What spray can I use to clean throttle body?

Keeping your throttle body clean is an important part of regular vehicle maintenance. A dirty throttle body can cause poor fuel economy, rough idling, stalling and other driveability issues. Using a throttle body cleaner spray is the most effective way to clean the throttle body without having to remove it from the vehicle.

What is a Throttle Body?

The throttle body is part of the air intake system that controls the amount of air entering the engine. It contains the throttle valve which opens and closes in response to the accelerator pedal. When you press down on the gas, it opens the throttle valve allowing more air into the engine. The throttle body can become coated with dirt, fuel deposits and carbon over time which prevents it from operating properly.

When to Clean the Throttle Body

A good rule of thumb is to clean the throttle body every 25,000 to 50,000 miles. However, if you start to notice any symptoms such as:

• Rough idle
• Engine surging
• Hesitation on acceleration
• Reduced power and performance
• Increased fuel consumption

Then it’s a sign that the throttle body needs to be cleaned right away. Accelerator pedal sensors can also get gummed up from dirt buildup which causes acceleration and drivability problems.

How to Clean the Throttle Body

Here are the steps for cleaning the throttle body:

1. Turn the engine off and open the hood.
2. Locate the throttle body, it’s connected to the air intake ducting before the engine.
3. Use throttle body cleaner spray and towels to wipe down the outside and inside of the throttle body.
4. Make sure to spray the throttle plate and bore thoroughly.
5. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes then wipe it down until all dirt and deposits are removed.
6. Also clean the IAC (Idle Air Control) valve near the throttle body.
7. Start the engine and let it idle for several minutes.
8. Perform an acceleration test to check for smoothness.
9. Reset the fuel trim and electronic throttle control adapts by disconnecting the battery for 15 minutes if needed.

Best Throttle Body Cleaners

When choosing a throttle body cleaner, you want an effective spray that’s safe for your engine sensors and components. Here are some of the top options:

CRC Throttle Body & Air Intake Cleaner

– Fast-acting foaming spray formula

– Helps restore performance and fuel efficiency

– Safe on mass airflow sensors

Berryman Chem-Dip Throttle Body Cleaner

– Strong cleaning solvents dissolve gum, varnish and carbon

– 360° spray valve for hard to reach areas

– Improves idle quality and MPG

Gumout Throttle Body and Air Intake Cleaner

– Contains PEA that breaks down carbon deposits

– Helps reduce hesitation and rough idle

– Safe for oxygen sensors and catalytic converters

DIY Throttle Body Cleaning

Cleaning the throttle body is easy to do yourself at home in less than 30 minutes. No need for expensive dealer or shop repairs. Just be sure to use all safety precautions and follow the directions above.

The hardest part is accessing the throttle body location under the hood. Once located, spray liberally with cleaner and let it soak in. Agitate with a wipe or brush and rinse it off. Be patient and thorough for best results. The before and after difference can be dramatic.

Professional Throttle Body Cleaning

For those who don’t want to tackle it themselves, many auto repair shops offer throttle body cleaning services for around $100-200. A professional mechanic will have the proper chemicals and equipment to thoroughly scrub the throttle body internals clean. They can also properly test and ensure performance after cleaning.

Conclusion

Regular throttle body cleaning should be part of your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Using a high-quality cleaner spray designed specifically for throttle bodies is the safest and most effective DIY method. Just be sure to follow all the proper steps. A clean throttle body can improve MPG, eliminate rough idling problems and restore engine performance.