What is a Fuel System 'Throttle Body'?

Contents

1. How Throttle Bodies Work

2. How To Recognize A Malfunctioning Throttle Body

3. Replacement Throttle Bodies We Offer

4. Replacing A Throttle Body Unit

1. Unbolt And Disconnect The Air Filter Housing

2. Locate Your Throttle Body And Remove Any Electrical Connectors

3. Remove The Cable To Your Accelerator Pedal (On Mechanical Throttle Bodies Only)

4. Loosen The Bolts In A Cross-Hatch Pattern

5. Remove Any Factory Gasket Pieces And Inspect Them

6. Check The Gasket Between Your Old Throttle Body And The Intake Manifold

7. Install Your New Throttle Body Assembly

A throttle body assembly is an integral part of a fuel-injected engine’s air intake system. Its function is to regulate the amount of air
that flows into the engine – accounting for factors such as throttle (gas pedal) position, idle speed, cold start warmup, and more. To
perform these critical tasks, the throttle body is bolted in place between your engine’s intake manifold and air filter housi ng. A hinged
metal plate inside the throttle body (known as a butterfly valve) opens to let more air in as the gas pedal is depressed. Because fuel
injection systems are inherently computer controlled, information from various sensors mounted on the throttle body allows th e
vehicle’s engine management system to determine the optimum fuel flo w rate as based on multiple conditions.

Throttle body assemblies are located between the

engine air filter and intake manifold.

In this article, we'll take a look at how throttle bodies work, how to recognize when one isn't performing properly and needs to be
replaced, and we'll cover the steps involved with replacing an OEM -specification unit. We'll also discuss the throttle body assemblies
that we offer from aftermarket manufacturers with proven records of quality, fit, and durability.
How Throttle Bodies Work

Throttle body assemblies are known as either "mechanical" or "electronically controlled." On a mechanical throttle body (abov e left)
the butterfly valve is operated by a spring-loaded arm piece that's directly linked to a vehicle's accelerator peda l by way of a manual
cable. Newer vehicles that do not have cable linkages to the accelerator pedal will use throttle body assemblies with compute r-
controlled servo motors to move the butterfly valve as needed (above right). These servo motor assemblies ar e described as
electronic throttle controls.

A mechanical throttle body (left), and electronically-

controlled throttle body (right).

On either setup, a knob on the outside of the housing rotates as the butterfly valve moves in order to give feedback to an attached
throttle position sensor. This sensor then sends an electronic signal to the ECU (engine control unit) so that fuel flow is a djusted to
match the amount of air that's now entering the engine.

On the outside of the throttle body assembly will b e a hole for mounting a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor. This port
connects to a small air duct that runs into the pressure chamber behind the throttle plate. As more air flows in, the MAP sen sor will
read a higher pressure, which the ECU uses to v erify calculations for fuel flow rate.

Another port will exist for mounting an Idle Air Control (IAC) valve, which controls the amount of air the engine gets at idl e. On cold
starts, this valve allows more air to pass through so that the engine warms up faster when idling.

For regulating overall idle speed at all times (not just during warmup), mechanical throttle bodies will have an idle speed a djuster
screw that can be tightened or loosened in its mounting port. As it's loosened, the screw retracts out of the way inside a dedicated air
duct so that more air can pass through at all times.
For the purposes of quick winter warm -up, some throttle body housings may be equipped with small nipples that can be connected to
the vehicle's coolant lines. These allow just enough warm coolant to pass through so that any moisture that's frozen will quickly thaw
away. In order to prevent air inside the throttle body from becoming too heated, the amount of coolant flowing through is kep t to a
minimum.

Throttle body assemblies for newer vehicles will most likely be equipped with an additional nipple that attaches to a emissions system
vacuum line. This nipple will have its own small duct that runs into the throttle body chamber.

How To Recognize A Malfunctioning Throttle Body

A malfunctioning throttle body will typically cause your engine to hesitate and stumble noticeably when you’re accelerating. The
engine may also stall completely at startup, when it’s under load, or even at idle. Or, you may notice a consistent del ay in throttle
response after stepping on the accelerator. In worst -case scenarios, you may lose practically all of your throttle control and the
vehicle won’t accelerate. On newer vehicles with more electronics, cycling the ignition key off for a few seco nds before starting the
engine again will sometimes make the problem go away temporarily – allowing you to drive a little further instead of being stranded.

The metal housing of a throttle body usually isn’t the problem – however, carbon deposits and dirt do build up over time and diminish
smooth operation of the butterfly valve. If gunk accumulation is the only issue, a simple removal and cleaning of the throttl e body
should correct the issues (see below for removal instructions). Throttle bore wear can happen after many miles, and this typically
requires replacement of the entire unit.

Typically, problems arise from electronic issues such as wiring circuits that have become compromised with too much electrica l
resistance due to corrosion, or from an "ope n" condition where wiring is broken, loose, or no longer grounded properly. Sensors
mounted on the throttle body housing may be failing, causing the vehicle's ECU to become confused. When this happens, the air /fuel
mixture will be off and the engine will hesitate. Servo motors that adjust the butterfly valve on throttle bodies with electronic controls
wear out and can malfunction at the end of their life span.

The newer your vehicle, the more likely it is that its ECU will pick up on these erratic running conditions and generate fault codes that
will trigger a check engine warning light. On some instrument clusters, you may also see a specialized "ETC" or "EPC" warning light,
or a symbol that resembles a lightning bolt. These indicate that problems detecte d are specific to the electronic throttle control
system. If you're interested in diagnosing such issues further yourself, a diagnostic scan tool will help you pinpoint the source of the
problem. Or, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic to determine which components need replacement.
Replacement Throttle Bodies We Offer

Whether you diagnose and replace your throttle body yourself or have someone else do it, using quality replacement parts makes all
the difference in keeping your vehicle running reliably and delivering all the responsiveness you paid for when you drove it off the lot.
Making a quick left turn in front of an oncoming bus is no time to realize your replaceme nt throttle body doesn't cut it. That's why we
sell units made by manufacturers with proven track records of quality, fit, durability, and smoothness which match OEM levels . In fact,
odds are good that one or more of those manufacturers were contracted by your automaker to build original parts fitted on the
assembly line!

