Dirty Throttle Body Causes Engine Idle Fluctuations – Use Throttle Body Cleaner to Prevent It!

The throttle body is a key component of an internal combustion engine, controlling the airflow into the combustion chamber. If you notice that your engine is unexpectedly stalling, running irregularly, or the RPMs are unstable, it could be a sign that the throttle body is dirty. In this article, we'll discuss how to address this issue and which throttle body cleaning products are the most effective.

Dirty Throttle Body – Where Does the Dirt Come From?

The throttle body in a car is housed in a plastic casing and attached to the side of the engine within the intake manifold. Its main function is to regulate the amount of air delivered to the cylinders, which affects the smoothness of the vehicle's acceleration. When you press the accelerator pedal, a small butterfly valve opens, connected to the throttle pedal by a metal cable and spring. This allows the engine to increase RPMs and power. In modern engines, this problem is less common because the accelerator pedal is electronically controlled and sends a signal directly to the engine control unit (ECU).

How does dirt accumulate on this component? The throttle body is located between the intake manifold and the air filter, making it particularly susceptible to two types of contamination: dust and debris from outside the engine and carbon deposits and oil residue that form inside the engine. Many manufacturers place the EGR valve outlet directly before the throttle body, causing it to become dirty over time.

Symptoms of a Dirty Throttle Body

How can you tell if the throttle body in your car is dirty? It can often be challenging since the symptoms can be misleading and resemble issues with other parts, such as spark plugs or the EGR valve. You may notice a decrease in your vehicle's performance and power. Irregular RPMs and frequent stalling, especially noticeable when idling, are characteristic signs of a dirty throttle body. When trying to accelerate, the car may jerk and respond sluggishly. This is due to the throttle body struggling to close properly, and the ECU can't adjust the RPMs correctly because deposits block the throttle valve. If the throttle body is stuck due to dirt, it can also make starting the car difficult. It won't be able to open enough to allow the proper amount of air needed for the fuel injection to ignite. If you feel that your car isn't running as smoothly as it used to, it's worth considering whether the problem lies in the throttle body's functionality. If deposits hinder its movement, the engine may run erratically. Instead of a steady airflow, it may cause irregular air delivery, leading to unpredictable acceleration and delayed vehicle response.

Cost of Throttle Body Cleaning at a Service Center

The cost of cleaning a throttle body can vary, but generally, it is not a time-consuming or complicated service for an experienced mechanic. The entire procedure, including disassembly and reassembly, should take no more than two hours. However, the cost can be around 50$. In many cases, it is more cost-effective to purchase a high-quality throttle body cleaner. Due to its design and location, cleaning the throttle body at home without disassembly is possible. Many products are available for maintaining and removing minor contaminants, which you can read about below.

Best Throttle Body Cleaner Without Disassembly? TEC 2000 Induction Cleaner!

If you're wondering what to use to clean the throttle body, choose the unrivaled TEC 2000 Induction Cleaner. This advanced intake system cleaner is enriched with high-quality dissolving and lubricating ingredients, effectively removing contaminants from all parts by breaking them down thoroughly. It also contains an emulsifier, allowing for easy rinsing of contaminants with regular water. This product is ideal for cleaning the throttle body, turbocharger, entire intake manifold, throttle body housing, control valves, and carburetors. It helps keep the intake system in perfect condition and restores full engine power. TEC 2000 Induction Cleaner spray is a versatile throttle body cleaner, perfect for both individual drivers and professional car service centers.

How Often Should You Clean the Throttle Body?

Throttle body contamination significantly affects driving comfort and can harm various engine components. Improper operation and strain caused by accumulated dirt can lead to faster wear and various types of failures. Older vehicles with over 100,000 kilometers on the odometer are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of carbon buildup. It's clear that prevention is better than cure, especially since neglecting it can lead to high costs. However, there are no specific time intervals for cleaning the throttle body or the entire intake system. Therefore, we recommend monitoring the condition of individual components and reacting when any irregularities appear. Don’t wait until the car starts showing clear signs of trouble – preventive maintenance can save you from many issues.

Throttle Body Cleaning – How to Do It?

The ease of use, allowing for cleaning the intake manifold, channels, flaps, EGR valve, and throttle body without disassembly, is one of the greatest advantages of TEC 2000 Induction Cleaner. You can perform the entire process at home without needing specialized tools or knowledge. There’s nothing complicated here that an average driver couldn’t handle. Just follow the instructions on the can. TEC 2000 Induction Cleaner should be applied to a running engine directly behind the air filter. Apply a small amount of the cleaner and wait 2-3 seconds. The RPMs should remain steady at around 2,000-2,500 RPM. It’s best to use the product with two people – one responsible for adding the cleaner and the other for maintaining the RPMs at the correct level. The entire procedure will take at most 20 minutes, during which you'll thoroughly clean the intake system and its components. We invite you to explore the full range of products available on the TEC 2000 website – you'll find not only a throttle body cleaner without disassembly but also an engine flush and injector cleaner. With our products, you’ll maintain your car in excellent condition and significantly extend its lifespan.