P1247 code on your 7.3 powerstroke engine means that the engine is not getting enough turbocharger boost pressure. This can happen because of
- Clogged Fuel Injector
- Clogged Fuel Filter
- VGT Vanes Being Stuck Open
- Faulty PCM
- The MAF Sensor is not working properly
- MAP hose is damaged
- The high-pressure oil pump is not working properly
- Damaged turbocharger component
To fix most of these problems, you have to replace a few components or just unclog them from the dirt. Solving these problems is not that difficult, and some of them can be done by you. However, a few of the replacement requires expert diagnosis.
To know more about fixing the p1247 code on the 7.3 Powerstroke engine, let’s get started.
What Does the P1247 Code on 7.3 Powerstroke Mean?
Once again, the p1247 code on a 7.5 powerstroke engine implies that it is running low on the turbocharger boost pressure in the engine. Normally, the turbocharger is responsible for increasing the power of the engine, but if the turbocharger or any component in the overall fuel delivery system is damaged or malfunctioning, then the Engine Light or the Service Engine Soon Warning Light will come on.
There are different reasons why this code will be shown once diagnosed. Let’s go through each of the reasons.
Reasons And Solutions of P1247 Code on 7.3 Powerstroke
Clogged Fuel Injector
It’s the fuel injectors that deliver the exact amount of fuel to the 7.3 Powerstroke engine that facilitates its power output.
A malfunctioning injector can trigger the P1247 diagnostic trouble code as detected by the engine’s self-diagnostic system when one or more of these injectors fail to function properly.
In addition, a clogged fuel injector can significantly affect the turbocharger’s boost pressure. This is because injectors play a crucial role in ensuring proper combustion, and when they are compromised, this can result in suboptimal combustion.
Thus, poor combustion can result in reduced engine power and acceleration, as well as lower discharge pressure and inefficient fuel atomization. Due to these factors, the engine’s boost pressure decreases, resulting in reduced performance.
Keep in mind that it is common for fuel injectors to malfunction when they become stuck open, develop coking on their injection valves, or encounter other problems.
Solution: Unclog the Fuel Injector
To fix this problem, you need to unclog the fuel injector to ensure proper flow of the fuel. Following are the steps for unclogging the fuel injector.
Step 01: Begin by visually inspecting the fuel injectors for any visible issues.
Step 02: Remove all the fuel injectors from the fuel rail by gently pulling them out.
Step 03: Remove the O-rings from the fuel injectors. Consider replacing them with new ones if damaged or worn, but if they appear undamaged, you can reuse them.
Step 04: Remove the filter strainer from each fuel injector. Be cautious, as the filter strainer may be damaged during removal, necessitating replacement with a new one.
Step 05: Create a DIY adapter using a hose that fits onto the fuel injector and secure it with a hose clamp. Attach the other end of the hose to a car cleaner straw.
Step 06: Choose a suitable cleaning solvent. In this demonstration, carburetor cleaner is used as the cleaning solvent.
Step 07: Connect a wire with an alligator clip to the fuel injector’s solenoid to provide power. This can be done using a 12-volt battery or your car’s battery. Listen for the clicking sound of the solenoid to confirm it’s receiving power.
Step 08: Attach the car cleaner straw to the injector and simultaneously apply power to the solenoid using a push switch or similar means. Observe the spray pattern of the cleaning solvent, which should improve with each spray.
Step 09: Continue cleaning each fuel injector using the same method, observing the spray pattern to ensure effective cleaning. After each cleaning, release pressure by pushing the power switch before removing the hose.
Step 10: Put new O-rings back onto the fuel injectors, ensuring they are properly lubricated.
Step 11: Replace filter strainers with new ones.
Step 12: Lubricate the O-rings and reattach the injectors to the fuel rail.
Step 13: Reassemble all components, including the fuel rail and any other parts you removed.
Step 14: Start the engine, and don’t be alarmed if it starts hard initially; it will take some time to refill the fuel rail with fuel.
