2004 F150 W/4.6

I'm getting a 506 code. Google says I could try cleaning up the TB & reset. Honestly though I'm OK with replacing it with a new one. The truck has a BUNCH of miles on it (260,000) but still runs like brand new (Seriously). No smoke, zero leaks, bumps rattles, ect... I drive it EVERYWHERE... Just don't abuse it & regular maint.

Before I put out the money though, I read that when the battery disconects, it can cause issues. I had the positive cable break off a few weeks ago. I cleaned it up & re-attached, set my radio stations & drove... Is there a better process for re-attaching it that may have caused this if not followed? It seems like I got my first check engine light right around that time.

Also, if I just pick up a new TB, besides the obvious "Bolt it on" part, which looks pretty easy, is there any fancy computer resetting, flashing, talking sweet to or cuddling with the silly thing to get it to work right?

This is a great forum!

 

It is not a good idea to throw new parts into the truck. Your problem can be a faulty idle air controler on the throttle body, a bad vacuum hose, a bad PCV valve or PCV hose, damaged hoses on the ERG(vacuum) and a bad temp sensor in the intake. A better scanner with Freeze frame data can tell you a lot more, even graph the different PID's in real time with the truck warm and running. ( The Way To Do It.) When you reset the puter it takes some time to relearn the running operation of the motor. It may run rough for a few duty cycles and then be OK after you replace a defective part because you unhook the battery while performing the repair.