So I've been having crazy issues with my OD and decided to take my TPS out and clean it. I drilled a hole, sprayed the electrical contact cleaner in and waited. It wouldnt dry so I used some light compressed air to help dry it, but apparently it was too much pressure for the casing to hold and it popped the cover off. Along with the cover flying off, a small electrical looking ribbon flew out. My question is, what is this ribbon/band? and does it just lay in there, or what?

If I look inside of the TPS, there is still an electrical contact on the inside wall. Half a yellowish color and half black.

Here's a pic of everything, including the thin pc that flew out.

 

I would say it's time for a new TPS now.
Most autoparts can get you one.
They are full of dielectric grease, that's probably why it wouldn't dry out.
I've tried cleaning and taking apart quite a few of them.
A total waste of my time. Results were always very short lived.

 

hi
i drilled mine 2 holes and sprayed in non clorinated brake cleaner untttil it came out other hole clean while working it a few times .
works great for last 2 years !
bought a new napa one before trying to clean old one and it only lasted 6 mo, they gave me a new one that i cary in glove box .

 

Based upon my observations, most of the earlier TPS failures were due to excess wear of the linkage itself. Now that is here in FL, where sand gets into and wears out almost everything, so your conditions may be different.
The last one of those TPS I had to purchase cost me $73.00 if I'm not mistaken. So before you ruin another TPS, make sure that your linkage is not completely worn out or your new TPS will not last very long.