir under the plastic power stroke cover. If not close to top full of oil, then oil is leaking out overnight back to the pan. You want this full in order to have faster starts. I think there can be a check valve hanging up (near oil filter?....more research required).

Batteries and starter in tip top shape?

David

[rl69]

Thank you David I like the idea about the timer

Yes battery's are good brand new. Harnes is in good shape glow plugs are new 6 months +-

[blademasterii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMSgUJQa46U ICP censore. First thing I thought of when I read the title. :D

[.45Cole]

Check the codes with a cheap OBD II scanner. If you get a wifi elm327 (like $10) and download car pro app (like $10) you can monitor a lot of things and perform buzz tests on the injectors. Be warned that if an OBD II scanner queries your truck for mode $09 data while the truck is running a glitch in the PCM will kill the motor. No harm, it will fire right back up once the scanner is unplugged. Most apps have a Mode $09 disable to keep the problem from happening.