How to Clean Throttle Body on Car
Introduction
The throttle body is a critical component of your car’s engine. It controls the amount of air that enters the engine, which in turn affects the engine’s speed and power. Over time, the throttle body can become dirty and clogged with carbon deposits and other debris. This can lead to a variety of problems, including:
* Decreased engine performance
* Rough idle
* Stalling
* Poor fuel economy
Cleaning the throttle body is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to improve your car’s performance and fuel economy. It’s a task that most do-it-yourselfers can complete in less than an hour.
Materials You’ll Need
* Throttle body cleaner
* Clean rags or paper towels
* Screwdriver or socket wrench
* Gloves (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Locate the throttle body. The throttle body is typically located on the intake manifold, which is the large metal tube that connects the engine to the air filter. It will have a large, round butterfly valve that opens and closes to control the airflow.
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. This will prevent any electrical accidents while you’re working on the throttle body.
3. Remove the air intake hose. The air intake hose is the large, rubber hose that connects the air filter to the throttle body. It is usually held in place with a clamp or two.
4. Clean the throttle body. Apply some throttle body cleaner to a clean rag or paper towel and wipe down the inside of the throttle body. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. You may need to use a small brush or cotton swab to get into some of the harder-to-reach areas.
5. Reinstall the air intake hose. Once the throttle body is clean, reinstall the air intake hose. Make sure to tighten the clamps securely.
6. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. This will restore power to the engine.
7. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. This will allow the engine to relearn the idle speed.
Tips
* If the throttle body is very dirty, you may need to use a commercial throttle body cleaner.
* Be careful not to get any throttle body cleaner on the electrical components of the car.
* If you’re not comfortable working on your car, it’s best to have the throttle body cleaned by a qualified mechanic.
Conclusion
Cleaning the throttle body is a simple and inexpensive way to improve your car’s performance and fuel economy. It’s a task that most do-it-yourselfers can complete in less than an hour. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.
