What is the Throttle Body all about?
For a car to run smoothly, it needs the proper mixture of air and fuel. The amount of air in the engine is controlled by the air intake system. A throttle body is part of the air intake system that helps control the amount of air that gets into the engine. If the throttle body fails, the engine will not get the proper mixture of air and fuel and the engine may lose power.
Keep in mind:
If a throttle body is damaged, it will need to be replaced. Sometimes a throttle body is malfunctioning because it is dirty, in which case it can be cleaned and repaired.
How it's done:
- Scan the computer system for codes.
- Check wiring and connections to throttle body.
- Clean any carbon build-up around intake inlet.
- Install new gasket and throttle body.
- Clear the codes.
- Test drive the vehicle and check for proper operation of the throttle body.
Our recommendation:
When you are getting a major tune up, you may want to get an air induction service and fuel injection flush. The air induction service will clean the throttle plate and remove carbon from the air-intake system. This will prolong the life of the throttle body.
What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Throttle Body?
- Check Engine light is on.
- Warning message on dashboard for "Reduced Power."
- Poor car performance.
- Lack of power.
- Vehicle does not idle properly or engine does not run smoothly.
- Poor shifting of transmission.
How important is this service?
In order to operate optimally, your engine needs a perfect ratio of fuel and air. It achieves this through the air intake system, which sends air into the engine. The throttle body is a key part of the air intake system. It controls exactly how much air is allowed to enter the engine. When the throttle body malfunctions or breaks, the incorrect amount of air will enter the engine, and the engine will not run well. When this happens you will likely experience a loss of power or a sputtering engine.
