Setting FIPL Switches

Keith Browning · February 1, 2015

The real reason for my posting this is because I was wondering if anyone has ever set the FIPL switch using just a volt meter and what the voltage is when properly set using this procedure... minus the Star Tester of course. I still see these on rare occasions and I suspect that at some point our Super Star II is going to become unusable or go missing therefore knowing how to do this with a 1/2" socket extension and a volt meter might be good to know ahead of time.

Throttle Position (FIPL) Sensor

The Throttle Position (FIPL) sensor is used on E-250-350, F-250-350, and F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a 7.3L diesel engine and an E4OD automatic transmission. The TP (FIPL) sensor is a potentiometer attached to the fuel injection pump and is operated by the throttle lever.

The TP (FIPL) sensor is incorporated to provide an electrical signal, which is proportional to the amount of fuel being delivered, as an input to the Transmission Electronic Control Assembly (TECA) Based on this information, the TP (FIPL) provides the proper shift scheduling and torque capacity.

Should a malfunction occur in the TP (FIPL) sensor circuit, the electrical signal sent to the TECA will be recognized as erroneous. When this out-of-specification signal is detected, the TECA will provide a high-capacity operating mode that protects the transmission from potential damage. This operating mode includes maximum TV pressure, resulting in harsh upshifts and engagements and a singular shift schedule regardless of accelerator pedal position, resulting in the 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4 shifts occurring at a speed commensurate with a heavy (but not wide open) throttle setting.

Should harsh or poorly scheduled shifts be encountered, perform Key-On, Engine-Off On-Board Diagnostics to determine the appropriate repair to be performed and correct as necessary before proceeding. Should it be necessary to service the TP (FIPL) sensor, refer to the following procedure.

To check the TP (FIPL) sensor for proper operation and to make any adjustments the engine MUST be turned off.

1. Perform Key-On, Engine-Off On-Board Diagnostics and wait for all the DTCs to be issued.

NOTE: The throttle must be held to the floor, during Key-On, Engine-Off On-Board Diagnostics until the codes have begun to issue from the STAR Tester Transmission Control.

2. After the last DTC has been issued, press the Transmission Control Switch (TCS), this will initiate the TP (FIPL) sensor adjustment mode and allow the STAR Tester to be used as an "audible guide" in setting the TP (FIPL) sensor.

NOTE: The STAR Tester remains in the adjustment mode for only ten minutes. Steps 3-5 must be completed within this time period. If the ten minute time limit is exceeded this procedure must be repeated from Step 1.

3. Remove the throttle cable from the throttle lever on the right side of the fuel injection pump.

4. Insert the VRV Gauge Block T92T-7B200-AH (0.515 inch) between the gauge boss and the maximum throttle travel screw. Hold the throttle lever open against the gauge block. A steady tone indicates the TP (FIPL) sensor is properly adjusted. If the setting is too low the STAR Tester will issue a slow beep (1 per second), if the setting is too high the STAR Tester will issue a fast beep (4 per second).

NOTE: The TP (FIPL) sensor bracket is permanently attached to the pump with tamper-proof screws. Movement of the bracket is not intended as a means for adjustment. If required, adjustment of the TP (FIPL) sensor may be accomplished by utilizing the clearance between the sensor to bracket screws and the sensor.

NOTE: If the TP (FIPL) sensor bracket is loose, remove the epoxy from the bracket to pump mounting screws, adjust the TP (FIPL) sensor/bracket assembly to obtain a steady tone, retighten the screws, and reapply epoxy to the screw heads.

5. To adjust, loosen the two screws that attach the TP (FIPL) sensor to the mounting bracket. Rotate the TP (FIPL) sensor until a steady tone is heard from the STAR Tester. If the setting is too low the STAR Tester will issue a slow beep (1 per second), if the setting is too high the STAR Tester will issue a fast beep (4 per second). Once a steady tone is heard, tighten the attaching screws to 8-10.5 Nm (75-90 in-lb). If the TP (FIPL) sensor cannot be adjusted to obtain a steady tone, replace the TP (FIPL) sensor and repeat this procedure from Step 1.

6. Remove the gauge block. Cycle the throttle lever from idle to wide open throttle (WOT) five times. Reinsert the gauge block to verify the setting. If the tone is not steady then readjustment is necessary. Repeat this procedure from Step 5.

Remove the gauge block. Reattach the throttle cable.

Start the engine. Check throttle operation and transmission shift scheduling and quality.

WARNING: DO NOT TURN THE MAXIMUM THROTTLE TRAVEL SCREW. THIS SCREW HAS BEEN PRESET AND SHOULD NOT BE ADJUSTED.

CAUTION: If replacing the (TP) Fuel Injection Pump Lever sensor, refer to the TSB's, Oasis master parts catalog for the latest release of the (TP) FIPL.

8WA Sman · February 1, 2015

This is what I found http://www.oilburners.net/forums/showthread.php?64436-FIPL-sensor I have no idea how accurate it is???? As for using the Star Tester, I have very little experience using it, the one memory I have of it is my shop foreman @ the dealership exploding the rear air bags on a town car because he forgot to STOP the air ride test or what ever it was called :hitfan: :cover: