how can you tell if your throttle position sensor is bad?  

First off, does your computer give you trouble codes of: 53, 63, or 73?fficeffice" />>>

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Here's what I suggest.  The TPS is a potentiometer, like a volume.  As you rotate it, it’s resistance changes linearly.  Therefore, to test it, hook up a voltmeter across it, in this case I would prefer an analog meter versus a digital meter.  With the engine off and key on, slowly rotate it watching the voltage needle, ~0.6v closed and ~4.5v open.  The needle should slowly change in proportion as you rotate it.  If not, the sensor is bad and should be replaced.  Now, I’ve done this some time ago and may have forgotten some stuff.  In addition, there are several ways to test this sensor.  Therefore, the following book is awesome:  Ford Fuel Injection & Electronic Engine Control, by Charles O. Probst, SAE; ISBN 0-8376-0301-3.

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You could use this as an excuse to upgrade to a bigger throttle body as well... hehe>>

Good Luck,>>

Do you have a volt meter? If so then turn the key on, take to sewing pins and push them through the orange wire and the green wire and then put the leads of your voltmeter on. You should start getting a reading. If so reach around and put the throttle cable by hand. The resistance should change.

Now to set the TPS\ Use a digital Voltmeter.

I usualy use my dremal or soldering pen. You must elongate the mounting holes so you can rotate the sensor. Then you turn the ket on hook up your leads to the voltmeter and then set it to .997-.999. Do not over 1.0 with out being supercharged. I have had to do some grinding on the intake before to get the sensor to rotate far enough to acheive the right voltage