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HomeWaveforms2023 Ford F-150Throttle Position Sensor

Throttle Position Sensor

2023 Ford F-150 · 3.5L V6 EcoBoost

1V0.8V0.5V500ms/div for sweep test | 1V/divdc-variable
Sensor Type
hall-effect
Waveform Type
dc-variable
Location
Integrated into electronic throttle body assembly on intake plenum, passenger side of engine
Pins
6-pin connector
0
Timebase
500ms/div for sweep test
Voltage Scale
1V/div
Trigger
N/A - DC signal

Wiring

TP1 signal: Gray/White, TP2 signal: Brown/White, 5V reference 1: Red/White, 5V reference 2: Violet/Orange, Ground 1: Black/White, Ground 2: Brown/Black

Expected Voltage Range

At Idle
0.5V to 1V
At Higher RPM
4.2V to 4.7V

Expected Pattern

Two independent ratiometric voltage signals (redundant sensors), TP1 increases with throttle opening, TP2 follows inverse relationship for fault detection

Known-Good Waveform

At idle (closed throttle), TP1 reads 0.5-1.0V while TP2 reads approximately 4.0-4.5V. As throttle opens to WOT, TP1 increases smoothly to 4.2-4.7V while TP2 decreases inversely to 0.5-1.0V. The two signals should maintain a sum of approximately 5V throughout the sweep with smooth, linear transitions and no steps or flat spots. Response time should be instantaneous with throttle blade movement.

Common Failure Patterns

One sensor signal stuck at fixed voltage or reads implausibly while other sensor operates normally
Cause: Partial sensor failure in redundant TPS circuit, carbon buildup on throttle blade causing mechanical binding
Related DTCs: P0121, P0122, P0123, P2135
Both sensor signals present but correlation error, sum of TP1 and TP2 does not equal approximately 5V
Cause: Sensor circuit voltage reference problem or internal throttle body sensor degradation
Related DTCs: P2135, P2101, P2106
Erratic voltage spikes or dropout on one or both sensors during throttle sweep
Cause: Worn throttle shaft bushings or connector terminal corrosion, moisture intrusion in throttle body connector
Related DTCs: P0121, P0122, P2135
Signals lag or do not return to idle voltage smoothly, hesitation in signal response
Cause: Carbon buildup preventing smooth throttle blade movement or failing throttle return spring in electronic throttle assembly
Related DTCs: P2101, P2111, P2112

Diagnostic Tips

Ford electronic throttle bodies on EcoBoost engines are prone to carbon buildup affecting both sensor readings and blade movement; clean throttle body and perform relearn procedure after any service. Always monitor both TP1 and TP2 simultaneously to verify proper correlation—voltage sum should remain constant at approximately 5V throughout entire throttle range.

Related Diagnostic Trouble Codes

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

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