This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the throttle body on the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, including disconnection of the air intake system and electrical connectors.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

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

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is cool to the touch
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 2 minutes to allow system to power down
3. Gather all tools and replacement parts
4. Have new throttle body gasket available even if cleaning existing throttle body

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine cover
   Grasp the engine cover firmly and pull upward to disengage the mounting grommets. The cover is not bolted and releases with firm upward pressure. Set aside in a clean area.
2. 2

   Disconnect air intake tube
   Loosen the air intake hose clamp at the throttle body using a flathead screwdriver or socket. Loosen the clamp at the air filter housing end as well. Carefully wiggle and pull the intake tube off the throttle body inlet. If equipped with any breather hoses connected to the intake tube, disconnect those as well.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect throttle body electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the driver's side of the throttle body. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight out from the throttle body. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself.
4. 4

   Remove throttle body mounting bolts
   Using a 10mm socket, remove the four throttle body mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation. Note the bolt locations as some may be different lengths.
   Torque spec

   Throttle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove throttle body
   Carefully pull the throttle body straight out from the intake manifold. The gasket may stick, so gentle twisting may be needed. Do not pry against the mounting surface. Remove and discard the old gasket from the intake manifold mounting surface.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Using a clean lint-free rag, thoroughly clean the intake manifold mounting surface where the throttle body mates. Remove all gasket material and debris. Do not allow any debris to fall into the open intake manifold. You may temporarily stuff a clean rag into the intake opening while cleaning.
7. 7

   Inspect and clean throttle body
   If reusing the throttle body, inspect the throttle blade and bore for carbon buildup. Clean carefully with throttle body cleaner and a soft cloth if needed. Do not force the throttle blade open aggressively. Inspect the throttle body mounting surface for damage or warping. If replacing, transfer any sensors if necessary and ensure the new unit matches the old.
8. 8

   Install new gasket and throttle body
   Position the new throttle body gasket onto the intake manifold mounting surface, ensuring proper alignment with bolt holes. Carefully align the throttle body with the gasket and mounting holes, then push gently into place. Ensure the gasket remains properly seated.
9. 9

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   Start all four throttle body mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper threading. Tighten in a crisscross pattern first to 5 Nm to seat the gasket, then torque to final specification of 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) in a crisscross pattern using a torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Throttle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector firmly onto the throttle body until you hear and feel a positive click. Gently tug to verify it is fully seated and locked.
11. 11

    Reinstall air intake tube
    Position the air intake tube onto the throttle body inlet, ensuring it is fully seated. Reconnect any breather hoses that were disconnected. Position the hose clamp over the connection point and tighten to 5.0 Nm (3.0 lb-ft). Ensure the clamp at the air filter housing end is also properly tightened.
    Torque spec

    Air Intake Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall engine cover and reconnect battery
    Align the engine cover mounting grommets with the posts on the engine and press down firmly until all grommets are seated. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated with positive clicks
2. Verify all hose clamps are tightened to specification and positioned correctly
3. Double-check that no tools or rags were left in the engine compartment

Verification

• Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify no warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard
• Start the engine and allow it to idle. The PCM should relearn idle characteristics within 1-2 minutes
• Check for any air leaks around the throttle body by listening for hissing sounds
• Rev the engine gently to verify smooth throttle response with no hesitation
• If engine idle is rough or check engine light illuminates, perform a throttle relearn procedure: Turn ignition on for 10 seconds, off for 10 seconds, repeat 3 times, then start and idle for 2 minutes
• Verify no air intake leaks at clamp connections
• Take vehicle for a test drive to confirm normal acceleration and idle quality

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