In 1953, Henry Ford II designed a concept car named the Vega. It never saw the production line, but this design became the primary influence for the Ford Thunderbird in early 1955. Unlike the Vega concept, the T-bird was more luxurious and less sport-oriented. Since 1955, the T-bird has gone through through 10 revisions, with a break between 1997 and 2002, and finally ending production in 2005. The 1997 T-bird was offered with a choice of a 3.8-liter V-6 or a 4.6-liter V-8. On the 4.6-liter engine, the throttle position sensor is located on the left side of the throttle body. It transmits data from the throttle body to enable the computer to control engine speed, transmission shift points, spark, and fuel injection pulse. A faulty TPS can generate codes P0122 and P0123.
Disconnect the electrical connector from the throttle position sensor and inspect it for any damage. Remove the mounting screws retaining the sensor to the throttle body, using the ratchet and torx socket, then remove the TPS from its mounting location while rotating it clockwise.
Clean the mounting location for the sensor. Insert the replacement throttle position sensor onto the throttle shaft, then rotate it counterclockwise until the screw holes align. Thread the screws by hand and torque them to 25 to 33 inch-pounds with the torque wrench and torx socket.
Reconnect the TPS electrical connector. Using the code reader, clear the codes from the engine computer. If one is not available, disconnect the negative battery cable for about 20 minutes, then reconnect it. Start the engine and observe the check engine light. The throttle position sensor code will come back immediately if any problem is detected.
