Does the Geely GS throttle need to be matched after cleaning?
3 Answers
After cleaning the throttle of the Geely GS, it needs to be rematched using a dedicated onboard computer. Throttle Introduction: The throttle is a controllable valve that regulates the air entering the engine, available in two types: traditional cable-operated and electronic throttle. The air entering the intake pipe mixes with gasoline to form a combustible mixture, which then burns to produce power. Connected to the air filter at the top and the engine block at the bottom, it is often referred to as the throat of the car engine. The responsiveness of the car's acceleration is related to the cleanliness of the throttle. Throttle Working Principle: In traditional engines, the throttle control mechanism operates via a cable or rod, with one end connected to the accelerator pedal and the other to the throttle linkage plate. The electronic throttle primarily uses a throttle position sensor to control the opening angle of the throttle based on the engine's power requirements, thereby regulating the amount of air intake.
After cleaning the throttle body on my old Emgrand GS, the idle speed was indeed fluctuating up and down. Later, I solved it with a simple trick! Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for 15 minutes to let the ECU completely reset, then reconnect it and start the engine without pressing the accelerator. Let it idle in place for 10 minutes. At this point, the electronic throttle will relearn its position, and the tachometer needle will dance around for a few minutes before stabilizing. Of course, newer models with start-stop systems might be more delicate, so it’s advisable to visit a repair shop to read the fault codes for safety. The key point is never to force open the throttle plate by hand during cleaning—use throttle-specific foam cleaner sprayed on a cotton swab and wipe gently. If the plastic gears get damaged, you’ll really have to spend a lot to get it recalibrated.
Having run an auto repair shop for ten years and handled hundreds of Geely vehicles, I can definitively say: old mechanical cable throttle bodies don't require matching, but electronic throttle bodies like those in Emgrand GS must be reset. Failure to match can lead to unstable idle, gearshift jerking, and in severe cases, the engine warning light coming on. The matching process isn't complicated - repair shops use a Launch diagnostic tool to access the engine system, select throttle body matching under special functions, and it's done in three minutes. Here's a clever DIY tip: after cleaning and reinstalling, don't start the engine immediately. Turn the key to the ignition-on position, wait 30 seconds, then turn it off. Repeat this three times to let the ECU self-learn. However, for post-2018 models with active grille shutters, professional equipment calibration is recommended.
