How to Clean the Throttle Position Sensor on a 2000 Ford F-150

The 2000 Ford F-150 was available in 40 different trim levels between the Harley-Davidson, Lariat, XL, XLT, WS and SVT Lightning models. The engines included a 4.2-liter V-6, 4.6-liter V-8, 5.4-liter V-8, 6.8-liter V-10, 7.3-liter turbo diesel, and a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8. The throttle position sensor or TPS is located on the throttle body of all of these engines. Removal of other engine parts is recommended for easier access to the TPS for examination and cleaning.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/4-inch-drive ratchet
  • 1/4-inch-drive socket set
  • Penetrating spray
  • Cotton swabs
  • Clean rag
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • 1 can aerosol dielectric spray
  • Dielectric grease tube
  • Open the hood on the F-150. Disconnect the intake hose from the throttle body by loosening the clamp with a 1/4-inch-drive ratchet and socket. Disconnect the intake air hose from the mass airflow sensor by loosening the clamp and pulling free the hose from the MAF. Disconnect by hand the small vacuum hose attached to the intake hose.

  • Completely remove the air intake hose from your work area. Apply penetrating spray to a cotton swab. Dab the penetrating spray onto the throttle position senor mounting screws until they are moist. Place a rag beneath the TPS so you do not drip flammable penetrating spray on the engine. Allow the penetrating spray to set for at least 10 to 15 minutes.

  • Remove by hand the electrical connector from the TPS. Set the connector away from the TPS body so it does not obstruct removal of the senor. Remove the two TPS mounting screws from the sensor, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the TPS horizontally off the throttle body.

  • Apply dielectric spray to a cotton swab. Shake the cotton swab to remove the excess liquid from the swab. Wipe the swab into the electrical connector port on the TPS to remove dirt and debris from the TPS plug port. Inspect the connector posts inside the plug port. If the posts are discolored white or green, you have corroded posts. Replace the TPS if the posts are corroded.

  • Spray the other end of the cotton swab with dielectric cleaner, and again shake the swab. Wipe the circular recess on the throttle body side of the TPS to remove oil and debris from the contact surface. Horizontally install the TPS onto the throttle body after you have cleaned the contact surface, making sure to align the valve body shaft with the small hole in the contact surface. Install the mounting screws, and tighten them snug with the screwdriver.

  • Apply a coating of dielectric grease into the plug port on the TPS. Insert the electrical connector onto the TPS and firmly press it until it clicks and locks into place. Install the intake hose onto the throttle body and the MAF. Tighten both clamps snug with a 1/4-inch-drive ratchet and socket. Install the small vacuum tube into the middle of the intake hose.