How to Clean the Throttle Body by Yourself?
2 Answers
Self-cleaning the throttle body process is as follows: 1. If there is a plastic heat shield cover on the engine, it needs to be removed first. 2. After removing the engine cover, the throttle body can usually be seen. The throttle body is connected to some air pipes around it, which need to be removed, and the positions of each pipe should be noted clearly. 3. After removing the air pipes on the throttle body, the entire throttle body can be taken off. The throttle body is fixed to the engine block with 4 bolts, and it can be quickly removed using the appropriate tools. 4. The side of the throttle body near the combustion chamber is usually dirtier, with black carbon deposits, which is the main area to be cleaned. 5. Cleaning the throttle body mainly involves removing the carbon deposits on it. Special throttle body cleaning fluid or carburetor cleaner can be used. Please note that the cleaning principle of such cleaners is to dissolve carbon deposits, and their ingredients are harmful to the human body. It is best to wear gloves and a mask during cleaning. 6. Spray the cleaner onto the areas of the throttle body with more carbon deposits and wait for it to dissolve the carbon deposits, which takes about 5-10 minutes. Using a brush can speed up the removal of carbon deposits. 7. Once the dirt on the throttle body has been completely dissolved, you can use a clean towel to wipe off the cleaner inside the throttle body.
I've cleaned the throttle body many times, and it feels pretty simple while saving a good amount of money. First, turn off the engine and disconnect the battery's negative terminal to prevent short circuits, then put on gloves and protective goggles. Use a wrench to remove the intake pipe and expose the throttle body, spray specialized cleaner to dissolve the carbon deposits, and wipe it clean with a soft cloth—don't rinse with water. When reassembling, align the connections properly and check the sealing ring to prevent air leaks. Finally, reconnect the battery and start the engine for testing—the engine sound becomes smoother and acceleration improves noticeably. The whole process takes about 30 minutes, and the tools aren't expensive—just a bottle of cleaner for around 20 bucks. Regular cleaning can also improve fuel efficiency and extend part lifespan. Learning some DIY skills gives you a better feel for your car.
