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2012 FORD F-150

5.0L V8 Coyote4WDAUTOMATICgas
4 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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engine

Throttle Position Sensor

for 2012 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 Coyote · 4WD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
42 min
Tools
6
Steps
13

This procedure replaces the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) on the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, which is integrated into the electronic throttle body assembly.

Warnings

The throttle body can be hot if the engine was recently running. Allow sufficient cooling time before beginning work.
ℹ️On 5.0L Coyote engines, the TPS is typically integrated into the throttle body. Verify if your application uses a separate TPS sensor or requires complete throttle body replacement.
Do not force the TPS screws during removal as they are small and prone to stripping.

Tools required

8mm socket or nut driverEssential
Ratchet and extensionEssential
Torque wrench (0-20 Nm range)Essential
Flathead screwdriver (small)
Electrical contact cleaner
Shop towels

Parts

  • Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) × 1 — Motorcraft DY1164 or equivalent

Preparation

  1. Ensure engine is cool to the touch
  2. Open the hood and secure it in the open position
  3. Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes to allow capacitors to discharge
  4. Remove the engine cover by pulling upward on the front edge to release the retaining grommets

Procedure

  1. 1
    Access the throttle body
    Locate the throttle body on the driver's side of the engine, mounted to the intake manifold. It has a large air intake duct connected to it from the air filter housing.
  2. 2
    Disconnect the air intake duct
    Loosen the hose clamp securing the intake duct to the throttle body using a flathead screwdriver or nut driver. Disconnect the duct and move it aside to provide clear access to the throttle body.
  3. 3
    Disconnect the throttle body electrical connector
    Press the release tab on the main throttle body electrical connector and carefully pull the connector straight off. This connector powers both the throttle actuator motor and the TPS.
  4. 4
    Locate the TPS on the throttle body
    Examine the throttle body assembly. On most 5.0L Coyote applications, the TPS is integrated into the throttle body housing. If a separate TPS sensor is present, it will be mounted on the side of the throttle body with two small screws and a separate electrical connector.
  5. 5
    Disconnect TPS electrical connector (if separate)
    If your throttle body has a separate TPS sensor with its own connector, press the release tab and disconnect it. If the TPS shares the main throttle body connector, proceed to the next step.
  6. 6
    Remove TPS mounting screws
    Using the 8mm socket or appropriate driver, carefully remove the two TPS mounting screws. Support the sensor with your other hand to prevent it from falling. Keep screws in a safe location for reinstallation.
    Torque spec
    TPS Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Remove the old TPS
    Gently pull the TPS straight away from the throttle body. The sensor shaft should disengage from the throttle plate shaft. Inspect the O-ring or seal on the sensor (if present) and note its position.
  8. 8
    Clean the mounting surface
    Using electrical contact cleaner and a shop towel, clean the TPS mounting surface on the throttle body. Remove any dirt, oil residue, or old gasket material. Ensure the throttle shaft area is clean and free of debris.
  9. 9
    Install the new TPS
    Align the new TPS sensor with the throttle shaft, ensuring the internal coupling properly engages with the throttle plate shaft. The sensor should sit flush against the throttle body mounting surface without gaps. Verify proper alignment before proceeding.
  10. 10
    Install and torque TPS screws
    Insert both TPS mounting screws and hand-tighten them. Using a torque wrench, tighten the screws to specification in a cross-pattern (alternating between screws). Do not overtighten as this can damage the sensor housing.
    Torque spec
    TPS Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect the TPS electrical connector (if separate) and the main throttle body connector. Ensure both connectors click firmly into place and the locking tabs are fully engaged.
  12. 12
    Reinstall air intake duct
    Reconnect the air intake duct to the throttle body, ensuring it is fully seated. Tighten the hose clamp securely but do not overtighten to avoid damaging the duct.
  13. 13
    Reconnect battery and clear codes
    Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition to the ON position (engine off) for 30 seconds to allow the PCM to initialize and relearn the TPS position. If a check engine light was present, use an OBD-II scanner to clear any stored throttle position codes.

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the grommets and pressing firmly until they snap into place
  2. Verify all electrical connectors are secure and no tools were left in the engine bay

Verification

  • Start the engine and verify it idles smoothly without surging or hesitation
  • With the engine running, slowly press the accelerator pedal and verify smooth throttle response without hesitation
  • Check for diagnostic trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner; there should be no TPS-related codes present
  • Perform a test drive to verify normal acceleration and throttle response under various load conditions
  • If drivability issues persist, perform a throttle body relearn procedure using a scan tool or the specific key-on/key-off procedure outlined in the factory service manual

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