6 Symptoms of a Defective Throttle Valve
When you step on the accelerator, you expect your car to move. You may not know exactly what’s going on, but it’s the throttle body that causes this whole process. But over time, the throttle body can become worn or dirty.
So how do you know it’s time to clean or replace your throttle body? Here’s everything you need to know. Maybe we can bring your old throttle body back to life and save you a few dollars.
Signs of a Defective or Dirty Throttle Body
Though the throttle body is a mechanical part, that doesn’t mean it won’t wear out over time. In addition, carbon can build up in the throttle body and cause it to not respond properly, which can lead to a variety of issues.
Below, we’ve highlighted the 6 most common symptoms that indicate you need to check your vehicle’s throttle body.
1) Check Engine Light
The most common symptom of a bad throttle body is the check engine light. The check engine light may point directly to the throttle valve or to one of a variety of components that communicate with and operate the throttle valve, such as: B. Throttle position sensor.
Keep in mind that the check engine light will tell you where to start troubleshooting, but it won’t tell you exactly where the problem is.
2) Rough Idling
If your vehicle is idling rough, there may be an issue with the throttle body. It may be hard to hold the correct point, or it may stop opening and closing once it passes a certain point. Either way, if your car is idling rough or the revs seem to climb on their own, it’s worth having the throttle body checked.
3) Engine stall
If your car’s throttle body is defective, your car may not be able to keep running. This is because the engine doesn’t have enough air to open the throttle any further, and the air supply can’t be increased to prevent the engine from stalling.
4) Uneven acceleration
Since the throttle body controls the flow of air to the engine, it’s only natural that a faulty or dirty one will affect acceleration. Not only will your acceleration be slightly uneven, but you may not be able to accelerate beyond a certain point, or you may lose speed beyond a certain point.
5) Poor fuel economy
When everything works properly, your engine is a finely tuned machine that maximizes performance while minimizing fuel consumption.
The difference can be small or large, depending on what’s going on with the throttle. But one thing is for sure: you’ll end up spending more money on fuel.
6) Poor Engine Performance
There’s no getting around it. If your engine’s throttle body is broken or dirty, your engine will perform poorly. You might accelerate too quickly or not have the power you’re used to. Either way, engine performance will suffer.
What is a throttle body? The throttle body is the component of your engine that controls the amount of air that enters the engine manifold and combustion chamber. It is a relatively simple component that simply opens at different angles to allow the right amount of air in depending on the throttle position.
In older vehicles, the throttle body was connected to the accelerator pedal via a mechanical linkage, but modern vehicles use a sensor to achieve the same result. What causes throttle body problems? Most throttle body problems are caused by dirt and grime that builds up over time. This dirt and grime buildup can cause the throttle to stick and affect overall performance.
The good news is that most problems are caused by dirt and grime. If you can remove the deposits, your throttle body will likely function like new. And by preventing dirt and grime buildup, you can extend the life of your throttle body and avoid costly repairs.
How long does a throttle body last? While you should clean your throttle body at least every 75,000 miles, a properly cared for throttle body can easily last 150,000 or even 200,000 miles. This is because it is a mechanical part and mechanical parts take time to wear out.
Can I drive with a bad throttle body? Although it is possible to drive with a defective throttle body, you should never do so. There are two reasons for this. First, it’s a security risk. If the throttle isn’t working properly, your vehicle may accelerate or not be able to accelerate at the most inopportune moment. This dramatically increases the chances of an accident, which is a huge problem.