When your car’s throttle body is not functioning correctly, it can cause a range of issues, including stalling, rough idling, and a lack of power. The good news is that in many cases, you may be able to restore the throttle body’s operation by cleaning it properly.
What Is a Throttle Body?
The throttle body is a critical component of your vehicle’s engine, responsible for controlling the flow of air into the engine. It contains a butterfly valve that opens and closes to regulate the amount of air entering the engine, based on the position of the accelerator pedal. This allows the engine to adjust its power output as needed.
Signs of a Malfunctioning Throttle Body
If your throttle body is not working correctly, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
Check engine light is on
Rough idling or stalling
Decreased engine performance or power
Poor fuel economy
Difficulty accelerating or changing gears
Cleaning the Throttle Body
In many cases, a malfunctioning throttle body can be fixed by simply cleaning it. Here’s how to do it:
Disconnect the throttle body from the engine and remove it from the vehicle.
Use a throttle body cleaner or brake cleaner to thoroughly clean the throttle body, including the butterfly valve and the surrounding area.
Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes to dissolve any built-up gunk or deposits.
Use a clean rag to wipe away any remaining debris.
Reinstall the throttle body and reconnect it to the engine.
If cleaning the throttle body does not resolve the issue, you may need to replace the component entirely. This is a more involved repair that should be performed by a qualified mechanic.