How to troubleshoot the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) on Ford Explorer?

Before deciding that sensor failure has occurred, it is necessary to inspect wiring problems when troubleshooting the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). The TPS is a potentiometer on the throttle body that sends throttle position to the PCM through a voltage signal. Surging or stalling may result from a faulty TPS. To test the TPS, disconnect the sensor and check the reference voltage, which should be around 5.0 volts with the ignition On and the engine off. Reconnect the sensor and measure the signal voltage, which should be 0.5 to 1.5 volts at closed throttle and increase steadily to 4.0 to 5.0 volts at wide-open throttle. Ensure that when closed, the meter reads less than 1.5 volts, and when fully open it gives about 5.0 volts reading on the multimeter display. There can be a need for advanced tests if those issues continue happening in your car engine system or have some effect on vehicle performance. Remove the snow shield (on 2001 and later models) to replace the non-adjustable TPS. Then, disconnect the electrical connector before firmly attaching the new sensor on the throttle body.

Genuine Ford Explorer Throttle Position Sensor

TPS Switch

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6 Throttle Position Sensors found

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Ford Explorer Potentiometer - Engine Throttle
Part Number: F4SZ-9B989-AA
$45.37 MSRP: $72.36
You Save: $26.99 (38%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Replaces: F4SZ-9B989-A
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1997-2003 Ford Explorer | 6 Cyl 4.0L, 6 Cyl 4.0L SOHC EFI, 8 Cyl 4.6L Romeo SOHC EFI | 4AT 4R70W, 5-Speed Automatic Transmission 5R55S, 5-Speed Automatic Transmission 5R55W, 5-Speed Manual Transmission (M5R4), 5AT 5R55E, 5MT, 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (6R80), 6-Speed Automatic Transmission 6R60, Four-Wheel Drive (Full Time) (Left Hand Drive), Four-Wheel Drive (Part Time) (Left Hand Drive), Four-Wheel Drive (Part Time) (Right Hand Drive), Left Hand Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive (Left Hand Drive)
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Ford Explorer Potentiometer - Engine Throttle
Part Number: 6L2Z-9B989-D
$72.05 MSRP: $119.09
You Save: $47.04 (40%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Replaces: 3L5Z-9B989-AA, 6L2Z-9B989-B, 6L2Z-9B989-A, DY-1049
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2004-2010 Ford Explorer | 6 Cyl 4.0L SOHC EFI, 8 Cyl 4.6L, 8 Cyl 4.6L Romeo SOHC EFI | 5-Speed Automatic Transmission 5R55S, 5-Speed Automatic Transmission 5R55W, 5-Speed Manual Transmission (M5R4), 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (6R80), 6-Speed Automatic Transmission 6R60, Four-Wheel Drive (Full Time) (Left Hand Drive), Four-Wheel Drive (Part Time) (Left Hand Drive), Four-Wheel Drive (Part Time) (Right Hand Drive), Left Hand Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive (Left Hand Drive)
View related parts
Ford Explorer Potentiometer - Engine Throttle
Part Number: 6L2Z-9B989-A
$72.05 MSRP: $119.09
You Save: $47.04 (40%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Manufacturer Note: Kit
- Replaced by: 6L2Z-9B989-D
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2006-2010 Ford Explorer | 8 Cyl 4.6L | 5-Speed Automatic Transmission 5R55S, 5-Speed Automatic Transmission 5R55W, 5-Speed Manual Transmission (M5R4), 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (6R80), 6-Speed Automatic Transmission 6R60, Four-Wheel Drive (Full Time) (Left Hand Drive), Four-Wheel Drive (Part Time) (Left Hand Drive), Four-Wheel Drive (Part Time) (Right Hand Drive), Left Hand Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive (Left Hand Drive)
View related parts
Ford Explorer Potentiometer - Engine Throttle
Part Number: F4SZ-9B989-A
$45.37 MSRP: $72.36
You Save: $26.99 (38%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Replaced by: F4SZ-9B989-AA
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1997-2001 Ford Explorer | 6 Cyl 4.0L | 4AT 4R70W, 5AT 5R55E, 5MT
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Ford Explorer POTENTIOMETER - ENGI
Part Number: FO7Z9B989B
$26.33 MSRP: $35.97
You Save: $9.64 (27%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Throttle Position Sensor
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1991 Ford Explorer | 6 Cyl 4.0L | 4AT A4LD, 5MT
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Ford Explorer Potentiometer - Engine Throttle
Part Number: F57Z-9B989-A
$31.46 MSRP: $50.18
You Save: $18.72 (38%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Throttle Position Sensor, Throttle Sensor
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by Ford's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1997-1998 Ford Explorer | 6 Cyl 4.0L | 4AT 4R70W, 5AT 5R55E, 5MT

Ford Explorer Throttle Position Sensor Parts Questions & Experts Answers

Potentiometer - Engine Throttle
F4SZ-9B989-A
Q: How to troubleshoot the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) on Ford Explorer?
A: Before deciding that sensor failure has occurred, it is necessary to inspect wiring problems when troubleshooting the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). The TPS is a potentiometer on the throttle body that sends throttle position to the PCM through a voltage signal. Surging or stalling may result from a faulty TPS. To test the TPS, disconnect the sensor and check the reference voltage, which should be around 5.0 volts with the ignition On and the engine off. Reconnect the sensor and measure the signal voltage, which should be 0.5 to 1.5 volts at closed throttle and increase steadily to 4.0 to 5.0 volts at wide-open throttle. Ensure that when closed, the meter reads less than 1.5 volts, and when fully open it gives about 5.0 volts reading on the multimeter display. There can be a need for advanced tests if those issues continue happening in your car engine system or have some effect on vehicle performance. Remove the snow shield (on 2001 and later models) to replace the non-adjustable TPS. Then, disconnect the electrical connector before firmly attaching the new sensor on the throttle body.