What are the symptoms of a throttle body water ingress failure?

[JeremiahAnn]

Symptoms of throttle body malfunction are varied. For instance, the engine may fail to start, or the throttle may not return to position after pressing the accelerator pedal; black smoke emission, increased fuel consumption, high idle speed, and unsteady acceleration are all indicators of a faulty throttle body. Below are detailed explanations about the throttle body: 1. Definition: The throttle body is a controllable valve that regulates air intake into the engine. After entering the intake manifold, the air mixes with gasoline to form a combustible mixture, which then ignites to generate power. Connected to the air filter at the top and the engine block at the bottom, it is often referred to as the throat of the automobile engine. 2. Types: There are two main types of throttle bodies: traditional cable-operated and electronic. In traditional engines, the throttle operates via a cable (flexible steel wire) or linkage rod, with one end connected to the accelerator pedal and the other to the throttle linkage plate. Electronic throttle bodies primarily use a throttle position sensor to adjust the throttle opening angle based on the engine's power demand, thereby regulating the air intake volume.

[Aaliyah]

I remember one time when I drove through a waterlogged area, and later the throttle body got water inside. The car was extremely difficult to start—it took forever to turn the key before the engine finally fired up. Driving felt like a real struggle; even with the accelerator floored, there was no power to speed up, as if climbing a steep hill with a heavy load. At idle, the car shook violently, with the whole body vibrating and the RPM fluctuating erratically. On the road, acceleration was jerky, and the speed wouldn’t increase—sometimes it even stalled in the middle of the street, which was quite dangerous. Occasionally, I could hear slight abnormal noises from the engine, unlike its usual sound. It’s crucial to get it fixed immediately because water ingress can corrode internal throttle components, and prolonged exposure might fry the control unit. Anyway, it’s best to avoid deep water crossings when possible, and drive cautiously in heavy rain. Regular throttle body cleaning checks are also important to prevent similar issues.

[HeidiFitz]

My car has experienced water ingress in the throttle body, with typical symptoms being extreme difficulty in ignition—requiring multiple attempts to start. While driving, there's a noticeable drop in power, with sluggish throttle response and acceleration as slow as a snail. At idle, the car shakes incessantly, as if it's about to stall at any moment. Poor acceleration can also easily lead to stalling, especially when climbing hills or during high-speed driving when power suddenly cuts out. This phenomenon not only affects driving comfort but also increases the risk of accidents. If the air intake is obstructed, the engine may overheat or trigger a warning light. It's recommended to stop driving immediately and get it inspected. Using compressed air to dry the throttle body is an emergency fix. When washing your car, avoid splashing water into the air intake, and don't force your way through deep water.

[VonElliana]

When the throttle body gets water inside, the car often fails to start easily when ignited, and the engine vibrates repeatedly before barely starting. The driving performance is significantly weakened, with no response when pressing the accelerator and extremely poor acceleration. At idle, the car body shakes noticeably like an earthquake, and the tachometer fluctuates greatly and unstably. During driving, it is prone to stalling or shutting down, especially exhibiting freewheeling when shifting gears. The sound is also abnormal with slight friction noises. Once water ingress is suspected, the car should be stopped and inspected immediately; otherwise, the damage will worsen, affecting fuel efficiency. For treatment, promptly dry the throttle body to ensure proper operation.