Solved 2003 Ford Explorer TPS issues and how I fixed them.

[TTSaleen]

The issue -
Hesitation or flat out no acceleration when I hit the throttle.

The solution -
Replaced the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) with a aftermarket (Duralast) from autozone.
I actually tried 2 - one from Autozone and one from O'reilly's.
Problem was slightly better, but not perfect.

The solution #2 and actual fix -
I replaced the aftermarket TPS with a new Ford Motorcraft one (DY-967) and added a new connector with pigtail.
I cut the factory connector off and soldered the new connector pigtail in its place.
I also unhooked the battery and reset it the Explorer electronics by touching the battery connections together for about 4 seconds.
Then reconnected battery and drove it around.

I immediately felt the difference as the Explorer is much more responsive now at any speed or rpm.

Thought I would share my problem and solution with you.
Ryan

 

[Number4]

Love them rims, would like a set.

So glad it’s fixed, however, here’s the issue.

When replacing/swapping parts, don’t add any variables. At this point we have no idea if the fix was the OE replacement unit, the wiring pigtail or the voltage drain.

Always good to be back running right though.

 

[TTSaleen]

So glad it’s fixed, however, here’s the issue.
When replacing/swapping parts, don’t add any variables. At this point we have no idea if the fix was the OE replacement unit, the wiring pigtail or the voltage drain.
Always good to be back running right though.

Actually I thought I had explained that, but if not....
I essentially put 3 different TPS sensors on the Explorer.
The 1st was an O'reilly's part.
The 2nd was an Autozone part.
The 3rd was the Ford part.
The Ford part fixed the issue 100% and it ran just like it was supposed to.
I had purchased the pigtail but had not installed it until I was sure the TPS sensor was indeed the culprit.
As a way to complete the project, I added the pigtail after the Ford part fixed the issue. While my connector looked OK, it definitely had wear on it (I assume from being close to the EGR tube off the exhaust).
So now it should be bullet-proof with both the TPS and the connector replaced.

After about a week of driving it, I can say it runs great with no previous issues.
Just goes to show, buying OEM replacement parts does make a difference (at least with the electrical circuits).

Cheers!
Ryan