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The ICP sensor on a 7.3 Powerstroke is also called an Injector Control Pressure sensor. The 6.0 Powerstroke has the same sensor. Both engines have a high-pressure oil system that uses oil pressure to pressurize fuel in each injector.
The 7.3 ICP sensor reads the oil pressure in this system so that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) can increase or decrease oil pressure through the injector pressure regulator.
ProSource Diesel takes a look at the functions of a 7.3 Powerstroke ICP sensor, how to check it, and what to do if it starts displaying symptoms of failure.
The 7.3 ICP sensor monitors the oil delivery pressure in your engine. It sends a current pressure reading to the PCM, which then causes the Injection Pressure Regulator (IPR) to increase or reduce pressure. Those three parts work to provide the correct oil pressure so that your engine responds quickly and efficiently when you step on the accelerator.
The 7.3L Powerstroke ICP Sensor and Sensor Connector are found on the 1994.5 through 2003 Ford F-Series trucks with the 7.3-liter Powerstroke diesel engine.
The ICP sensor on your 7.3 Powerstroke is located on the cylinder head on the driver’s side, near the front of the engine compartment. A diagram of the location will show the 7.3 ICP sensor near the driver’s side oil rail, not far from the high-pressure oil pump or HPOP. It’s generally easy to get to, which makes replacing it not a particularly daunting task.
Let’s take a look at exactly what the 7.3 Powerstroke ICP sensor does. The 7.3 Powerstroke engine is heavily reliant on correct oil pressure to run smoothly. The PCM in the 7.3 Powerstroke needs immediate and accurate information on the oil pressure in the rails to determine how much pressure to deliver to the injectors at any given moment.
The job of the 7.3 ICP sensor is to deliver this information to the PCM. Using a five-volt analog signal, the ICP sensor continuously provides pressure information to keep your engine running smoothly. The entire system operates as follows:
If and when your ICP sensor fails, the above system is interrupted and you will likely see poor engine performance as a result.
Failure symptoms of the 7.3 Powerstroke ICP sensor include rough idling, stalling, surging, misfires, vibration, and no-start. The most common failure symptom for a 7.3 Powerstroke ICP sensor is a no-start situation. Another symptom you may encounter is when the engine suddenly stops running. This can also be caused by:
If the reason is your ICP sensor, a check engine light should also illuminate. You’re also likely to notice error codes. The code p1211 DTC indicates problems with the ICP sensor.
Another failure symptom of the ICP sensor on a 7.3 Powerstroke is a lack of power and/or efficiency. You may also notice a loss in fuel economy and slow acceleration.
A quick way to test for ICP sensor failure is to pull out the plastic clip from the wiring connector and remove the pigtail from the sensor. If you see oil on the plug receptacle, the leads, or near the pigtail connector, your sensor has likely failed.
Why is this such a certain test?
The reason lies in the fact that the ICP sensor measures oil pressure. The constant oil pressure on the ICP exerts a force on the sensor and the housing around the sensor. Eventually, the sensor will succumb to the pressure and the oil leaking around it will cause bad readings.
Another way to test your 7.3 Powerstroke ICP sensor is to leave your engine running, then pull the connector and disconnect the pigtail. This will cause the PCM to deliver a default ICP number of 725 PSI. The stock setting should be 500-550 PSI at idle.
You should immediately notice a difference in your idle when you unplug the ICP sensor. If you don’t notice a difference, it likely means your sensor is already running at the default setting, which generally indicates failure.
Once you’ve confirmed that your ICP sensor is bad, you’ll need to replace it. A replacement sensor is likely to cost between $100 and $200, but replacing it yourself isn’t too difficult.
Step 1 – Disconnect the negative battery cables. Locate the ICP sensor on the driver-side cylinder head near the front of the engine and the HPOP.
Step 2 – Remove the sensor’s electrical connector by loosening the retaining clip and pulling it up away from the sensor.
Step 3 – You might encounter two types of sensors on the 7.3 Powerstroke. One is the original by International and it has a round body and a 5/8′ integral nut at the base. You can use a 5/8″ open-end wrench or a 5/8″ crow’s foot to remove it.
The other type is the Ford replacement part, and it has a 1-1/16″ hex head integrated into the sensor body. You can remove or install it with a 1-1/16″ deep socket or wrench. Both types are interchangeable.
Step 4 – Remove the 7.3 Powerstroke ICP sensor from the high-pressure oil galley in the cylinder head. Make sure that no dirt or debris gets into the hole once the sensor is removed.
Step 5 – Take out your new sensor and coat the o-ring with clean engine oil. Replace the sensor in the same passage and get it snug, but don’t overtighten it.
Step 6 – Generally, you shouldn’t have to replace your ICP connector pigtail, but if you do, it’s not that much more expensive to buy the 7.3 ICP pigtail kit at around $20 more. If the connector is brittle or damaged (such as exposed wires), then you should replace it.
If you’re not replacing it, reinstall the connector on the sensor after applying dielectric grease to the terminals.
The bottom line is that the 7.3 Powerstroke ICP sensor will fail eventually. The good news is that it’s relatively easy to diagnose and replace.
Rely on ProSource Diesel for quality diesel parts like a replacement ICP sensor for the 7.3 Powerstroke. We offer a wide selection of Powerstroke, Duramax, and Cumminsdiesel truck parts for upgrades, repairs, and maintenance.
