Parts for your 2017 Ford Kuga-Throttle position sensors

2017 Ford Kuga throttle position sensor: what it does and how to look after it

Technical references confirm the 2017 Ford Kuga does use throttle position sensors. The Ford Workshop Manual for the 2017 Kuga/Escape (Electronic Engine Controls) and Motorcraft service literature describe an electronic throttle body (ETB) with dual internal throttle position sensors (often labelled TP1/TP2) for redundancy, plus dual accelerator pedal position (APP) sensors. Ford’s own diagnostic charts list TPS-related DTCs (e.g., P0121, P0122, P0123, P0221, P2135) for these engines, backing up that a TPS is fitted and actively monitored by the PCM.

On the 2017 Ford Kuga, the throttle position sensors are built into the electronic throttle body. Their job is to tell the powertrain control module the exact angle of the throttle plate so it can match air, fuel and spark, keep idle smooth, sharpen throttle response and manage things like transmission shifts, EGR and turbo boost. Because it’s a drive-by-wire setup, the PCM constantly cross-checks the two internal TPS signals against each other and against the two pedal sensors, which is why faults can trigger limp mode to protect the engine.

There’s no scheduled replacement for the TPS on this model, it’s considered “non-serviceable” on its own and typically comes as part of the throttle body assembly. If the Kuga shows a rough idle, flat spots, surging, poor fuel economy, a wrench/engine light, or logs codes such as P0121 or P2135, proper diagnosis with a scan tool is the go. Look for agreement between TP1 and TP2, check the pedal sensors, and inspect the connector and harness near the throttle body for corrosion, oil contamination or chafing.

If replacement is needed, most workshops will fit a complete throttle body with a new gasket. It pays to:

• Keep the throttle bore clean with the correct cleaner, taking care not to flood the motor unit.
• Avoid prying on the throttle plate, it can upset calibration.
• Perform an idle/throttle relearn after refit (battery charged, KOEO for a short period, then allow the engine to idle and complete a drive cycle as specified in service info).
• Use OEM-level diagnostics to clear learned values and confirm TP1/TP2 tracking under light and heavy throttle.

Plenty of owners ask if they can swap just the sensor. On the Kuga, the sensor is integrated, so the reliable fix is replacing the assembly, then relearning. Done right, the car will idle neatly, pull cleanly through the revs and keep the dash free of warning lights for many kilometres.

Does a 2017 Ford Kuga actually have a throttle position sensor?

Yes. The Kuga’s electronic throttle body contains dual throttle position sensors, and the accelerator pedal has dual position sensors as well. Ford service documentation and common DTCs like P0121/P2135 make this clear.

Can the TPS be replaced on its own, or is it part of the throttle body?

On this model the TPS is integrated into the throttle body and isn’t serviced separately. If the sensor is faulty, standard workshop practice is to replace the complete throttle body, then carry out a relearn.

What are the usual signs of a failing TPS on a Kuga?

Hesitation, surging, stalling at idle, poor fuel economy, reduced-power mode and a wrench or MIL light are common. Scan tools often reveal codes such as P0121, P0122, P0123, P0221 or P2135, or show disagreement between TP1 and TP2 signals.