TPS removal

[specialfxn]

I have a 2004 3.0 ranger. I suspect the Throttle position sensor needs to be replaced. I cant break the screws loose and heard that Ford uses a lot of blue thread locker. I know heat works but am a little hesistant to use it around the engine. At the location, is it possible for gas fumes to be present an ignite? Are there other steps I could take or things to be weary of? Thanks for your input.

Steve

 

[Big Jim M]

When I have a stubborn screw I place the proper driver in the screw socket and give it a few WHACKS with a bfh! That usually breaks them loose.
But to answer your specific question, HELL NO! Never turn on a fire in the engine compartment.
Big Jim

 

[RonD]

Use a hair drier or heat gun, as said above, no open flame


You can test TPS with volt or ohm meter
Use a sewing pin to pierce top wire
Turn key on
Set volt meter to DC or 20vDC
Black probe on Ground, engine bolt is good
Red probe on pin
Voltage should read 4.8-5.0v, this 5v is from the computer

Move pin to center wire
Red probe on pin(Black still grounded)
Voltage should read under 1v, .7-.9 is spec, this voltage is going back to computer
Open throttle slowly while watching voltage
Voltage should steadily increase, no jumping around
With throttle wide open voltage should be above 4.6


TPS is a variable resistor, like a volume control or light dimmer.
Computer "learns" TPS minimum and maximum voltage which is why the throttle closed voltage is not specific and same for wide open throttle voltage.
TPS issues can be varied, it can cause a no start if center wire is above 4.6v all the time, and it can cause "dead spots" when accelerating, i.e. TPS voltage drops suddenly as throttle is opening, so computer reads that as you took your foot off the gas pedal.