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Home β€Ί Waveforms β€Ί 2020 Ford F-150 β€Ί Throttle Position Sensor

Throttle Position Sensor

2020 Ford F-150 Β· 5.0L V8 Coyote

0.85V0.8V0.65V500ms/div | 1V/divdc-variable
Sensor Type
hall-effect
Waveform Type
dc-variable
Location
Integrated into electronic throttle body assembly on intake manifold, driver side
Pins
6-pin connector
0
Timebase
500ms/div
Voltage Scale
1V/div
Trigger
2.5V

Wiring

Two independent sensors: TP1 - Red/Light Blue (5V ref), Orange/White (signal), Brown (ground); TP2 - Violet/Orange (5V ref), Light Green/White (signal), Brown/White (ground)

Expected Voltage Range

At Idle
0.65V to 0.85V
At Higher RPM
4.3V to 4.7V

Expected Pattern

Dual redundant DC voltage signals: TP1 increases from ~0.7V at closed throttle to ~4.5V at WOT; TP2 inversely related, starts at ~4.3V closed throttle and decreases to ~0.9V at WOT

Known-Good Waveform

Two smooth, linear DC voltage ramps that move in opposite directions as throttle opens. At idle/closed throttle, TP1 should read 0.65-0.85V and TP2 should read 4.2-4.4V. Both signals should track smoothly without steps, jumps, or dropouts through the entire range. The sum of TP1 and TP2 should remain constant at approximately 5.0V throughout throttle range, validating both sensors.

Common Failure Patterns

One sensor signal shows steps, spikes, or flat spots while sweeping throttle; other sensor may be normal
Cause: Worn throttle position sensor contact tracks, carbon buildup on throttle plate causing binding, or internal sensor failure
Related DTCs: P2135, P2101, P0121, P0122, P0123
Both TP1 and TP2 signals present but correlation error - sum does not equal ~5V or signals don't track inversely
Cause: One sensor circuit degraded, voltage reference problem, or throttle body internal sensor mismatch
Related DTCs: P2135, P2138
Signal voltage outside normal range (TP1 below 0.5V or above 4.8V at rest), or default to fixed voltage
Cause: 5V reference circuit fault, ground circuit high resistance, or complete sensor failure
Related DTCs: P0122, P0123, P0220, P0223, P2135

Diagnostic Tips

Ford electronic throttle bodies are integrated units; sensor cannot be replaced separately. Monitor both TP sensors simultaneously on dual-trace scope while slowly opening throttle to detect intermittent faults. Verify 5V reference at both sensors is stable and check for throttle blade carbon buildup causing mechanical binding.

Related Diagnostic Trouble Codes

P0120P0121P0122P0123P0124
Always confirm waveform data with your vehicle's OEM service manual before diagnosing.

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