How to clean your throttle body

[@405544]

I really appreciate your attention to detail and emphasis on training. Most automotive techs know what everyone else knows. Not many actually figure out things for themselves. Keep up the great videos.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Thanks for the awesome feedback. Its greatly appreciated. Dont forget to subscribe

[@davidnuckols4453]

I was wondering I have a 2011 dodge journey and I put a starter on it starts fine but soon as you give it gas it shuts down

[@OgleBilly]

Had to do the throttle body on my ‘15 5.7 so I’m gladI remembered this video ! Thanks for the great instruction brother Dave!

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Your welcome Billy! Glad I had another video to help you out.

[@OgleBilly]

Well David, I’ve gotta thank you again for your awesome videos! Just finished a throttle body cleaning on a ‘14 Rubicon and this video reminded me to use a regular toothbrush instead of a high dollar brush from a local auto parts store. Thanks brother!

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Thanks Bill! Glad it went well. Sometimes you only need the simplest of items that you already have....just like that toothbrush!

[@OgleBilly]

Morning Dave! Watched this a few years ago and enjoyed watching it again this morning! Reminded me I need to clean the throttle body on my 2018RAM! Great instructional videos bud!

[@DrunknOdin]

Did you have to relearn the throttle body? If so how did you do it?

[@destinipetway1426]

Awesome video I do believe this is my problem 2014 dodge Journey just stopped starting and when it does start it wont drive faster than 10 mph and has lightning bolt and engine light on. Ima try cleaning first your video was very informative Thank you

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Sorry for the delay.......did the cleaning help? Also......have you had the codes checked yet to see what the light is on for?

[@richsmith9063]

Another excellent video David. Thanks !!!

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Appreciate it Rich! Thanks for checking the video out. Make sure to subscribe

[@vrsoft]

Excellent video - very well produced and explained, thank you! Question: our vehicle (Jeep XK ‘07 5.7L) stalls out every so often, mostly when coming to a full stop. This past week it stalled for the first time ever at highway speed. No codes are stored when this happens. I’m going to clean the throttle body as the HEMI’s are notorious for sucking oil through the pcv recirculation system. Why is a dirty throttle body a typical common reason for stalls? Is it because the plate doesn’t fully close when you release the peddle and the vehicle is designed to shutoff as a safety precaution? Some other reason?

[@wyattoneable]

Great tutorial and a great tip on the nozzle. That would suck. The commentary along the way helped to answer some questions I had too, thanks.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Yeah it sucked the first time I did it. Thanks again for watching as always my friend!

[@tracewallace23]

"just because it's a big can. Doesn't mean that we have to use ALL of the can" LMAO👍😎

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Exactly! Thanks for following the channel and for the support.

[@yoviss-vsz8851]

Awesome video I have 3 times the throttle body ct light on the lost power so if cleaning should solve the problems still run’s but I’ll rather fixed now

[@paulevasmith1082]

Hello once again Dave. Great video. I can not believe how easy it is clean the throttle body. You go to a service shop and they make a big deal about it.. And want to charge you a boat load of money for the service. As easy as it is you should be able to yourself two or three times a year. Keep the videos coming. PS Smith

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Glad that the video helps. Most shops charge around $50.00 give or take a few bucks for this service and if your welling to try it yourself....thats money in the bank. We all have old toothbrushes laying around and you have enough cleaner to do it a few times. Thanks for the info and for the comment. Make sure to subscribe!

[@lydiadelgado3501]

thank you,☺ for sharing this information that you have this master nollege to show especially for people like myself can't really afford to take the car to someone to do it. thank you again sir.😀

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Always glad that I can help. The procedure is simple enough to take on yourself. Thanks for watching and make sure to subscribe

[@fredmartinez933]

Great demo, thanks!!!!!

[@chrislandrio3222]

Thanks a mil

[@ewconway]

I did this on my 2018 Dodge Challenger 3.6L Pentastar. Two items: 1) After you spray a Liberal amount of throttle body cleaner during cleaning, it may take the engine two or three times to start. 2) Be very careful re-installing the air sensor on the air flow tube close to the throttle body connection. The air sensor has to be pushed hard into the tube and turn it 45 degrees to snap into place. I didn’t did not quite reinstall the air sensor correctly and the engine threw a P0171 and P0174 check engine codes.

[@daveyt4802]

Will the TB gears get damaged if you move the blade open and closed manually?

[@ianmackenzie686]

Great demo, thanks! I'm glad I subscribed.

[@DocHicksTv]

Quick question sir: After you clean your throttle body, how do you recalibrate / Relearn the Throttle body system to remove lag? Hopefully you can answer my questions, Thanks in advance!

