Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2008 Ford Explorer 4WD V6-4.0LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Throttle Position Sensor: Service and Repair
THROTTLE POSITION (TP) SENSOR
Removal
Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L (3V) engine
1. Remove the air cleaner (ACL) outlet pipe.
2. Remove the bolts and position the heated PCV fitting and hoses aside.
- Remove and discard the O-ring seal.
All vehicles
3. Disconnect the throttle position (TP) sensor electrical connector.
4. CAUTION: Failure to remove the throttle position (TP) sensor screws in the following manner will result in damage to the screws. First loosen the screws 1-2 full turns using a hand tool and then use a suitable high-speed driver to complete the removal.
Remove and discard the 2 screws and the TP sensor.
Installation
All vehicles
1. CAUTION:
- Do not reuse the throttle position (TP) sensor and screws. A new TP sensor and screws must be installed. Failure to follow this instruction may result in poor engine performance.
- Do not use a high-speed driver to install the new screws or damage to the throttle position (TP) sensor may occur.
NOTE: When installing the new TP sensor, make sure that the radial locator tab on the TP sensor is aligned with the radial locator hole on the throttle body.
Position the new TP sensor and install the 2 new screws.
- Tighten to 3 Nm (27 lb-in).
2. Connect the TP sensor electrical connector.
Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L (3V) engine
3. Install a new O-ring seal, position the heated PCV fitting and install the bolts.
4. Install the ACL outlet pipe.
Heated PCV Fitting:
Throttle Position (TP) Sensor:
Removal
Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L (3V) engine
1. Remove the air cleaner (ACL) outlet pipe.
2. Remove the bolts and position the heated PCV fitting and hoses aside.
- Remove and discard the O-ring seal.
All vehicles
3. Disconnect the throttle position (TP) sensor electrical connector.
4. CAUTION: Failure to remove the throttle position (TP) sensor screws in the following manner will result in damage to the screws. First loosen the screws 1-2 full turns using a hand tool and then use a suitable high-speed driver to complete the removal.
Remove and discard the 2 screws and the TP sensor.
Installation
All vehicles
1. CAUTION:
- Do not reuse the throttle position (TP) sensor and screws. A new TP sensor and screws must be installed. Failure to follow this instruction may result in poor engine performance.
- Do not use a high-speed driver to install the new screws or damage to the throttle position (TP) sensor may occur.
NOTE: When installing the new TP sensor, make sure that the radial locator tab on the TP sensor is aligned with the radial locator hole on the throttle body.
Position the new TP sensor and install the 2 new screws.
- Tighten to 3 Nm (27 lb-in).
2. Connect the TP sensor electrical connector.
Vehicles equipped with a 4.6L (3V) engine
3. Install a new O-ring seal, position the heated PCV fitting and install the bolts.
4. Install the ACL outlet pipe.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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