DTC 145 — CMP Signal Inactive While ICP Has Increased — International DT466E
Navistar three-digit code for the International DT466E (1996–2003) HEUI engine. The ECM saw injection control pressure rise during cranking but did not receive…
What it means
DTC 145 means the ECM detected injection control pressure rising during cranking while the camshaft position signal was inactive. On the DT466E this is a classic no-start: the engine cranks and builds oil pressure but the ECM sees no CMP signal.1
Most likely causes
- CMP sensor not generating a signal during cranking — The camshaft position sensor is inoperative or its signal is not reaching the ECM while the engine is cranking and ICP is building. This matches the generic definition that injection control pressure rose but no CMP signal was seen.1
- CMP sensor connector or wiring open/shorted to ground or power — Damaged, corroded or poorly routed CMP wiring can prevent the ECM from seeing the cam signal. CMP signal noise and wiring issues are known failure modes for CMP faults on this platform.2
- Incorrect CMP air gap or sensor mounting/damage — A failing CMP sensor, wiring or air gap problem can cause the ECM to miss expected camshaft position transitions, leading to no CMP signal during cranking.3
- ECM input circuit fault for CMP — An internal ECM input issue for the camshaft position signal can cause the ECM to report the signal inactive even when the sensor and wiring are functional. CMP faults (DTC 143–145) are known to cause no-start or stalling on the DT466E.1
How to diagnose
- Verify the symptom: engine cranks, ICP rises during cranking, but no start and DTC 145 is present. Confirm the code with a scan tool or flash codes; DTC 111 indicates no faults.
- Inspect the CMP sensor and its connector for oil contamination, corrosion, bent pins or loose connection. Check the wiring harness for chafing, heat damage or poor routing near hot or moving parts.
- Check CMP sensor supply voltage and ground at the sensor connector with key on, and confirm the signal wire is intact to the ECM. Look for shorts to voltage or ground that could suppress the signal.
- Inspect the CMP sensor mounting and air gap; ensure the sensor is properly seated and undamaged. A failing sensor or incorrect air gap can cause missing cam transitions.
- If wiring and sensor check good, monitor CMP signal activity during cranking with a lab scope or scan tool to confirm the ECM is not receiving pulses. Compare to known-good pattern for the DT466E.
- If the CMP signal is present at the ECM but DTC 145 persists, suspect an ECM input circuit fault. Verify related CMP codes such as DTC 143 for incorrect number of transitions or DTC 144 for signal noise to help isolate sensor vs. ECM issues.
Parts and tools you may need
- Digital multimeter
- Lab scope or scan tool capable of reading Navistar three-digit flash codes and live CMP/ICP data
- Basic hand tools for sensor removal/inspection
- Dielectric grease and proper connector seals
Tools you’ll need
- OBD-II scan tool — Confirms DTC 145 and shows live CMP activity during cranking to verify the ECM is not receiving a cam signal.
- digital multimeter — Checks CMP sensor supply voltage, ground continuity, and signal wire integrity to rule out wiring opens or shorts.
- lab scope — Monitors the CMP waveform while cranking to confirm the sensor generates pulses and the signal reaches the ECM.
- inspection mirror — Allows visual inspection of the CMP sensor mounting, air gap, and wiring harness routing in the tight DT466E engine bay.
Rough cost and difficulty
| Likely repair | Parts | Shop labor | Who usually does it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wiring or connector repair | $10–$100 | 1–4 hrs | DIY with tools and a manual |
| Crankshaft or camshaft position sensor | $40–$200 | 0.5–2 hrs | DIY with tools and a manual |
| Engine wiring harness section | $100–$500 | 2–5 hrs | Shop |
| ECM/PCM replacement (programmed) | $600–$2,000 | 1–3 hrs | Shop |
Typical US independent-shop figures; labor runs about $140–$200 per hour (dealers charge more). Confirm the diagnosis before buying parts.
When to see a pro
If the CMP signal is confirmed present at the ECM but the code returns, or if wiring tests are inconclusive, have the ECM evaluated by a qualified diesel technician. Do not attempt internal ECM repairs. If the engine does not start after CMP circuit repairs, further HEUI system diagnosis is required. Do not service high-pressure oil components without proper training and safety equipment.
Check for recalls
Recalls are tied to your truck’s VIN, so check yours directly: enter the VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup. Open safety recalls are repaired free at a dealer.
Sources
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