The 10 Steps to Clean a Throttle Bodily (10 DIY Projects)

It is cheaper to clean a throttle body than replace it. In just 10 simple steps, here's how to clean your throttle body.

Total time: 20 minutes

1. Find Throttle Body

   

   Locate the throttle body first. You will find the throttle body on your intake manifold. It is often located on the intake manifold.

2. Eliminate the big intake hose

   

   Once you have located the throttle body you will need to loosen the clamp on the large hose. The clamp can be removed so that you can see and access the throttle body. You should see something like the image.

3. Optional: Remove throttle body

   

   It is an optional part. The throttle body can be removed and cleaned. Or you can leave the throttle body in place and wash it. You can make that decision. If you do decide to take it out, be careful not to put anything in the intake.
   You can usually remove it by removing the screws that hold it in place and the connector. You may need to disconnect coolant and vacuum lines that are attached to the device.

4. Lift the throttle body flap

   

   You can open the flap with either a screwdriver, or your finger as shown in the image. This will allow you to access the proper cleaning. It might take a little longer to get rid of the throttle body if you don't want it.

5. Body cleaner Spray Throttle

   

   Take out your throttle body cleaner (or any other cleaner like brake cleaner) and open it. Spray the throttle body flap on both sides and allow it to sit for five minutes or according to the instructions.

6. The throttle body should be cleaned

   

   Once you have waited, get a piece of paper or a cloth and begin to clean the throttle body. Clean both the flap valve, as well the throttle body sides. You should clean the flap valve at its edges.

7. Reinstall throttle body (Optional).

   

   Once you're satisfied with the cleaning, it's time to install your throttle body. Make sure you have all the hoses installed correctly. Then, tighten the bolts according to the torque specifications in your repair manual. If coolant has dripped a lot, refill it.

8. Make sure to install the intake valve again

   

   Reinstall the intake hose and tighten it again. Make sure the throttle body is free of grease or dirt if your turbo engine has it. If the throttle body has grease, oil, and dirt, then the throttle will pop out because of turbo pressure.

9. The throttle body calibration

   

   The majority of cars will require calibration of their throttle bodies after cleaning. Some models of cars do it automatically, so you may need to try the recycling several times to make sure the engine calibrates. If your car is running really badly after cleaning it, an OBD2 scanner might be required to calibrate it.

10. Check for trouble codes, then test drive

    

    After calibrating the throttle body, it is time to clear any trouble codes that may be present if your diagnostic scanner has been activated. Go for a drive in your car and check the dashboard for warning signs or problems. If everything seems fine – you have made a successful throttle body cleaning and saved some money!