What are the steps to clean the throttle body?
2 Answers
Cleaning the throttle body involves the following steps: 1. Open the engine hood and remove the black upper engine cover. 2. Depending on the type of clamp, use either a Phillips screwdriver or needle-nose pliers to remove the intake hose. 3. Remove the throttle body without disconnecting its wiring harness. Use a cloth to cover the metal intake port to prevent foreign objects from entering the engine cylinders. 4. Clean the throttle body using a cleaning agent or carburetor cleaner. Pay attention to removing carbon deposits inside the throttle body, around the throttle shaft root, and the bypass valve. 5. After cleaning, dry it with a cloth and apply a small amount of engine oil near the throttle shaft for lubrication.
Cleaning the throttle body is quite simple, and I enjoy DIY car maintenance myself. First, prepare the tools: throttle body-specific cleaner (don't use carburetor cleaner as a substitute), a socket wrench set, clean soft cloths, and cotton swabs. The engine must be completely cooled for at least half an hour before starting to avoid burns. Turn off the engine and disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent short circuits in electronic components or triggering fault codes. Locate the throttle body (usually connected to the intake pipe), use the wrench to remove the intake pipe connection, exposing the internal valve. Spray the cleaner to cover the carbon buildup areas, wait a few minutes for it to soften, then gently wipe the disc valve and walls with a soft cloth—avoid scraping hard to prevent damage. Finally, let it air dry for 5 minutes, reassemble all components, and reconnect the battery. Start the car in neutral to check idle, listening for smooth operation. Ensure good ventilation during the process and wear gloves to stay clean. Regular cleaning every 10,000–20,000 km can improve throttle response, reduce idle instability, and save money. Note: avoid spraying cleaner on sensors or other sensitive parts.
