Is it normal for idle speed to be unstable after throttle cleaning?
3 Answers
Unstable idle speed after throttle cleaning is abnormal and requires timely inspection and repair. The following is a detailed introduction about automotive maintenance: 1. Overview: Automotive maintenance is a general term for vehicle upkeep and repair. It involves using technical means to diagnose faults in malfunctioning vehicles, identify the causes, and take measures to eliminate the faults, restoring the vehicle to certain performance and safety standards. 2. Others: Automotive maintenance includes major repairs and minor repairs. Major repairs refer to restorative repairs that involve repairing or replacing any vehicle components (including fundamental parts) to restore the vehicle's proper technical condition and fully (or nearly fully) recover its service life. Minor repairs refer to operational repairs that involve replacing or repairing individual parts to ensure or restore the vehicle's operational capability.
I once encountered unstable idle speed after cleaning the throttle body during car repairs, which isn't quite normal. Most often, it's because while the dirt on the throttle body was removed, residual cleaner or improper reassembly altered the air intake volume, requiring the computer system to relearn the idle parameters. Otherwise, the RPM fluctuates, making the car feel jerky. The simplest solution I remember is disconnecting the battery negative terminal for about ten minutes to reset the ECU, then restarting the car to let the engine relearn stability. If that doesn't work, there might be an issue with sensors, like an aging mass airflow sensor or loose wiring connections. It's best to check promptly to prevent minor issues from escalating. Cleaning the throttle body should make the car more fuel-efficient and smoother; with proper handling, it should stabilize within weeks. The key is thorough inspection and reset.
I recently cleaned the throttle body on my car, and after that, the idle speed became unstable during cold starts, with fluctuating RPMs which was quite alarming. This isn't normal and might be due to leftover water or cleaning chemicals blocking the passages and affecting air intake. Without professional tools, I tried disconnecting the battery overnight, and by morning, the engine gradually returned to normal. If the issue persists, it could be a loose or worn throttle position sensor. This experience taught me to wait a while after cleaning before test-driving and not to rush. Regular throttle body maintenance is good, but improper handling can cause more problems. For safety, ensure the idle is stable before long trips to avoid stalling midway. It's wise to have some basic knowledge handy.