[@DrunknOdin]

Did you ever get an answer to this? Thinking of doing this for my 16 Ram but just wanted to get all the information before continuing.

[@tobypalmore9]

Thank you once again great information

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Your welcome Toby!

[@lawrenceparham7712]

This is Larry from NC good work.

[@user-kw5ze5ky5q]

A little late to the party here but hey Motor City Mechanic. I’m a Capital City Mechanic in the State of Michigan lol. I assume from your name you’re from the Detroit area and you have gone to Chrysler Academy in Auburn Hills. There I was told by Norm that you should never actually spray cleaner into the throttle body. This is because the bearings for the throttle plate aren’t sealed and the cleaner will get into them and bind the throttle plate. Now that being said, for years at a couple places I’ve worked we’ve used BG Products for fuel services which does exactly that with the service tool and haven’t seen any issues yet. If I do it on my own vehicle or as a courtesy, for example if I’m replacing an engine or it’s a big ticket job and I’m there or I do a tune up, I’ll take 5 minutes and clean it out, I just spray cleaner on a rag first and scrub the inside of the TB and plate until it’s clean which does work to remove carbon

[@WBOS72]

Thanks for this tip.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Your always welcome and thanks for watching! Make sure to subscribe

[@CUnit1981]

Thanks for another great video. Definitely going to do this to my truck this weekend as it has 25K on it now and has never been done. Its a Hemi and last week when I first started it up and started driving it ran really rough when I got to a stop light. Only did that once but I figure cleaning the throttle body can't hurt. Think I'll play it safe and use the wet rag method...

[@MotorCityMechanic]

+Corey Constant It's maintenance that I recommend on all had engines. The Hemi is the one that I have seen set codes when they get really dirty. It's simple and can be done by anyone. Thanks for watching!

[@josemf21]

great video , very helpful

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Thanks! Glad it helped. Make sure to subscribe.

[@tonyb282]

The dealer wanted to charge me $200.00 for this lol. Thanks for the video.

[@apjr7700]

great videos, very informative. do you have any videos on changing the thermostat on the 2010 dodge charger with the 3.5l eng.?

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Thanks man......I dont have a video for that as of yet. I will make sure to put it on my to-do list. Make sure to subscribe

[@davidrobins4025]

Another good reminder of a service often overlooked, but can be done with a few simple tools and inexpensive TBC

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Exactly. Mainly having some free time. Otherwise very simple

[@kevinjoyner4987]

reALLY APPRICIATE YOUR ATTENTION TO DETAILS AND EXPLANATIONS! kEEP UP THE GREAT VIDEOS!

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Many thanks Kevin! I appreciate the feedback. Dont forget to subscribe.

[@ldiablo2010]

Thank you 4 these videos, great and very detailed exolenations. I have a 2014 Chrysler 200 that has a rough idle when the car is cold, but it only last around 5 seconds then idle goes back to normal. Almost feels like it needs air. any suggestions

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Hard to say without monitoring the data to see what it actually happening at that time. Wish there was something simple I could point you towards but in this case it will require some in person checking.

[@ldiablo2010]

MotorCity Mechanic well I ended up cleaning the throttle body just like this video, as well as the air control sensor... and it work... car starts up and idles fine when cold. thanks

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Awesome....glad all is well. Thanks for the update!

[@faisalyousef2870]

Keep going man

[@m3rdpwr]

I have a 2014 ram. The dealer wants 250 bucks to do that plus swap out the air filter. I think I'll do it myself.

[@ralphmendoza4563]

Great video, I've been using the sea foam on all my throttle body, haven't had any issue yet, I do believe it a mild cleaner, what your thought on sea foam.

[@joelescobedo3852]

Help! P0221, p2110, p2135 Jeep compass

[@eddiebrown141118]

thanks for the great video I took mine off my 2012 chrysler 200 2.4 and after replacing and starting vehicle the check engine light is on says codes Po108 map sensor high input and Po129low baremetic pressure and also the red ETC light on the dash blinks when vehicle is running would a bad MAP sensor cause that ETC light to flash now?

[@peterboissiere9684]

I don't like to spray the carbon in the intake. It's easy to remove the throdelbody.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

The thing is that its not chunks or pieces of carbon....its just residue that cleans up easily and gets burnt with the spray in the engine. Otherwise there is more labor (money) involved and parts (rubber seal/gasket) each time you remove it and in the end you have the same outcome. Plus the cleaner does clean some of the inside of the intake as well much like an induction service does but on a smaller scale. In the end its up to each person as to what they feel best about. 20 plus years of spray the throttle body....I have had zero issues. Thanks Peter for watching and or the comment. Dont forget to subscribe.

