Throttle Body

This procedure removes and replaces the throttle body on a 2017 Ford Explorer with 2.3L EcoBoost engine, including disconnection of air intake components and electrical connectors.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Throttle body gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Throttle body (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes to allow capacitors to discharge

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine cover
   Grasp the engine cover firmly at the rear corners and pull straight up to release the grommets from the mounting posts. Remove the cover and set aside.
2. 2

   Disconnect air intake tube
   Locate the air intake tube connecting the air filter housing to the throttle body. Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp at the throttle body end of the intake tube. Loosen the clamp enough to slide the tube off the throttle body inlet. You may need to twist the tube gently while pulling to break the seal. Move the intake tube aside to provide access to the throttle body. Note: Tighten the hose clamp until the tube is secure with no movement when pulled (no specific torque is typically specified for this clamp).
   Torque spec

   Air Intake Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect throttle body electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the throttle body. Press the locking tab on the connector and pull the connector straight off the throttle body. If the connector is stubborn, use an electrical connector release tool to compress the internal lock while pulling.
4. 4

   Disconnect PCV hose
   Locate any small vacuum or crankcase ventilation hose(s) connected near the throttle body (verify routing against the OEM diagram, as the 2.3L EcoBoost may not have a PCV hose directly at the throttle body). This is typically a small diameter hose on the side of the throttle body. Squeeze the hose clamp or press the quick-disconnect fitting (depending on configuration) and pull the hose straight off the throttle body nipple. Note: Check for any small vacuum or breather hose in the vicinity of the throttle body. Note that on the 2.3L EcoBoost the PCV/crankcase ventilation hoses generally connect to the intake manifold or air intake tube rather than the throttle body itself; disconnect only hoses that actually attach to the throttle body, squeezing the clamp or releasing the quick-disconnect fitting as applicable.
5. 5

   Remove throttle body mounting bolts
   Remove the 4 bolts securing the throttle body to the intake manifold. Verify the correct driver size (commonly an 8mm socket or T30 Torx on this application) against the OEM specification. Start with the upper bolts and work your way down. Keep track of bolt locations as they should be reinstalled in their original positions. Support the throttle body with one hand as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling. Note: Remove the 4 bolts securing the throttle body to the intake manifold (verify fastener head type — commonly T30 Torx on this engine).
   Torque spec

   Throttle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove throttle body
   Carefully pull the throttle body straight away from the intake manifold. The gasket may stick, so use a gentle twisting motion if needed. Once free, remove the throttle body and gasket together. Set the throttle body on a clean shop towel with the inlet facing up to prevent dirt entry.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect mounting surface
   Remove and discard the old throttle body gasket. Use a shop towel to clean the intake manifold mounting surface, removing any old gasket material or debris. Inspect the surface for damage, deep scratches, or warping. The surface should be flat and smooth. If cleaning the old throttle body for reuse, spray throttle body cleaner on the bore and wipe clean with a shop towel - do not allow cleaner to contact electrical components.
8. 8

   Install new throttle body gasket
   Position the new throttle body gasket on the intake manifold mounting surface. Align the gasket holes with the bolt holes in the manifold. The gasket should sit flat without forcing.
9. 9

   Install throttle body
   Position the throttle body against the new gasket, aligning the bolt holes. Press the throttle body gently against the gasket to seat it properly. Install all 4 mounting bolts by hand, threading them in a few turns to ensure proper alignment before tightening.
10. 10

    Torque throttle body bolts
    Using a torque wrench and 8mm socket, tighten the throttle body mounting bolts evenly in a crisscross pattern to the OEM-specified torque (verify exact value against Ford service documentation; commonly around 10 Nm / 7 lb-ft for M6 fasteners). This ensures even pressure on the gasket and prevents vacuum leaks. Note: tighten the throttle body mounting bolts evenly in a diagonal (crisscross) pattern to the Ford-specified torque (verify against service data; typically approximately 10 Nm / 89 lb-in)
    Torque spec

    Throttle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect PCV hose
    Push the PCV hose back onto the throttle body nipple until it seats fully. Ensure the hose clamp or quick-disconnect fitting is properly engaged and secure.
12. 12

    Reconnect throttle body electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the throttle body until you hear or feel a distinct click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is locked in place.
13. 13

    Reconnect air intake tube
    Slide the air intake tube back onto the throttle body inlet, ensuring it is fully seated. Tighten the hose clamp snugly so the tube is secure with no movement when pulled. The tube should be secure with no movement when pulled.
    Torque spec

    Air Intake Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery
    Align the engine cover grommets with the mounting posts and press down firmly until all grommets are fully seated. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Do not start the engine yet.
15. 15

    Perform throttle body relearn procedure
    Reconnect the battery, then turn the ignition to ON without starting for a few seconds to allow the PCM to initialize. Start the engine and allow it to idle undisturbed for several minutes so the PCM can complete its automatic throttle/idle relearn. If idle remains unstable or throttle codes are present, perform the relearn using a Ford-capable scan tool (IDS/FORScan). The idle may be rough initially but should stabilize. After the third cycle, start the engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes without touching the accelerator pedal. The idle may be rough initially but should stabilize. Note: After reconnecting the battery, allow the throttle body to relearn: with the engine started, let it idle for several minutes without touching the accelerator so the PCM can relearn the idle position. If idle remains unstable or a throttle code is present, perform the relearn using a compatible scan tool per Ford service procedure.

Reassembly

1. Installation is performed in reverse order of removal
2. Always use a new throttle body gasket - reusing the old gasket can cause vacuum leaks
3. Tighten throttle body bolts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even gasket compression
4. Verify all electrical connectors click into place and are locked

Verification

• Start the engine and verify smooth idle with no rough running or stalling
• Check for vacuum leaks by listening for hissing sounds around the throttle body
• Verify no check engine light or throttle-related diagnostic codes are present
• Test throttle response by gently pressing the accelerator - response should be immediate and smooth
• Inspect all connections for proper seating and no loose hoses or connectors

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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