How to Clean Carbon Deposits in the Car Throttle Body?
3 Answers
Here are the detailed steps for cleaning carbon deposits in the throttle body: 1. Remove the air filter. 2. Move the throttle lever to open the throttle valve. 3. Spray throttle cleaner into the throttle valve multiple times. 4. Use a toothbrush to repeatedly scrub the inner walls of the throttle body. 5. Wipe off the cleaner inside the throttle body with a tissue to complete the cleaning. Here are the symptoms of excessive carbon deposits in the car throttle body: 1. Difficulty starting the engine when cold, but normal when warm. 2. Unstable engine idle speed, fluctuating up and down. 3. Poor acceleration when revving, with a noticeable sluggish feeling. 4. Reduced driving power, especially noticeable during overtaking, with slow acceleration response and inability to achieve the car's original power. 5. Exhaust fumes are irritating to the eyes and nose, severely exceeding standards. 6. Increased fuel consumption compared to before.
I have plenty of experience in cleaning throttle valve carbon deposits. Generally, first disconnect the negative battery terminal to avoid short circuits, then remove the throttle body assembly. Spray specialized throttle cleaner thoroughly inside and out, wait a few minutes to soften the carbon buildup. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently scrub stubborn stains, being careful not to damage sensors and internal components. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with water and let it dry before reinstalling. Most importantly, electronic throttle valves require reset and matching after cleaning, otherwise idle speed may drift and become unstable. It's best to wear gloves and goggles during operation to avoid skin contact with the cleaner. Carbon buildup is often caused by long-term low-speed driving in city traffic jams, which can easily affect acceleration response. It's recommended to inspect every 20,000 kilometers or once a year, and clean when excessively dirty.
Last time my car's throttle got stuck, I tried fixing it myself. Bought a throttle body cleaner spray, unscrewed the intake pipe bolts, sprayed a few good shots inside, and wiped it with an old cloth. You can get away without removing it, but the effect is compromised. After cleaning, it started much smoother. Be careful not to spray nearby electrical components, as it might cause a short circuit. Not cleaning carbon buildup will worsen fuel consumption and make acceleration sluggish. Now when I notice poor car condition, I do a simple treatment to save money and effort. But if it's an electronically controlled car, cleaning it yourself without resetting can cause big trouble – once the idle speed fluctuated wildly and I had to take it back to the shop for repairs.
