Bad 6.0 Powerstroke ICP Sensor – (4 Symptoms with fixes)
Maintaining a car is no cakewalk. It is particularly difficult with stronger engines such as the 6.0 Powerstroke. Neglecting maintenance can lead to issues in key components such as the ICP sensors.
Here is a list of the most common Bad 6.0 Powerstroke ICP Sensor Symptoms that you should be aware of:
- Low Fuel Efficiency
- Engine Won’t Start
- Error On OBD Scan
- Illuminated CEL
This is one of the most annoying and severe problems your car can have. I strongly recommend that you don’t waste any time getting to work on your vehicle. The first step is research and the good news is you’re in the right place.
6.0 Powerstroke ICP Sensor Symptoms chart
While these symptoms and causes may point to many other issues, this table includes a list of items that usually indicate a problem with the ICP sensor. Another thing to note is that the causes may overlap as you never know the root before inspection.
This chart should give you a rough idea of what this article will cover if you don’t have the time to read through it. However, I recommend going through the entire thing as I mention important details later in the article.
Common Symptom | Cause |
---|---|
Low Fuel Efficiency | Accumulated Dirt |
Engine Won’t Start | Connection Issues |
Error on OBD Scan | Engine Overheating |
Illuminated CEL | End Of Lifespan |
Signs Of A Damaged 6.0 Powerstroke ICP Sensor
It is never wise to ignore symptoms. Luckily, the symptoms of a broken ICP sensor are hard to miss. These 4 issues should alert you if your sensor is not in good shape.
1. Low Fuel Efficiency
Have you ever felt like your car ran out of fuel before you left the gas station? This isn’t a cause for concern if it is a regular occurrence but if it happens suddenly, you should take a look under the hood.
The amount of fuel your car consumes for each mile is its fuel efficiency. A fuel-efficient car can go quite some without losing much fuel. The 6.0 powerstroke is generally fuel efficient.
An imbalanced internal pressure can set this efficiency off, however. Therefore, a damaged ICP sensor may be at fault.
2. Engine Won’t Start
There is nothing more annoying than a car that just won’t start. This can be especially problematic if you need to get somewhere urgently like a meeting or the hospital.
Because the engine is such a complex machine, there are a lot of components that may be damaged. It is difficult to say which part exactly isn’t working but it wouldn’t be a long shot to say it’s the ICP sensor.
3. Error on OBD Scan
On-board diagnostics or OBD scanner is a tool that shows you an error code called the diagnostic trouble code or DTC that indicates an issue with your car.
Chances are you don’t scan your car with an OBD scanner every once in a while. In fact, I’m not even holding my breath on the chance that you own a scanner. This is one of the most underutilized tools for car maintenance.
If you do regular check-ups on your vehicle with an OBD scanner, one of the benefits is picking up on issues early. For example, the DTCs P2284, P2285, 2286, and 2287 are directly related to your ICP sensor.
4. Illuminated CEL
If you are a car enthusiast, you know just how important the check engine light is. Any experienced driver checks this light as soon as they turn on the car as it is a huge indicator of engine issues.
Again, this may indicate one of several issues but a damaged ICP sensor will almost definitely light this indicated up.
How Your 6.0 Powerstroke ICP Sensor May Have Malfunction?
There are a lot of ways that your sensor may have been damaged but these 4 culprits are usually to blame.
- Accumulated Dirt
I cannot stress the importance of a deep cleaning of your engine every once in a while. If you can’t do it yourself, get it done professionally. Otherwise, dirt and debris will find their way into your car and cause components like the ICP sensor to go on the fritz.
- Connection Issues
This is the easiest issue to fix by far. There is a chance that the ICP sensor has come loose due to excessive movement or direct impact. All you need to fix this is to tighten the sensor.
- Engine Overheating
The ICP sensor helps make sure that temperature levels in your car engine stay at an optimal level by making sure that pressure isn’t excessive. However, if the temperatures have already risen to a certain point, you may damage the ICP sensor itself. A cool engine is a happy engine.
- End Of Lifespan
An ICP sensor is likely to last long. It is one of the most durable components of your engine. Wearing this out is really difficult. However, it’s not impossible.
If your vehicle has crossed the 15-year mark, this may be a possibility. Before that, it’s improbable for it to naturally die out.
Why You Need To Fix The 6.0 Powerstroke ICP Sensor ASAP
People tend to put off car repairs, however, I urge you to take care of this issue instantly. I’ll give your 4 very strong reasons why you should make haste:
- Safety Concerns
- Further damage to the Car due to unregulated pressure
- Increased fuel costs
- Poor Driving Experience
Troubleshooting 6.0 Powerstroke ICP Sensor Symptoms
If I’ve convinced you that you need to go ahead and get the issue fixed immediately, that’s great. You may be confused about how to do it though, don’t worry: follow these easy steps and your car will be as good as new.
- Step 1: Inspect the car at home and ensure that there is actually an issue
- Step 2: Research mechanics. This article should help.
- Step 3: Take your car to your desired auto shop
- Step 4: Thoroughly test your vehicle
- Step 5: Regularly show up for engine checkups
Cost Of Fixing A 6.0 Powerstroke ICP Sensor
Fixing an ICP sensor is not a cheap process by any means: it can cost anywhere between $200 to $400.
The part itself will ring you up a bill of at least $150. This largely depends on where you are buying it from. It is fine to buy it used as these components have a long life. You shouldn’t pay a penny over $250 for this part.
The cheapest mechanic you can get for this job will cost you around $50. However, I highly recommend that you invest in a good mechanic as they are less likely to mess up. They will cost $150 at most.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
An ICP or injection control pressure sensor is a computer that monitors the pressure going through the injectors. This component forms an important part of any diesel engine as proper pressure is vital to their operation.
There are very few engines that have gotten as much praise as this particular model. You can get this engine in a lot of famous Ford vehicles such as the fan-favorite Ford F150. If it is good enough for this super truck, it is good enough for most trucks.
It mainly depends on the make and model of the car. When the engine was first released in 2003, this sensor was under the turbocharger fastened with the HPOP cover. However mid-2004 onwards, it was relocated to the passenger-side valve cover. You can find it near the glow plug controller.
Conclusion – 6.0 Powerstroke ICP Sensor failing sign
To recap, Here is a list of the most common Bad 6.0 Powerstroke ICP Sensor Symptoms:
- Low Fuel Efficiency
- Engine Won’t Start
- Error On OBD Scan
- Illuminated CEL
I hope this article not only outlined the symptoms but also showed you the roots of these issues. Along with that, you are now fully equipped to fix this issue with professional help.
As you can tell, these issues are hard to pick up through basic visual inspection. That is why I urge everyone to go to their local mechanic every now and then.
Video References:
Auto Almanac
Asa Acres
Related Articles:
- 4 Bad/Clogged 6.0 Powerstroke Fuel Filter Symptoms (With Fixes)
- How Much Does It Cost To Bulletproof 6.0? (With Parts & Labor)
- Failing 6.0 Powerstroke EBP Sensor Symptoms (With Fixes!)
- 6.0 Powerstroke Rebuild Cost – (Including Parts, Kits & Labor)
Nasruddin is a passionate car enthusiast with a love for troubleshooting and diagnosing all sorts of vehicle problems. With years of experience in OBD diagnostics, Nasruddin, has become an expert in identifying and solving complex automotive issues.