Parts for your 2007 Ford Transit-Throttle position sensors

2007 Ford Transit throttle position sensors: what they do and how to look after them

Based on Ford workshop literature and common rail diesel system guides, a throttle-position sensor (TPS) is indeed relevant on the 2007 Ford Transit. Ford’s Workshop Manual for the Transit (WSM, Section 303-14 Fuel Charging and Controls) details an electronically actuated intake throttle with a position sensor on Duratorq TDCi diesels, used for EGR control and smooth shutdown. Petrol variants use an electronic throttle body with integrated position sensing (WSM Section 303-04). Bosch EDC16/EDC17 system descriptions and independent manuals such as Autodata/Haynes further note a throttle valve actuator with position feedback on the 2.2/2.4 TDCi engines. So yes—there’s a TPS signal path on both diesel and petrol 2007 Transits, even though diesels don’t meter engine load with a conventional throttle like a petrol motor does.

On a 2007 Transit, the TPS reports the throttle plate angle to the PCM. On petrol models, that’s about controlling airflow precisely for torque, idle, and emissions. On TDCi diesels, the throttle plate is used mainly to create the right pressure differential for EGR, improve idle stability, and prevent engine shudder on shutdown—with the position sensor confirming the valve actually moved where commanded.

• Typical issues: hesitant acceleration, erratic idle (petrol), rough shutdown (diesel), poor EGR control, cruise control dropping out, and limp-home. Fault codes often include P0120–P0124 or P2135.
• No set replacement interval, but it’s smart to inspect the connector and wiring during routine servicing—especially around the battery tray and engine loom where Transits can chafe.
• Keep the air filter fresh and consider cleaning light carbon from the throttle bore (diesel and petrol) using appropriate intake cleaner. Avoid flooding the actuator or sensors.

When replacement is needed, many Transits require the whole throttle body/actuator assembly because the sensor is integrated. Match the engine (2.2 or 2.4 TDCi, or 2.3 petrol) and part number. After fitting, carry out a throttle/idle learn with a capable scan tool, some ECUs will self-learn after key-on cycles, but a guided routine is more reliable. Clear codes and verify live data for TP1/TP2 tracks and correlation to the accelerator pedal sensors. If symptoms persist, check the accelerator pedal position sensor and EGR operation, as they can mimic TPS faults.

• Where is the TPS on a 2007 Transit?
  On petrol models, it’s part of the electronic throttle body mounted on the intake. On TDCi diesels, it’s integrated into the intake throttle/air shutoff valve assembly near the EGR plumbing. The sensor is typically non-serviceable on its own.
• Can a dodgy TPS cause limp mode?
  Yes. If the PCM sees implausible throttle signals or disagreement between redundant tracks (or with the accelerator pedal sensors), it can throw P012x/P2135 and drop into limp to protect the engine and driveline.
• Do diesels really have a throttle on a Transit?
  They don’t use a throttle to control engine load, but they do have an electronically controlled intake throttle valve for EGR and shutdown. That valve has a position sensor—the TPS the PCM monitors.