Ensure peak performance for your car with these essential maintenance maneuvers. Dive into the heart of your engine’s efficiency by mastering the art of cleaning the throttle body. Wondering why it’s crucial? This guide not only unveils the reasons behind throttle body cleaning but also spills the secrets of how to clean the throttle body without breaking a sweat.
But you must learn the telltale signs that scream, “Clean me!” Or do not wait for any signal; clean it after every 30,000 km – recommended by manufacturers for the throttle body care and maintenance. Elevate your car care game and keep that engine purring at its best.
What Are the Symptoms Of a Dirty Throttle Body?
Several symptoms indicate that your throttle body needs cleaning. Before we get to know the symptoms, let us know what the throttle body is and why it is getting dirty.
Ever wondered what transpires when you press the gas pedal? Let me explain this in simple words. The gas pedal is joined to the throttle body either by mechanical wire or sensor and actuator. The movement of the gas pedal affects the movement of the throttle body. It is responsible for the amount of air coming into the engine.
The computer calculates the amount of fuel to inject depending on this amount of air. The throttle body regulates the amount of air entering the engine. During combustion in the combustion chambers, excess carbon residues and dirt precipitate on the throttle body. This then results in the problems we shall discuss below. Here are some of the dirty throttle body symptoms:
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Stalling: As we stated before, the ECU (engine control unit) determines the amount of fuel to inject into the combustion chamber based on the amount of air drawn from the throttle body. Therefore, if the throttle body is dirty or blocked, the amount of air needed for normal running will not be injected, making the engine stall.
Unstable Idling: To ensure smooth running when idle, a sensor mounted on the throttle body called “idle control.” This sensor’s job is to draw a certain amount of air into the engine to ensure smooth running when in an idle state. If the throttle body is blocked with dirt or clogged, this sensor will not work perfectly, and the car will not be stable on the idle. As we move on, you shall learn how to clean dirty throttle body sensors.
Rough Running: A defective or dirty throttle body can cause misfires due to a bad air/fuel mixture, resulting in rough running.
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How to Clean Throttle Body without Removing It Step-By-Step Guide
The first thing to know how to clean the throttle body without removing it is preparing the workspace. This should be an outdoor place with good ventilation because the substances you shall use are volatile. After choosing a proper place to do the job, you need to locate the throttle body under the hood in the engine compartment. Here are some tips for locating it easily:
- Throttle body is situated between the air cleaner and the intake manifold
- Throttle body is made from aluminum.
- In some older models, the throttle body is connected to the gas pedal by metal wire, so you can identify it by pressing the gas pedal while the engine is shut off and see the moving part.
Once you find the throttle body, you have to be careful when dealing with it. This is because there are tubes and hoses and, in some cases, electrical connections attached to it. Stay away from some of these parts since, in case anything goes wrong on them, it will be difficult to get them to their perfect state.
Tools & materials:
Before starting this job, you have to prepare the tools and materials, which include:
- Screwdrivers set- Torx screwdrivers.
- Soft toothbrush- In case of sticky stains and dirt
- Work light
- Pliers- To detach the clamps.
- Safety goggles- Rubber gloves
- Throttle body cleaner- This is the main part of this guide. Pick this cleaner carefully to avoid damaging the internal parts and sensors attached to the throttle body. We recommend WD-40 Specialist Carb/Throttle Cleaner since it works fine and is safe to use along with the throttle body.
- Paper towel- For wiping dirt and stains.
With the right equipment and materials, now you can prepare the vehicle and the gear and start the cleaning process.
Step 1:For safety, disconnect the vehicle’s battery’s negative terminal to avoid any short circuits.
Step 2: Locate the big air duct that connects the throttle body to the air cleaner. It is usually locked with a metal clamp. Using a screwdriver, try to loosen the screw and remove the air duct gently. Do this carefully. If there is an electrical wire connected to the air duct, disconnect it.
Step 3: Remove air ducts and hoses that will enable you to see the movable plate inside the throttle body. Take care not to damage any gaskets inside it.
Step 4: Put on your safety gear, rubber gloves, and safety goggles. Start spraying the throttle body cleaner inside the throttle body and use the brush to dislodge the sticky dirt. Be careful not to let any parts in the throttle body spill.
Step 5: Repeat the previous steps several. After every time, wipe away the dirt using a paper towel. Repeat the procedure until you see the bare metal is fully cleaned. Un-mount the idle sensor carefully, clean it, and dry it completely.
Step 6: Wipe the throttle body with paper towels to leave it dry. Ensure no liquid is left on the throttle body.
Step 7: Re-install the air ducts and tighten the clamps using the screwdriver or the Torx screwdriver.
Step 8: After re-installing the air ducts and any electrical connection you had removed, pick your tools and materials out of the engine compartment and re-attach the battery negative terminal. Now you can start the engine.
Step 9: It is normal to face some problems after cleaning the throttle body, such as starting the engine, stumbling, or unstable RPM. It is a result of some residues of the throttle cleaner burning in the intake manifold. Once it burns out, everything will get to normal.
Step 10: If you are asking yourself, does cleaning the throttle body make a difference? Take your car for a test drive, and you’ll feel the difference in the performance, fuel economy, and sound of the engine. This is the same procedure on how to clean the electronic throttle body.
Related Queries
Does Cleaning Throttle Body Make a Difference?
Sure. Cleaning the throttle body makes a difference in car performance and drivability. It is a solution to anyone experiencing rough running of the engine, unstable running of the vehicle, and decreased vehicle performance when still brand new.
Can You Clean the Throttle Body While the Engine Is Running?
Yes. However, the entire throttle-cleaning solvent will go into the combustion chamber. This substance is very harsh on gaskets and oil seals. It may, therefore, damage these parts if they got exposed too much of this substance. It is safer that you clean the throttle body with the engine off.
What Is the Best Throttle Body Cleaner?
Specialty and certified throttle cleaners are the ideal cleaners to use on your throttle body. These cleaners are manufactured from environmentally friendly substances. The cleaners do not harm the engine’s internal parts. One amazing cleaner to consider is CRC 05078 Throttle Body and Air-Intake Cleaner.
Can I Use Carb Cleaner on the Throttle Body?
Yes. You can use a carb cleaner, but the carb cleaner does not hang on the heavy dirt. You will, therefore, have to use more of it to get rid of all carbon build-ups.
How Much Does a Throttle Body Cleaning Cost?
Throttle body cleaning costs are not very high. A throttle body cleaner costs about $6, and you can use it for 3 full cleaning cycles. Other tools you will require are basic maintenance tools. The process of cleaning your throttle body is, therefore, not expensive.
Final Words:
By now, you know how to clean the throttle body without removing it, how to tell if the throttle body needs cleaning and the required tools. You should understand that this is preventive maintenance carried out to maintain your car’s condition at its best. If you still find it challenging to clean your throttle body, it is advisable to seek professional help. Do not go through the process if you are uncomfortable since you can end up damaging some parts. Also, remember to wear safety goggles to protect yourself from harsh substances.
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