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Importance of Throttle Body Maintenance
What does a throttle body do? It’s a component in the air intake system that regulates how much air enters the engine. It’s typically attached to the intake manifold, fed by an air duct from the air filter housing. A butterfly valve or throttle plate pivots open, allowing air to pass through, when you press the accelerator. And it’s at this throttle plate that you’ll normally get buildup, as well as on the intake side.
Carbon tends to accumulate at the throttle plate, causing it to stick. Sensors, like the mass air flow sensor, can become dirty and send incorrect readings. You’ll experience restricted airflow, loss of power, decreased fuel efficiency, rough idle and erratic throttle response.
How often you need to clean it varies based on the type of fuel you use, the age of the vehicle, and driving conditions, but it’s generally a good idea between 25,000 and 50,000 miles, and at regular intervals after that.
Tools and Materials Needed
This service isn’t time-consuming, labor-intensive, or costly. You’ll only need a handful of things:
- Your choice of throttle body cleaner
- Ratchet and socket set
- Screwdrivers
- Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
- Protective eyewear and gloves
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Throttle Body
1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal
For safety reasons, disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on the throttle body. It’s a good idea anytime you’re working on any system under the hood since parts like the cooling fan can activate unexpectedly.
2. Remove air intake duct and hoses
Using a screwdriver or socket wrench, remove the air intake duct and any hoses connected to the throttle body. Keep track of any clamps, bolts, or screws for reassembly later.
3. Disconnect any electrical connections
Gently disconnect any electrical connections, such as the throttle position sensor or mass airflow sensor, from the throttle body. Be careful not to damage the wiring or connectors.
4. Remove the throttle body if necessary
In some cases, it may be easier to clean the throttle body if it is removed from the vehicle. If you decide to pull it off, use a socket wrench to remove the bolts securing the throttle body to the intake manifold. Keep track of the bolts, gaskets, and any other components for reassembly.
5. Clean the throttle body
Wearing gloves and safety glasses, spray the throttle body cleaner onto the throttle plate, inside the throttle body, and around the edges of the throttle plate. Use a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush to gently scrub away dirt, grime, and carbon deposits. Be careful not to scratch the surface or force the brush into small openings. Use shop towels or clean rags to wipe away the loosened dirt, grime, and cleaning residue from the throttle body and surrounding areas. Ensure all surfaces are clean and dry before reassembly.
6. Reassemble
Carefully reattach any electrical connections, hoses, and air intake ducts removed earlier. If you removed the throttle body, reinstall it with the appropriate gaskets and bolts, following the torque specifications outlined in your vehicle’s service manual. Reconnect the negative battery terminal to restore power to the vehicle.
7. Test the vehicle
Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes to ensure proper operation. Test the throttle response by gently revving the engine while in park or neutral for cars with automatic transmissions, or with the clutch disengaged if you have a manual transmission.
Precautions and Risks
As mentioned, always disconnect the negative battery cable when you’re servicing the throttle body. Also, be aware of these precautions and risks:
- Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent accidental combustion or getting sick from fumes.
- Don’t force the throttle plate open or closed, especially if you have a drive-by-wire throttle body, to avoid damage.
- Tighten bolts to the correct spec. If you don’t know the spec, find them online from a source like ALLDATA.
- Check for a hissing noise when you run the engine afterward that can indicate a vacuum leak.
- Use only products specified as a throttle body cleaner to prevent damage.
Shop for your throttle body cleaner at AutoZone. You’ll find options from top brands that will keep your engine running at its best. If the job is too big for you, seek out one of our Preferred Shops to help you do the job.
FAQ/People Also Ask
Why is it important to clean the throttle body?
Cleaning the throttle body is important to maintain optimal engine performance and prevent issues caused by restricted airflow and carbon deposits.
What are the signs of a dirty throttle body?
Signs of a dirty throttle body include poor engine performance, erratic throttle response, rough idling, stalling, and decreased fuel efficiency.
What tools and materials do I need to clean a throttle body?
To clean a throttle body, you need a throttle body cleaner, screwdriver or socket wrench set, shop towels or clean rags, a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush, gloves, safety glasses, and a well-ventilated workspace.
How often should I clean my throttle body?
It’s generally recommended to clean your throttle body every 25,000 to 50,000 miles or as specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Can I use throttle body cleaner on electronic throttle bodies?
• Yes, you can use throttle body cleaner on electronic throttle bodies, but be cautious not to damage any electronic components or wiring.
Is it necessary to disconnect the battery when cleaning the throttle body?
Disconnecting the battery when cleaning the throttle body is necessary to ensure safety and prevent damage to your vehicle’s electronic components.
Can I use carburetor cleaner instead of throttle body cleaner?
It’s not advised to use carburetor cleaner instead of throttle body cleaner, as it may be too harsh and damage the throttle body.