[@gibzen9617]

Dig your videos man. 2011 Overland 4×4 - 5.7 North Carolina vehicle. Great condition, 80,000 miles. Need some minor adjustments/ tuning from an experienced tech like yourself. Live around Troy area but am flexible. You available for drop off work? Let's talk if you are. Finding competent tech at local stealerships is quite exhausting.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Will G. Tory MI? Long story about the channel name.....I’m actually located in Augusta Ga at this point.

[@gibzen9617]

@@MotorCityMechanic Damn, yes Troy MI. I assumed because of your name. I'm an experienced mechanic myself, however time has become more valuable these days than availability and Id rather pay an experienced/ dedicated tech who is familiar with all the particular nuances of the WK2 hemi- such as yourself. Dealer is always a gamble for quality work, always a certainty for ridiculous pricing.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Will G. I fully understand and know what you mean about repair shops and the dealer.

[@everardocamacho5063]

hi David my understanding about cleaning the electronic tps while on the car was not a good idea because the setting may trow off, please explain thru or false, thank you great video. cheers from ontario ca

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Evening Everardo, I have found thats not the case. In the last 20 plus years I have cleaned them on the vehicle. I dont soak the throttle bodies....I spray enough to clean and repeat until fully clean. Then I end with a good wipe with a clean rag. Thanks for the question....make sure to subscribe.

[@alejomarinrivera6568]

I always see your videos but I do not agree that you will have the window with your fingers since it works with an electric motor and you can damage it the correct thing is to open ignition and press the accelerator pedal so that it is there and clean it

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Been cleaning them since they started coming out with throttle by wire and no issues ever. The electric motor isnt energized so your not forcing it to open against its will and damaging anything....its moved freely with the ignition turned off. Its what I found that works best for me and doesnt require either a second person or a pedal depressor. Like anything....there is more then one way to do something but if I thought it would do any damage.....I wouldnt. Appreciate you watching and for commenting Ervin. Thanks again man

[@joe7528]

My 2014 ram 1500 thew 2 codes PO123 , PO222 Throttle/pedal position sensor took it to my mechanic the pedal position sensor was the problem and apparently it's a common issue on Rams ..... also my battery went bad i replaced it myself and now my radio is cutting off and back on any info on that ?

[@MotorCityMechanic]

I havent seen any issues with the throttle bodies or the pedal assemblies on the 2014 Rams....actually dont remember replacing one on that body style. Not a common issue here. One thing that can happen is that when things get powered down with the battery being removed.....some things no longer boot back up correctly. Its possible you could have a radio issue. One thing we do first is make sure there are no updates for the radio first. Typically there are and they cover alot of different concerns/issues. Thats where I would start at first before replacing anything. Thanks for asking and for watching. Make sure to subscribe.

[@toddianuzzi]

I performed this cleaning yesterday. I’m getting the code P2135, Throttle Position Sensor at Half Correlation. Any advice? 2017 Ram Sport 35k miles

[@dougscustomcargarage3434]

2004 PT 200,856 miles just did New coil , wires , plugs ran great for about a week and now it's surging sputtering no power when pressing on gas pedal once going seems to run ok long as I don't have to press hard on gas pedal going up hill or taking off from light ?? So I Googled and KZbin and it seemed like everything was pointing at the camshaft sensor so I replaced it and it still doing it the surging any help would be nice

[@kennygee9657]

So you don’t have to remove the actually throttle body ? 2013 challenger SXT

[@johnydub7346]

Do u have remove batteru before clean it??

[@mobileautorepairbypacheco1806]

if you clea it like that you have to reprogramming(recalibrate) if is a electronic body

[@MotorCityMechanic]

+PACHECO MOBILE AUTO REPAIR I have learned that with the Chrysler branded vehicles there is no need. Only time I do the calibration is either when replacing the throttle body or APP sensor or when I have related codes.

[@TAZ431]

I have a dodge ram 3500 2016 and i have code p2281 can I clean the throttle body myself. And do I need to reprogramming help plz

[@Deadeye-sj3qc]

Hay bud I have a 04 pt and it is having a issue on starting. It feels like it want to stall or bad idle but once driving it drives fine. There are no code or check engine light. Any idea

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Nothing is coming to mind at the moment. It would take some data watching and trying a few things to narrow the issue down further.

