Car and Truck Throttle Bodies
A throttle body is essential to your vehicle’s fuel injection system. It determines how fast and how much fuel can reach the engine. Before selecting a replacement part for your car or truck, you should know how a throttle body differs from individual throttle body systems.
How do throttle body systems work?The butterfly valve positioned between the intake manifold and air filter is called the throttle body. It is one of the most critical components of the engine’s air intake system. When you press the gas pedal for power, the throttle body opens to control the air flow from the intake manifold to the engine. The parts may have either a mechanical or electronic control.
- A spring-loaded throttle mechanism connects to the accelerator to operate mechanical throttle body systems.
- Throttle position sensors control the electronic throttle body by signaling the rate of fuel to the injectors to give the engine power.
- Both electronically-controlled and mechanical throttle body systems run air into each cylinder bank for power.
Unlike single systems that share one valve, an ITB, or Individual Throttle Body, sits on each cylinder bank. Since the ITB gives each cylinder its own valve, air enters the engine quickly and produces an instant throttle response.
- Air rushes straight to the engine on an individual throttle body.
- An individual throttle body offers more efficient air flow.
- ITBs reduce the need for constant pumping on the gas pedal.
Keep in mind that the replacement process may vary by manufacturer and the cars make and model. Also, the installation for an ITB may differ. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Remove the cars ground terminal to the battery.
- Then, disconnect the throttles sensor wire.
- Next, remove the air intake hose, mounting hardware, gasket, and the old throttle body.
- Clean the surface and surrounding parts and install a new gasket and a new unit.
- Reattach the throttles sensor wire, air intake hose, and battery cable.
Carbon deposits and dirt can cause black soot to form inside an individual throttle body and throttle body systems. The soot in the throttle can change your cars fuel performance. You may notice rough idling or slow acceleration. Cleaning the throttle components is an easy fix. Gather a 4-in-1 screwdriver, nut driver, rubber gloves, safety goggles, throttle body cleaner, a soft-bristled, brush, and paper towels.
- Put on gloves and goggles.
- Disconnect the battery cables. Then, remove and label the components for the air filter cover, air flow sensor, and intake tube.
- After exposing the throttle body, pivot the regulator and spray the cleaning agent in and around the components.
- Let the throttle soak for a minute and use a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to dislodge muck.
- Spray the throttle again and wipe with paper towels or clean rags.