What Does a Throttle Body Do in a Car?
Introduction
The throttle body is a critical component of an internal combustion engine. It is responsible for controlling the airflow into the engine, which in turn determines the engine’s power output.
How Does a Throttle Body Work?
The throttle body is located between the air filter and the intake manifold. It consists of a butterfly valve that is controlled by the accelerator pedal. When the accelerator pedal is pressed, the butterfly valve opens, allowing more air to flow into the engine. This increases the engine’s power output.
The throttle body also contains a throttle position sensor (TPS). The TPS sends a signal to the engine’s electronic control unit (ECU), which uses this information to adjust the fuel injection and ignition timing.
What Are the Symptoms of a Bad Throttle Body?
A bad throttle body can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Engine stalling
- Rough idling
- Hesitation when accelerating
- Loss of power
- Check engine light
How to Test a Throttle Body
There are a few ways to test a throttle body. One way is to use a scan tool to read the TPS signal. Another way is to manually open and close the butterfly valve and listen for any binding or sticking.
How to Clean a Throttle Body
A dirty throttle body can cause a variety of problems, so it is important to clean it regularly. To clean a throttle body, you will need:
- Throttle body cleaner
- Shop rags
- A toothbrush (optional)
To clean the throttle body, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Remove the air intake hose from the throttle body.
- Spray throttle body cleaner into the throttle body and around the butterfly valve.
- Use a shop rag to wipe away any dirt or debris.
- If necessary, use a toothbrush to clean the butterfly valve and throttle body bore.
- Reinstall the air intake hose and reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Conclusion
The throttle body is a critical component of an internal combustion engine. It is responsible for controlling the airflow into the engine, which in turn determines the engine’s power output. By understanding how a throttle body works, you can better diagnose and repair any problems that may arise.