[@Deadeye-sj3qc]

well after i posted this i got to thinking and use a smoke machine and found a vacuum leak but thanks bud

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Awesome....great job on finding the issue! Goes to show you....a smoke machine is a very valuable tool

[@sabergermd]

2007 Jeep GC Limited 5.7L. I followed your instructions and performed the throttle body cleaning today off the vehicle. No issues. The only thing I did different was to use non-chlorinated brake parts cleaner based on a 2005 TSB www.dodgeram.info/tsb/2005/18-016-05.htm. Thanks for your help. Any thoughts on the TSB recommendation to use non chlorinated brake cleaner? Why would that be safer?

[@kc0lze]

Just found this great video. Question, does the determination of whether to clean off / on vehicle change if this is on a diesel?

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Shawn Shenton I have never had to clean a diesel throttle body. The main difference is that the throttle body on a diesel isn't the same item. On late model Chrysler products its for EGR operation and has no effect on idle speeds. So no need in performing any cleaning. Thanks for asking and make sure to subscribe

[@roberthernandez5513]

Hi Dave, this is Robert and I have a question, maybe you can help me. I have a 2008 Dodge Avenger 2.4 and been having problems. I change the throttle body 4 times and the scanner keeps showing that the throttle body is bad and the car runs and stalls a little and then it turns off and dies. Not sure what is causing this problem, if it is a computer issue or what. If I put it on Drive it instantly dies. Do you have any advise.

[@davidstreling3690]

would using a K/N air filter that you have to oil cause any problem,or add extra dirt or grime to the throttle body, not having any problems but have 70 k on my journey using the k/n filter

[@MotorCityMechanic]

I dont see any real issues running that filter. I prefer the dry filters myself. If it had a MAF sensor than I would say dont use it but we dont use that set up so it will do fine. Typically I recommend cleaning the throttle body every 30k miles. Thanks for watching and for the comment David

[@davidstreling3690]

thanks

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Your welcome Sir!

[@TheShawn3636]

I thought you couldn’t manually open the throttle plate just bc it was electronic can this procedure be use on a sxt Charger

[@MotorCityMechanic]

You can open it manually. Make sure the ignition key is off and if you want to be 100% safe then disconnect the battery

[@TheShawn3636]

MotorCity Mechanic thanks for the information

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Your welcome!

[@hoomanx111]

@@MotorCityMechanic Disconnect the battery and the throttle body connector as well?

[@chadbryant182]

Hey David it’s Chad Bryant hey I have asked you a question about if it was all right to have your vehicle running or in my case my truck when clean the throttlebody love the answer of the response back very helpful I also did the filter for the AC awesome works great much better but I need to know I have a 2014 ram 1500 Quad cab 5.7 L hemi MDS variable valve timing with the six speed transmission 2 Wheel Dr. half ton my problem I’m wondering if does it have a map sensor or mass airflow sensor I know it has the IAT inlet air temperature sensor in the intake tube for the air where it connects the air filter but I’m just wondering does it have a map or mass airflow that would be really helpful thank you David I appreciate everything

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Evening Chad......Chrysler believes in MAP sensors and rarely do we have MAF sensors, mainly only on our re-badged imports. I personally believe that MAP is a simpler method and with less issues. Thanks for watching and for following the channel!

[@chadbryant182]

MotorCity Mechanic Thanks David I really appreciate the information keep up the good work

[@adamp4089]

excellent video as always, my question is what does the coating look like if it is on there, and do you know if the 3.6 avenger has it.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

+Adam P I haven't ever seen a coating on the Chrysler branded vehicles. Your fine on the 3.6 for sure. That's one that I clean regularly at the shop being that it's now our main go to V6. Thanks for watching!

[@peteogrande]

Is it true that dealers need to do this because they need to "recalibrate" the throttle body? 2011 JGC 5.7L

[@map7463]

peteogrande I'm curious to know this as well. I have another vehicle with electronic throttle body. In 8 years I've never had this done. The vehicle runs fine. After taking the wife's Durango for left head replacement they recommended throttle body recalibration as well. I said no. They recommended replacing plugs as well. Aren't those supposed to last 100k miles?

[@MotorCityMechanic]

+MAP74 Your correct....plugs due at 100,000 miles. Funny thing is that the replacement left cylinder head comes with spark plugs already. So you really only need 3. As far as calibration of the throttle body.....not needed. I still recommend cleaning the throttle body which anyone can do. Thanks for watching and for the question!

