How Often Should You Clean Your Throttle Body? [Service] (2024)

You know that your car needs a tune-up and an oil change occasionally, but what about the less obvious parts of your vehicle? One such part is the throttle body. Cleaning your throttle body may not be at the top of your list of things to do, but it’s crucial. But how often should you clean it?

Throttle bodies can become dirty if you don’t drive your car often. A good rule of thumb is to clean your throttle body every 20,000 miles. However, if your car’s performance starts to suffer, it’s a good idea to clean the throttle body sooner.

In this post, we’ll discuss how often you should clean your throttle body and provide some tips on how to do it. Keep reading to learn more!

What Are The Symptoms Of A Dirty Throttle Body?

If your throttle body is dirty, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Reduced engine power
• Poor acceleration
• Rough idling
• Stalling

If you notice any of these symptoms, cleaning your throttle body as soon as possible is essential.

How Often Should You Clean Your Throttle Body?

It depends on a few factors, such as the fuel you use, your driving conditions, and whether or not your car has an automatic transmission.

Generally speaking, you should clean your throttle body every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. If you drive in dusty or dirty conditions or use lower-quality fuel, you may need to clean it more often.

If your car has an automatic transmission, changing the transmission fluid simultaneously as you clean the throttle body is also a good idea. Doing so will help keep your car’s engine and transmission running smoothly.

Some other factors can affect your throttle body cleaning frequency.

Mileage

How often you should clean your throttle body depends on how many miles you’ve driven since the last time it was cleaned. Most mechanics recommend cleaning your throttle body every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, but this number can vary depending on your driving habits and engine condition.

Manufacturer’s Instruction Manual

Your car’s manufacturer may specify how often to clean your throttle body. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic for the most accurate advice.

Oxygen Sensor

One more thing to remember is that your throttle body is connected to your oxygen sensor. This sensor is responsible for monitoring the air-fuel mixture in your engine, and if it gets dirty, it can cause your engine to run less efficiently. So, if you’re going to clean your throttle body, it’s a good idea to clean your oxygen sensor simultaneously.

What Are The Benefits Of Cleaning Throttle Body?

Cleaning the throttle body has many benefits, including preventing future problems and improving fuel efficiency. A clean throttle body ensures that your engine runs optimally, saving you money on fuel costs. In addition, a clean throttle body can help extend your engine’s life by preventing the build-up of harmful deposits. Finally, regular throttle body cleaning can help improve your vehicle’s overall performance.

See Also: How To Remove Yellow Stains From White Car Paint

How Much Is A Throttle Body Cleaning Service?

The cost of a throttle body cleaning service can vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the severity of the clog. However, you can generally expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a professional throttle body cleaning service. However, most reputable shops will offer a discount if you have the service done simultaneously with another procedure, such as an oil change or tune-up.

What To Use To Clean Throttle Body?

You can clean your throttle body in a few different ways, depending on your type of cleaner and how much build-up is present.

• If you have a can of carburetor cleaner, you can spray it into the throttle body and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it clean.
• You can use a throttle body brush to scrub the grime for more stubborn build-up.
• If you’re working on a particularly dirty throttle body, you may need to soak it in a bowl of carburetor cleaner overnight before scrubbing it clean.

Whatever method you use, rinse the throttle valve thoroughly with water afterward to remove any residual cleaner.

Best Throttle Body Cleaner

Many throttle body cleaners are on the market, but not all are created equal. Let’s look at some of the best throttle body cleaners on the market:

Chemtool Carburetor, Choke & Throttle Body Cleaner

It’s a powerful solvent that quickly dissolves carbon deposits and other debris. It’s also safe on all surfaces, including aluminum, plastic, and rubber. This cleaner is also affordable and will save you money in the long run.

CRC Throttle Body & Carburetor Cleaner

The CRC Throttle Body & Carburetor Cleaner is formulated with a unique blend of solvents, surfactants, and emulsifiers that quickly break down deposits on your throttle body and carburetor. This throttle body cleaner removes deposits and build-up from carburetors and throttle bodies.

Wurth Throttle Body & Carburetor Cleaner

This product is designed to clean carburetors and throttle bodies. This cleaner is designed to quickly and easily remove deposits from your throttle body and carburetor, and it’s also safe for use on all types of metals.

How To Clean Throttle Body Without Removing It?

It is possible to clean your throttle body without removing it. The process will require a few essential tools, including a screwdriver, a socket set, and a bowl. You’ll also need some carburetor cleaner and a can of compressed air.

Follow these steps to clean your throttle body without removing it:

• Disconnect the negative battery cable
• Remove the air intake ductwork
• Unscrew the throttle body from the intake manifold using a screwdriver or socket set
• Clean the exterior of the throttle body with carburetor cleaner and a rag
• Use compressed air to blow out any debris from the interior of the throttle body

Check Out How To Clean The Throttle Body-Without Removing It From The Engine:

Issues After Throttle Body Cleaning

There are a few issues that you can observe after cleaning the throttle body; these issues include:

Loud Noises

After you’ve cleaned your throttle body, you may notice that your engine is louder than before. This is because the build-up of carbon and other materials can act as a muffler, and when it’s removed, the engine noise will be more pronounced.

Bad Engine Performance When Accelerating

Another common issue after throttle body cleaning is reduced engine performance when accelerating. Several factors, including a dirty or damaged mass airflow sensor, an incorrect fuel mixture, or clogged injectors can cause this.

Check Engine Light

Finally, one of the most common issues after throttle body cleaning is the check engine light coming on. Several things, including a loose vacuum hose or an issue with the throttle position sensor, can cause this. If the check engine light comes on, you should take your car to a mechanic to diagnose it.

However, there is nothing so serious about these issues you can eradicate such issues by ensuring that the parts are tightly assembled.

FAQs

Final Considerations

So, how often should you clean your throttle body? The answer is not as straightforward as one might think. Depending on driving habits, the environment, and other factors, it is recommended that you clean your throttle body every 20,000 miles. If you have a dirty throttle body, it can cause decreased fuel economy and performance. So, clean it as required to reduce these risks!