TPS Replacement/Throttle Body Cleaning?

2001 FORD RANGER
155,000 MILES • 3.0L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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NIGHTHAWK4570
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I'm getting ready to replace the throttle position sensor due to a few DTCs that have been triggering on and off recently and am planning to clean the throttle body prior to installing the new sensor. To clean the throttle body, is it recommended to remove it from the engine so that both sides of the butterfly valve can be thoroughly cleaned or should it be left installed and just cleaned as well as possible from the front?

I'm just concerned and wondering if removing/reinstalling the throttle body could potentially create problems with the PCM especially since the throttle position sensor being replaced is OEM and the new one is aftermarket.
Aug 8, 2025 at 10:01 PM
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STRAILER
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Nope, you will now create problems for the PCM by removing the throttle body on this car. Here is a guide to help you service the throttle body:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

These images can help you do the job on your car. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.

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Aug 9, 2025 at 11:37 AM
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NIGHTHAWK4570
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Thank you. Some of the videos I watched online show people removing the throttle body to clean it so I'm really glad I decided to ask.

While I've not noticed any performance issues with how the engine has been running, there are currently three stored diagnostic trouble codes related to the throttle. The codes are P0123, P1120, and P1121. The current throttle position sensor on the truck is OEM and the replacement I have ready to install is an NTK brand aftermarket. After the throttle body has been cleaned, would you recommend to go ahead and replace the throttle position sensor or wait and drive the vehicle to see if the codes clear on their own?
Aug 16, 2025 at 11:04 AM
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STRAILER
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I don't think the codes will go away, I would replace the TPS sensor and then clear the codes.

P0123 - Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Circuit High Input
P1120 - Throttle Position Sensor Out of Range
P1121 - Throttle Position Sensor Inconsistent with Mass Air Flow (MAF) or Manifold Absolute Pressure

Please let us know what happens.
Aug 16, 2025 at 7:27 PM