I Cleaned My Throttle Body Now Car Won’t Start

Introduction

The throttle body is a key component of your car’s engine. It controls the amount of air that flows into the engine, which in turn affects the engine’s speed and power. If the throttle body becomes dirty or clogged, it can cause a variety of problems, including difficulty starting the car, rough idling, and decreased performance.

Cleaning the throttle body is a relatively simple and inexpensive maintenance procedure that can help to improve your car’s performance and prevent future problems. However, it’s important to follow the correct steps when cleaning the throttle body, as improper cleaning can damage the component or cause other problems.

Troubleshooting

If you’ve cleaned your throttle body and now your car won’t start, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem:

1. Make sure that the throttle body is properly installed. The throttle body should be securely bolted to the engine and the electrical connector should be properly connected. If the throttle body is not properly installed, it can cause air leaks or electrical problems that can prevent the car from starting.
2. Check the throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor is a small sensor that is mounted on the throttle body. It sends a signal to the engine’s computer that indicates the position of the throttle plate. If the throttle position sensor is faulty, it can send incorrect signals to the computer, which can cause the car to run poorly or not start at all.
3. Check the idle air control valve. The idle air control valve is a small valve that is mounted on the throttle body. It controls the amount of air that bypasses the throttle plate when the engine is idling. If the idle air control valve is faulty, it can cause the engine to idle too low or too high, or it can prevent the engine from starting at all.
4. Check for vacuum leaks. Vacuum leaks can occur anywhere in the intake system, including the throttle body. Vacuum leaks can cause the engine to run lean, which can make it difficult to start or cause the engine to stall. To check for vacuum leaks, use a smoke machine or spray carburetor cleaner around the intake system while the engine is running. If you see smoke or carburetor cleaner being sucked into the engine, you have found a vacuum leak.

Conclusion

If you’ve followed the troubleshooting steps above and you’re still unable to start your car, you may need to take it to a qualified mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.