Step 15: After cleaning the fuel injectors, you should notice improved fuel economy and engine power.
If you want to know the process, then check out how to clean fuel injectors without removing them.
Clogged Fuel Filter
Sometimes, even if the filter is doing its job, it can get clogged. In the 7.3 Powerstroke engine, the fuel filter’s job is to clean the fuel by removing any dirt or junk before it goes into the engine.
If this filter gets clogged, usually because the fuel is dirty, it can slow down the fuel going to the engine and make the P1247 code pop up.
Solution: Unclog the Fuel Filter
Just unclog the fuel filter to make sure that the fuel flow is smooth. Following are the steps
Step 01: Disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery
Step 02: Remove the fuel filter from the engine
Step 03: Grab the pressurized cleaner and use it to clean the fuel filter
Step 04: Now, tap it against the side of the container that has been used to catch the spilled gas
Step 05: Make sure that the spray and the loose debris fall out of each nozzle
Step 06: Once again, spray the nozzle, tap out the debris, and let the filter air dry for at least an hour
Step 07: Finally, when the fuel filter is dry, install it back to the fuel line. After that, connect back to the negative terminal of the battery.
Apart from that, if you consistently face problems such as the car vibrating while riding, the engine not starting, or decreased fuel economy, then your fuel filter might be damaged. In that case, your best step is to replace the fuel filter.
Check this guide on the steps of fuel filter replacement of a 7.3 Powerstroke engine. You can do it yourself since this is as simple as changing the light bulbs of your house.
VGT Vanes Stuck Open
Your vehicle has a special turbocharger called a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT). Sometimes, the little flaps inside it get stuck in the open position. When this happens, the car’s brain, the ECU (Engine Control Unit), steps in to protect the engine from harm.
The ECU stops the engine from getting too powerful by turning off the ignition and cutting off the fuel supply. Even if you press the gas pedal hard, the engine won’t get more power because of these safety measures.
Solution: Replace the VGT
Try rocking the VGT lever first. If that does not help solve the problem, then you should replace the VGT. This is not an easy step, and we recommend consulting an experienced mechanic for the process. It should cost you over $ 2,000 for the whole process.
Faulty PCM
PCM is in charge of many things. One of those things is controlling something called the wastegate actuator. This actuator is responsible for deciding how much exhaust gas should go into the turbocharger, which is like a power booster for the engine.
Now, the PCM gets information from a sensor called the turbocharger boost control position sensor. This sensor tells the PCM how much boost the turbocharger should give to the engine.
But here’s the catch: If the PCM is not doing its job correctly, it might not be able to tell the wastegate actuator what to do. When that happens, the turbocharger doesn’t provide enough extra power, and your engine feels weak and sluggish.
Solution: Replace the PCM
If the PCM is not working properly, then just replace it. Otherwise, there will be problems in the engine performance.
Malfunctioning MAF Sensor
When the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor isn’t working correctly, it can affect the engine’s low turbocharger boost pressure. The MAF sensor’s job is to measure how much air goes into the engine and then share this data with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
However, if the MAF sensor isn’t doing its job properly, it might not accurately measure the air going into the engine. This can result in incorrect mixtures of fuel and air, causing the turbocharger to provide less boost pressure than needed.
Solution: Replace the MAF Sensor
To fix this issue, just replace the MAF sensor. Following are the steps for replacing the MAF sensor
Step 01: Start by locating the MAF sensor. It’s typically found inside the air filter housing.
Step 02: Remove the air filter housing assembly. This may require a bit of force, as it has tabs that lock into bushings.
Step 03: Next, open the clamp that holds the two halves of the air filter housing together. Once opened, you can remove the air filter itself. If it’s stuck, gently wiggle and pull it off.
Step 04: Below the air filter, you’ll find a wire attached to the MAF sensor. Carefully pull down the rubber gasket around it and disconnect the wire. You may need to press on a tab or use a pocket screwdriver to help release the connector.
Step 05: To remove the MAF sensor from its mounting plate, locate and remove two 10-millimeter bolts that secure it. Set the bolts aside.