If you’ve got a German car from today back to the 1990s, take a look at the Bosch Throttle Body Assembly and Standard TechSmart
Fuel Injection Throttle Body Assembly. Bosch units feature only electronic adjustment motors, while the Standard brand units offer
mechanical setups when applicable on older vehicles. Note that all of these units also offer a selection for American and Asi an
vehicles from the 1990s through today.

TheBoschThrotleBodyAsembly.Buy TheHitachiFuelInjectionThrotleBody.

Hitachi Fuel Injection Throttle Body units specialize in Nissan and Infiniti models back to 2002 as well as General Motors brand
vehicles including Saturn and Hummer. Additionally, Dorman Throttle Body Assemblies feature additional GM-powered vehicles sold
by Isuzu and Saab as well as other American and Asian makes. AC Delco GM OE Fuel Injection Throttle Body units are for General
Motors models only from 1996 through today, with both mechanical and electronic setups. I f you’ve got a 2006-08 Chevy Aveo (or
Canadian model Pontiac Wave), we’ve got hard-to-find throttle body units on our AC Delco Professional Fuel Injection Throttle
Body page.

The Auto 7 mechanical Throttle Body.

Spectra Premium Fuel Injection Throttle Body units offer all-electronic setups for select American, German, and Japanese cars from
the mid-1990s through today. And for Hyundai and Daewoo-built engines from 1990-2002 (including models sold by GM and
Mitsubishi), Auto 7 Throttle Body units offer the replacement mechanical throttle bodies you'll need.

We also offer a selection of smaller replacement components that

are part of throttle body units.
Replacing A Throttle Body Unit

Unbolt And Disconnect The Air Filter Housing

Air filter assemblies will vary in placement from vehicle to vehicle, so you’ll want to start by removing the cover panel and the air filter
itself. Next, locate all bolts that anchor the housing in place. Remove these bolts or screws, putting them aside for later r e-installation.
Look for any wiring connectors on the side of the air filt er housing – unhook these as well.

Locate Your Throttle Body And Remove Any Electrical Connectors

Once you remove your air filter housing from the engine, you'll have a clear view of your throttle body assembly. Typically, you'll see
four bolts used to anchor it in place. Like the air filter housing, loosening these bolts will require only simple socket wrenches. You'll
also need to unplug the main wiring connector from the throttle body assembly to the vehicle's ECU.

Remove The Cable To Your Accelerator Pedal (On Mechanical Throttle Bodies Only)

If your vehicle is equipped with an actual cable linkage to your accelerator pedal, you'll see the point where it attaches ea sily. To
temporarily remove this cable, you'll need to rotate the linkage arm by hand in order to take tension off the cable and create some
slack. With a pair of needle-nose pliers, grab onto the retaining piece (or clip) at the end of the cable. Wiggle the end of the cable
loose in order to free it from its mounting point. Your replacemen t throttle body will have a similarly designed attachment method, so
re-installation will be easy.

Loosen The Bolts In A Cross-Hatch Pattern

When removing the bolts that hold your throttle body assembly in place, make sure to loosen the first two in a cr oss-hatch pattern. For
example, start with the top left bolt, then move to the bottom right one. After that, you can loosen bolts three and four in any sequence
you choose. Doing this minimizes stress on any intake manifold parts the throttle assembly is m ounted to – which is a good idea,
because they’ll probably be made of plastic. You’ll want to follow a similar pattern when re -installing your new throttle body assembly.
Remove Any Factory Gasket Pieces And Inspect Them

Once your old throttle body assembly is off the vehicle, remove any gasket pieces that surround the round butterfly valve opening
because your replacement unit will not include a new one. Because the throttle body housing itself doesn't see any movement, the
gasket piece should be intact and fit for transferring to your new housing. Use this opportunity to clean it with a de -greasing cleaner.

Check The Gasket Between Your Old Throttle Body And The Intake Manifold

Before installing your new throttle body, it's important to check the intake manifold to see what type of gasket or seal exists in this
location. Depending on your particular make and model, you may have a durable rubber O -ring type seal that can be removed and
cleaned. Or, your vehicle may have a thin metal gasket that can be removed easily without residue. Both of these types of gaskets are
designed to be re-used.

Clean the area on your intake manifold where the old gasket was. If necessary, use a sharp blade with your de -greaser to scrape any
remaining gunk away. Should you find yourself in need of new throttle body gasket pieces, we offer a good selection in the Throttle
Bodies section of our website also.

Need a replacement throttle body gasket? We've got a great

selection.

Install Your New Throttle Body Assembly

Because throttle body assemblies are basically plug -and-play units, installing a new one requires no programming on your part – your
vehicle’s ECU will link to it automatically. So, in short, installation is a simple matter of reversing the steps taken durin g disassembly.
We'll note that when you attach your new throttle body to the intake plenum, insert all four bolts and tighten them moderatel y. Then,
make sure the first two you tighten are located diagonally from one other. Finally, tighten the remaining bolts. Reinstall your air filter
housing, air filter, and any other components and connections you removed.

Once a faulty throttle body assembly is replaced with a new one, your vehicle will run smoothly again without hesitation. And if your
throttle body has been getting slowly worse and not been performing up to par for a long time, the level of performance being restored
will be nothing less than refreshing!