How to Effectively Clean Throttle Carbon Deposits?
2 Answers
Effective methods for cleaning throttle carbon deposits are introduced as follows: Remove the intake hose to expose the throttle body; Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery and turn off the ignition switch; Straighten the throttle plate and spray a small amount of carburetor cleaner into the throttle body; Clean with a polyester cloth or non-woven fabric. For hard-to-reach areas inside the throttle, use a clip to hold the cloth for cleaning. After cleaning, it's necessary to initialize the throttle. Previously, due to sludge blockage, the ECU would automatically adjust the throttle opening to maintain proper air intake. After cleaning, without sludge blockage, if the throttle maintains its previous opening, it may cause excessive air intake, resulting in engine shaking during startup and weak acceleration.
From my perspective, cleaning throttle body carbon deposits is quite simple and can be done by yourself. First, park the car and let it cool for half an hour, then disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent short circuits. Remove the intake pipe connected to the throttle body to expose the valve section. Spray a throttle-specific cleaner onto it, wait patiently for a minute or two to let the liquid dissolve the carbon deposits, then gently wipe it clean with a soft cloth—avoid using any hard objects to prevent surface damage. After cleaning, reassemble all components, reconnect the battery, and start the engine to check if the idle is much smoother. I do this preventive maintenance every 20,000 kilometers or so, as city traffic congestion tends to cause carbon buildup, which can lead to increased fuel consumption or unstable starts. Regular maintenance saves you a trip to the repair shop—just spend about 20 yuan on a bottle of cleaner, but remember to ensure good ventilation during the process and avoid inhaling fumes. If the carbon deposits are too thick to clean off, don’t force it—seek professional help for safety. This DIY method is cost-effective and efficient, keeping your engine running smoothly.
