Ford Excursion 2000-2005: Engine Camshaft Position Sensor Failures and Replacement
Sudden stalling in your 7.3L Power Stroke or rough running in your V10/V8? Your camshaft position sensor might be the culprit.
- For 7.3L diesel Excursions (2000-2003), this sensor is a known major failure point that can cause sudden, dangerous stalling.
- A recall (07S57) was issued for the 7.3L diesel model's sensor; check if your truck was serviced.
- Using a genuine Motorcraft (DU-87) or International-branded sensor is strongly recommended for reliability, especially on the 7.3L.
- Symptoms include stalling, no-start, rough idle, and the check engine light. A dead tachometer during cranking is a classic 7.3L sign.
Understanding the Camshaft Position Sensor in Your Excursion
The camshaft position sensor (CMP) is a small but vital electronic part. Its job is to track the camshaft's rotation so the engine's computer knows exactly when to fire the fuel injectors and, on gas engines, the spark plugs. When it works, your engine runs smoothly. When it fails, it can cause major problems, from a rough idle to leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
The 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel: A Special Case
If you own a 2000-2003 Excursion with the 7.3L diesel engine, this sensor is a notorious failure point. The original sensors were so prone to failing without warning that Ford issued a safety recall (07S57 / NHTSA 07V553000). A failed sensor on a 7.3L will often cause the engine to suddenly stall while driving or prevent it from starting. Many owners carry a spare sensor and the single 10mm wrench needed to change it in their glove box because the failure is so common and the fix is so quick.
Symptoms of a Failing Camshaft Position Sensor
A bad CMP sensor can cause different problems depending on your engine. Here’s what to watch for:
- Sudden Engine Stalling (Most common on 7.3L Diesel): The engine cuts out completely while driving, as if you turned the key off. This is a serious safety issue.
- No-Start or Hard Starting: The engine cranks but won't fire up. On the 7.3L, a classic sign is the tachometer needle not moving at all while you crank the engine.
- Rough Idle and Misfires: The engine shakes, sputters, or runs unevenly at a stop.
- Poor Acceleration: The truck feels sluggish and lacks power when you press the gas pedal.
- Check Engine Light: The light may come on, with codes like P0340, P0341, or P0344 stored in the computer.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Sensor
When replacing the sensor, you have a choice between OEM (Motorcraft) and various aftermarket brands. For this specific part, especially on the 7.3L diesel, quality matters immensely.
Pro Tip: For the 7.3L Power Stroke, many experienced owners and mechanics strongly recommend using only a genuine Motorcraft (Part No. DU-87) or an International-branded sensor. Aftermarket sensors from budget brands have a reputation for poor reliability and short lifespans.
Brand Quality Tiers
- Tier 1: OEM / Premium Aftermarket (Recommended):
- Motorcraft: This is the original Ford part. The latest version (DU-87) is considered the most reliable replacement for all previous versions, including the recalled ones. It provides the best performance and durability.
- Standard Ignition (SMP): Often considered a high-quality aftermarket alternative, producing parts for many OEM brands.
- Delphi: A well-respected OEM supplier with a reputation for quality electronics.
- Tier 2: Quality Aftermarket:
- Denso, NGK, Hitachi: These are reputable brands known for making quality sensors, though they are more common in Asian vehicles, their quality control is generally high.
- Tier 3: Budget / Economy Brands:
- Dorman, URO Parts, Walker, and others: While attractively priced, brands like Dorman have a mixed reputation for electronic sensors on this vehicle. They may work initially but can fail prematurely, leaving you with the same problem. These are best avoided for a critical sensor like the CMP, especially on the 7.3L diesel.
| Part Type | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| New OEM (Motorcraft) | $90 - $150 |
| New Aftermarket | $14 - $127 |
| Shop Labor for Installation | $50 - $100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a difficult part to replace myself?
No, this is one of the easiest repairs you can do on an Excursion. On the 7.3L diesel, the sensor is located on the front of the engine near the top of the crankshaft pulley, held by a single 10mm bolt. It can be swapped out in about 10-15 minutes. On the V8 and V10 gas engines, the location is also accessible, making it a great DIY job.
Was there a recall for this sensor?
Yes, Ford issued Safety Recall 07S57 for the Camshaft Position Sensor on 1997-2003 vehicles with the 7.3L diesel engine, which includes the 2000-2003 Excursion. The recall involved replacing the original problematic black sensor with an improved version. If you have a 7.3L, it's worth checking if your vehicle had the recall performed.
Will a cheap aftermarket sensor work?
It might work temporarily, but it is not recommended. For the 7.3L Power Stroke, cheap aftermarket sensors are known to be unreliable and can fail quickly, sometimes within hours or days. Sticking with Motorcraft or a top-tier aftermarket brand is a wise investment to avoid being stranded.
What's the difference between the black, gray, and blue sensors for the 7.3L?
These colors refer to different revisions of the sensor. The original was black (F7TZ-12K073-A) and was recalled for high failure rates. Ford replaced it with a gray sensor (F7TZ-12K073-B) which was more reliable but caused a rougher idle for some. The current recommended Motorcraft part (DU-87) and some high-quality aftermarket versions are often referred to as the 'blue' or improved black/grey sensor and are considered the best option.
I replaced the sensor but the problem is still there. What else could it be?
If a new, high-quality sensor doesn't fix the issue, check the wiring and connector pigtail leading to the sensor. On high-mileage trucks, the connector can become brittle, corroded, or the wires can fray, causing the same symptoms as a bad sensor. On gas engines, a code for the CMP sensor can sometimes be triggered by other issues, like problems with the timing chain or cam phasers.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: F7TZ-12K073-B F7TZ-12K073-A F4TZ-12K073-C DU-87 1W7Z6B288AB
The sensor for the 7.3L Power Stroke is a Hall-effect sensor that reads the camshaft trigger wheel to produce a digital square-wave signal for the PCM. It is typically mounted on the front of the engine block and secured with a single 10mm bolt. The gas V8/V10 sensors perform a similar function but may be located differently, often on the front of a cylinder head.
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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.
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