Step 06: Separate the MAF sensor from the mounting plate.
Step 07: If you’re replacing only the MAF sensor, use a T20H safety locking bit to unscrew it from the mounting plate. Make sure the direction of the wires on the new sensor matches the arrows on the mounting plate.
Step 08: Screw in the new MAF sensor and tighten it securely.
Step 09: If you have a complete assembly, simply align the direction of the wires on the new sensor with the arrows on the mounting plate.
Step 10: Start the two 10-millimeter bolts back into place and snug them up.
Step 11: Reconnect the MAF sensor assembly back into its location, ensuring that all the cutouts align correctly.
Step 12: Reattach the air filter, making sure it’s securely in place.
Step 13: Reassemble the two halves of the air filter housing, ensuring the tab at the top aligns with the groove.
Step 14: Lock down the clamp to secure the air filter housing.
Step 15: Reconnect the wire to the MAF sensor.
Step 16: Finally, drop the air filter housing back into its grommets, secure it, and you’re done.
That’s it! You’ve successfully replaced the MAF sensor on your vehicle.
Damaged MAP Hose
The MAP hose is a short rubber tube that links the engine’s intake manifold system to the MAP sensor.
The MAP sensor’s role is to track the pressure within the intake manifold. In order for the engine to generate power, this data is used to determine how much air enters the engine and how much fuel is mixed with it.
When the MAP hose is harmed or disconnected, it can lead to a vacuum leak in the intake manifold.
The engine can run too lean as a result of this vacuum leak. In simple terms, it means there isn’t enough fuel being delivered to the engine’s cylinders. This can cause the engine to perform poorly, potentially leading to stalling and triggering the P1247 code.
Solution: Replace the MAP Hose
To fix this, just replace the MAP hose. There is no point in trying to fix it. After you are done replacing the MAP hose, check the performance of the MAP sensor. If it is also malfunctioning, then replace it.
This MAP Sensor replacement guide will help you with the process more in detail.
Malfunctioning High-Pressure Oil Pump
The high-pressure oil pump plays a critical role in the 7.3 Powerstroke engine by supplying the essential pressure needed to operate the fuel injectors.
The pump’s pressure is responsible for delivering fuel from the injectors in the precise amounts needed to generate power within the engine.
However, when this pump experiences a malfunction or failure, it can disrupt the proper functioning of the fuel injectors. This disruption can lead to the triggering of the P1247 code.
Solution: Replace the High-Pressure Oil Pump
Replace the high-pressure oil pump. Check this video for visual guidance.
After you are done replacing the high-pressure oil pump from the engine, clear the p1247 code from the engine’s computer. After that, go for a ride to ensure that the problem has been solved.
Turbocharger Not Producing Enough Boost
The turbocharger in the engine is like a supercharger. It pushes extra air into the engine’s cylinders, making the engine more powerful.
Here’s how it works: The engine’s exhaust gases spin a little fan in the turbocharger. That fan, in turn, powers another fan that pushes more air into the engine.
But if the turbocharger isn’t working well and doesn’t provide enough extra air, the engine won’t get enough fuel. This can make the P1247 code show up.
Solution: Replace Damaged Turbocharger Part
To figure out and repair this problem, you’ll have to look at the turbocharger and make sure it’s working okay. Here’s what you need to do:
- Check the turbocharger’s parts, like the bearings, shaft, and seals. Make sure they’re in good shape.
- Take a look at the compressor and turbine blades inside the turbocharger. If any of these parts are broken or worn out, you should replace them.
Now, if you intend to remove the entire turbo, then check this video.
Conclusion
Therefore, fixing the p1247 code on the 7.3 powerstroke engine requires proper diagnosis at first. You need to verify if the problem is with the high-pressure oil pump or the MAF sensor. Once you find the main source of the issue, you can solve the problem. But make sure that you only go for the DIY step if you are experienced in solving the problem. If you are not, we recommend going to a mechanic to fix this problem.
