Ford F-250 (1990-2000) Engine Camshaft Position Sensor Guide
If you own a 7.3L Power Stroke, this is a part you need to know about.
- This is a critical failure point on 7.3L Power Stroke engines; failure can cause sudden stalling.
- For reliability, choose an OEM Motorcraft, International, or a reputable diesel-specific aftermarket brand.
- Replacement is extremely easy (one bolt, one plug) and many owners carry a spare in the truck.
- A dead tachometer during cranking (on pre-2002 models) is a classic sign of a failed CPS.
Understanding the Camshaft Position Sensor in Your F-250
For owners of the 1990-2000 Ford F-250, especially those with the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engine, the Camshaft Position Sensor (CPS) is a part you can't ignore. This small sensor is located on the front of the engine, near the main crankshaft pulley at about the 10 or 11 o'clock position. It reads targets on the camshaft to determine engine speed and position, sending that critical data to the main computer (PCM). While gas engines in this year range also use a CPS, the 7.3L Power Stroke is famous for CPS failures that can leave you stranded without warning.
A Known Point of Failure on the 7.3L Power Stroke
The CPS on the 7.3L diesel is its Achilles' heel. Failures are so common that Ford issued a safety recall (07S57) for the original black-colored sensor. The replacement was a gray-colored sensor, but many owners found it caused rough idling and other performance issues. Because of this history, many veteran 7.3L owners carry a spare CPS and a 10mm wrench in their glove box at all times.
Symptoms of a Failing Camshaft Position Sensor
A bad CPS can cause a range of problems, from annoying to critical. The most severe symptom is the engine suddenly shutting off while driving, as if you turned the key. It may or may not restart after cooling down. Other signs include a no-start condition, long crank times, rough idle, engine hesitation or bucking, and a loss of power. On pre-2002 models, a key diagnostic clue is watching the tachometer while cranking the engine; if the needle doesn't move at all, the CPS is the prime suspect.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket CPS
When it comes to the CPS for a 7.3L Power Stroke, not all aftermarket parts are created equal. The general consensus among owners is to be very careful with cheap, no-name brands.
- Tier 1 (Best Bet): The most recommended options are genuine Motorcraft or International branded sensors. The International part (often black or with a blue o-ring) is highly regarded for smoother operation. Some specialized diesel brands like Alliant Power and Riffraff Diesel have also developed sensors praised for reliability and performance that mimics the desirable original black sensor.
- Tier 2 (Use with Caution): Brands like Standard Ignition (SMP), Delphi, and NGK are established aftermarket manufacturers. While generally better than store-brand parts, for this specific critical sensor on a 7.3L, most experienced owners still recommend sticking with Tier 1.
- Tier 3 (Budget/Avoid): Inexpensive, unbranded, or house-brand sensors (like Duralast or those from O'Reilly's) are frequently blamed for being dead-on-arrival or failing quickly. While they might work in a pinch, they are not recommended for long-term reliability on a 7.3L. The risk of being stranded outweighs the small cost savings.
Pro Tip: For the 7.3L Power Stroke, spending a little extra on a quality Motorcraft, International, or reputable diesel-specific brand CPS is cheap insurance against a breakdown.
Replacement Cost
Replacing the CPS is one of the easier and more affordable repairs on an F-250. The part itself is relatively inexpensive, and the labor is minimal because the sensor is easy to access.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM (Motorcraft/International) | $35 - $95 |
| New Aftermarket | $14 - $86 |
| Shop Labor | $106 - $156 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a difficult repair I can do myself?
No, this is a very easy DIY repair. It involves unplugging one electrical connector and removing a single 10mm bolt. The sensor is located on the front of the engine and can be swapped out in about 10-15 minutes with basic tools. Many owners do this on the side of the road if a failure occurs.
What's the difference between the black, gray, and blue CPS sensors for the 7.3L?
The original sensor was black (P/N F7TZ12K073A) but was recalled due to high failure rates. Ford replaced it with a gray sensor (P/N F7TZ12K073B) under recall 07S57. However, many owners found the gray sensor caused rough idle and other issues. The highly-regarded International replacement sensor (e.g., IHC#1876736C91) is often black with a blue O-ring and is said to restore the smoother operation of the original.
Will a bad CPS always trigger a Check Engine Light?
Not always. The sensor can fail suddenly without ever triggering a light. However, if the circuit has an intermittent problem, it can set codes like P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction) or P0344 (Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent).
My truck is a 1992 with a 7.3L IDI diesel, does this apply to me?
No. This information is specific to the 7.3L Power Stroke engine, which was introduced in mid-1994. The older 7.3L IDI (Indirect Injection) diesel is a different engine design and does not use this electronic camshaft position sensor.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: F7TZ-12K073-B F4TZ-12K073-C F7TZ-12K073-A 1825899C93 1876736C91
Hall effect sensor that reads the camshaft's rotational speed and position. Located on the front of the engine block, held by a 10mm bolt.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Ford F-250: