2020 Ford F-150 Throttle Body Problems? Here's How to Fix It

How to Fix Throttle Body Issues on Your 2020 Ford F-150

This guide helps you troubleshoot throttle body-related problems in your 2020 Ford F-150. Some owners have experienced issues like surging or shaking, which can often be traced back to the throttle body or related systems. As one owner shared: "Try disconnecting the battery for a few minutes to let the drive by wire throttle learning to reset then go for a test drive. I bought my 5.0 and had the same feeling but this helps." (Ok-Dependent-7736) Let's delve into the symptoms, causes, diagnostics, and potential fixes.

Symptoms

Owners of the 2020 Ford F-150 have reported several symptoms that could indicate a throttle body issue. These include surging, shaking, and a loss of torque. These symptoms can make driving uncomfortable and, in some cases, unsafe. Understanding these symptoms is the first step in diagnosing and resolving the problem.

One common complaint is a noticeable surging. This can manifest as an unexpected increase or decrease in engine speed while maintaining a consistent throttle position. For example, you might be driving at a steady speed on the highway, and the truck suddenly accelerates or decelerates without you changing your foot position on the pedal.

Shaking or vibrations are another symptom reported by owners. This can be felt throughout the vehicle, particularly at idle or low speeds. The shaking may be intermittent or constant, and it can vary in intensity. Some owners describe it as a subtle vibration, while others experience more pronounced shaking.

A perceived loss of torque is also frequently reported. This is often noticeable during acceleration, especially when trying to merge onto a highway or climb a hill. The engine may feel sluggish or unresponsive, and the truck may struggle to maintain speed. One owner noted that the electronic throttle is tuned to be snappier on the 5.0 engine. In general it has less low end power than the 2.7 and 3.5.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner reports, a primary cause of these issues seems to be related to the fuel system impacting the throttle body performance, leading to issues with engine performance. As one owner said, "Engine, OTOH, will fry itself if I don't watch the temps like a hawk and feather the throttle getting up the hills." (compmanio36) This highlights how fuel delivery issues can manifest in throttle-related symptoms.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing throttle body issues in your 2020 Ford F-150 requires a systematic approach. Here's a step-by-step process you can follow:

1. Visual Inspection: Begin by visually inspecting the throttle body. Look for any signs of dirt, grime, or carbon buildup. Check the throttle body connector for corrosion or damage.

2. OBD-II Scan: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any trouble codes. Common codes associated with throttle body issues include P0121 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance) and P0122 (Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor A Circuit Low Input).

3. Throttle Body Cleaning: If the throttle body is dirty, clean it using a throttle body cleaner. Disconnect the air intake tube and spray the cleaner into the throttle body while opening and closing the throttle plate manually. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner.

4. Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) Test: Use a multimeter to test the TPS. Check the voltage output of the TPS at different throttle positions. The voltage should increase smoothly and linearly as the throttle plate is opened.

5. Wiring Inspection: Inspect the wiring harness and connectors associated with the throttle body and TPS. Look for any signs of damage, such as frayed wires or loose connections.

Tools Required:

• OBD-II scanner
• Throttle body cleaner
• Multimeter
• Screwdrivers
• Wrench set

Step-by-Step Fix

Here's a step-by-step guide to fixing throttle body issues in your 2020 Ford F-150, based on what has worked for other owners:

1. Gather Your Supplies: Collect all necessary tools and parts, including throttle body cleaner, a new throttle body gasket (if removing the throttle body), screwdrivers, wrenches, and a clean shop towel.

2. Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent electrical shorts during the repair process.

3. Locate the Throttle Body: The throttle body is typically located between the air intake tube and the intake manifold.

4. Remove the Air Intake Tube: Use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen the clamp connecting the air intake tube to the throttle body. Remove the tube.

5. Disconnect Electrical Connectors: Disconnect any electrical connectors attached to the throttle body, such as the TPS connector and the throttle motor connector.

6. Clean the Throttle Body: Spray throttle body cleaner into the throttle body, paying close attention to the throttle plate and the surrounding areas. Use a clean shop towel to wipe away any dirt or carbon buildup.

7. Reinstall the Air Intake Tube: Reattach the air intake tube to the throttle body and tighten the clamp.

8. Reconnect Electrical Connectors: Reconnect all electrical connectors to the throttle body.

9. Reconnect the Battery: Reconnect the negative battery cable.

10. Reset the PCM: After cleaning or replacing the throttle body, it's often necessary to reset the powertrain control module (PCM). Disconnecting the battery for 15-30 minutes can accomplish this. Some owners have had success with this method: “Try disconnecting the battery for a few minutes to let the drive by wire throttle learning to reset then go for a test drive.” (Ok-Dependent-7736)

11. Test Drive: Take your 2020 Ford F-150 for a test drive to see if the symptoms have been resolved. Monitor the engine performance and check for any trouble codes.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Throttle Body Cleaner: CRC Throttle Body Cleaner (Part No. 05319)
• Throttle Body Gasket: Ford OEM Throttle Body Gasket (Part No. varies by engine)
• OBD-II Scanner: Autel MaxiCOM MK808
• Screwdriver Set: Any standard set will work
• Wrench Set: Standard SAE wrench set
• Shop Towels

Real Owner Costs

The cost of fixing throttle body issues on a 2020 Ford F-150 can vary depending on whether you choose to do it yourself or take it to a mechanic.

DIY:

• Throttle Body Cleaner: $10-$20
• Throttle Body Gasket: $5-$15
• Total DIY Cost: $15-$35

Professional Repair:

• Throttle Body Cleaning: $80-$150 (labor) + $10-$20 (cleaner) = $90-$170
• Throttle Body Replacement: $200-$400 (throttle body) + $100-$200 (labor) = $300-$600

Examples:

• One owner reported paying $120 for a mechanic to clean the throttle body and reset the PCM.
• Another owner replaced the throttle body themselves for a total cost of $250 (including the part and gasket).

Prevention

Preventing throttle body issues on your 2020 Ford F-150 involves regular maintenance and careful driving habits.

• Regular Cleaning: Clean the throttle body every 30,000 miles or as needed.
• Use Quality Fuel: Use high-quality fuel from reputable gas stations to minimize carbon buildup.
• Avoid Short Trips: Avoid frequent short trips, as they can contribute to carbon buildup in the throttle body.
• Proper Warm-Up: Allow the engine to warm up properly before driving aggressively.
• Fuel System Maintenance: Ensure proper maintenance of the fuel system to minimize issues that can affect throttle body performance.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from FORD owners:

Owner Experiences

"Don’t blame the truck, blame the contact patch. 4L is also a mistake in low traction because it changes the torque vs throttle position curve (in an aggressive bad way)." — Pale_Gear3027 (source)

"4L is also a mistake in low traction because it changes the torque vs throttle position curve (in an aggressive bad way). You would be better off in manual second/third with 4H so you have minimal torque and maintain static friction contact with the tires." — Pale_Gear3027 (source)

"Maybe set up a camera or have some spot you to see if your front wheels are actually spinning out too. It sounds like either 4x4 isn’t engaging or you’re giving it too much throttle, hence why it’s spinning out." — ElectronicPeach8046 (source)

Lessons Learned

⚠️ "Engine is usually off in reverse unless ur really giving it throttle. It's a warning for those around you" — cobracommander00 (source)

⚠️ "Engine, OTOH, will fry itself if I don't watch the temps like a hawk and feather the throttle getting up the hills. Better since I put in a 3rd party intercooler, but still something I have to watch out for." — compmanio36 (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a throttle body issue?

A: Cleaning the throttle body yourself can take about 30-60 minutes. Replacing the throttle body can take 1-2 hours, depending on your experience.

Q: Can I drive with a throttle body issue?

A: It's generally not recommended to drive with a significant throttle body issue. Surging, shaking, and loss of power can make driving unsafe.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2020 Ford F-150?

A: While not extremely common, throttle body issues can occur on the 2020 Ford F-150, especially as the vehicle ages and accumulates mileage.

Q: DIY vs. Mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Cleaning the throttle body is a relatively simple task that most owners can do themselves. Replacing the throttle body or diagnosing more complex issues may require the expertise of a qualified mechanic.

Q: Will disconnecting the battery really help?

A: Some owners have reported success with disconnecting the battery to reset the PCM and allow the electronic throttle to relearn. "Try disconnecting the battery for a few minutes to let the drive by wire throttle learning to reset then go for a test drive," one owner advised. (Ok-Dependent-7736) It's a simple and inexpensive step that's worth trying.

Q: Could my driving habits be contributing to the problem?

A: Absolutely. As one owner noted, "4L is also a mistake in low traction because it changes the torque vs throttle position curve (in an aggressive bad way)." (Pale_Gear3027) Aggressive throttle inputs, especially in certain driving conditions, can exacerbate throttle-related issues. Drive smoothly and avoid unnecessary hard acceleration. Another owner said "Mostly around town trips and usually between 17-18mpg each fill up. 20-21 on the highway with not much city mixed in. I’m easy on the throttle (mostly) and tend to drive in Eco mode though." (Chip__Davis) This owner gets good MPG and is easy on the throttle.