[@MotorCityMechanic]

+peteogrande I don't worry with recalibrating unless I had related codes. Otherwise for just cleaning....no. You will be fine. Just make sure the key isn't turned on. Key on....engine off will set codes once it notices the throttle plate being moved so keep it turned off

[@allhemi1222]

I have a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee I have cleaned the throttle body every 15000 sense new, now it has 93000 on it and I have never recalibrate it one time.

[@MotorCityMechanic]

+allhemi1222 I agree.....never have to when doing it as maintenance....only when I have certain codes or replaced certain things. Thanks for watching!

[@egjdmcivichatch]

allhemi1222 did you clean the TB on the engine or took it completly off? Also do you disconnect the battery terminal if you cleaned it on the engine?

[@habebs7345]

I thought this isn’t good to open and close it manually like that

[@seanmickley1712]

Question about a 2015 2.0 SE Dodge Dart manual transmission. I recently broke the passenger side CV axle and my bottom trans mount and now that I have it all replaced , drain the trans fluid and filled with 1.8 quarts like it said . When I start the car and put it into First it won't move at all. Like the motor bogs down like it usually would at take off but no matter what gear I put it in it does nothing. Any ideas ?

[@MotorCityMechanic]

It sounds like you have other issues as well. What was the cause if the axle failure and the mount? Accident?

[@seanmickley1712]

MotorCity Mechanic no . I launched the car and right at about 5000 rpms it started to wheel hop so I let out and hit second then boom it broke

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Oh.....Now Im worried then may be some internal issues. I have seen diff units seize up in the trans and then cause the axles to break. First one I found actually snapped inside the boot and couldnt be seen. I recommend jacking the front up and with the shifter not is gear....see if you can rotate both front wheels. If not then you most likely have internal issues.

[@seanmickley1712]

Yeah when it's jacked up , I can't spin both tires . Only one moves . I feel like I would've know if the internals were messed up ?

[@seanmickley1712]

But also couldn't the pilot bearing be keeping it from engaging? It's possible when the bottom trans mount broke, causing it to lean it could have pinched or wedge the bearing not allowing it to engage

[@godspeedglen]

Just looked down into mine....129,000 and I don't think it's ever been done, (read dirty). What's your feelings on putting catch cans on Hemis?

[@MotorCityMechanic]

I have been asked that recently and personally I dont see a reason. The engine has no real issues that justifies it. The only time I might recommend one is if the engine had been modified such as performance add ons. Otherwise I have worked on these engines since they came out and see no reason to spend the money on it. As far as that throttle body.....theres a chance it never has been cleaned so make sure to take that job on for sure. Thanks for watching and make sure to subscribe

[@RickG1369]

Just because is a big can you don't have to use it all! People use common sense and if afraid leave it to a professional like David!

[@MotorCityMechanic]

Yeah that can can be used about 20-30 more times. Just enough to clean....not to flood the engine.

[@sabergermd]

I was surprised to see this video. I have a 2007 Jeep GC WK 5.7L with an electronic throttle body. I always watch your videos first before I work on it. Everything I have read says to leave the TB alone or risk having to replace it and have a dealer program it. I don't see any reference to cleaning it in the shop manual. I also found this: www.wkjeeps.com/wk_maintenance.htm#TBODY. Can you shed some light on this subject? Thanks

[@MotorCityMechanic]

We do this service everyday and have no issues what so ever. Build up on the plates and the throttle throat can cause drive-ability issues. Its something I highly recommend around every 15k miles on a Chrysler branded vehicle. I have never had to replace a throttle body after having cleaned one or had to re-calibrated. As mentioned.....the pros out weigh the cons and to be honest...never had any cons in the last 18 years at the dealer. I wouldnt recommend it if I didnt use this procedure on a daily basis and didnt have great results. So if we follow the info....if its gets dirty...replace? Thats where I have issues. I am just speaking from experience and know that you wont have any issues if you follow the steps in the video. I appreciate the question Scott and for you following the channel. Thanks again for watching and enjoy the rest of your weekend

[@sabergermd]

Thanks. I appreciate that you always respond. Do you have any videos on Jeep ELSD front/rear differential lock actuators or transfer case motors?

[@MotorCityMechanic]

I try my best to answer as many emails and questions that I can. Lately its been about 50-70 daily and that requires alot of time. I dont currently have any videos on those items.

[@SergePupko]

50? I have ram dealers charging 150... I think I'll do it myself.

[@eddiebrown141118]

thanks for the great video I took mine off my 2012 chrysler 200 2.4 and after replacing and starting vehicle the check engine light is on says codes Po108 map sensor high input and Po129low baremetic pressure and also the red ETC light on the dash blinks when vehicle is running would a bad MAP sensor cause that ETC light to flash now?