Tom's Foreign Auto

What is a Throttle Body?

A throttle body is the part of the air intake system that controls the amount of air flowing into the engine, in response to the driver accelerator pedal input. What this means is when the driver pushes the gas pedal, the throttle body opens to allow air to get to the engine. So basically, the more gas you give your car, the more air the throttle body allows to get to the engine.

What is the Difference Between a Mechanical vs. Electric Throttle Body?

There are two different types of throttle bodies that your car can have, mechanical and electric, also know as “drive by wire”. The type of throttle body you have depends on how the automaker made the car. The way a mechanical throttle body works is that the accelerator pedal motion communicates through the throttle cable, which activates the throttle linkages then, moves the throttle plate to allow air into the engine. “Drive by wire” uses an electric motor which controls the throttle linkages, and the accelerator pedal connects to a senor, not the throttle body. The sensor sends the pedal position to the Engine Control Unit (ECU), which determines the throttle opening based on the accelerator position and other engine sensors.

Mechanical Throttle Body

“Drive By Wire” or Electric Throttle Body

Why is it Important to Clean Your Throttle Body?

Over the years of driving your car, gasoline gum build up, dirt and other foreign matter attaches themselves to the throttle body fuel injection (TBI) unit walls and passages. The build up affects the unit’s operation and fuel quality entering the engine. In severe cases, the throttle plate many start to have difficulty opening and closing, and may even get stuck. If the throttle plate gets stuck, the car won’t start so it is very important to clean your throttle body every once in a while.

How to Clean Your Throttle Body?

1. Pop the hood, relieve the fuel system pressure, and disconnect the black negative cable from the battery terminal. Refer to the car’s manual to properly relieve the fuel system pressure on your particular vehicle and locate components if necessary. If you do not have your car’s manual, you can purchase one at most auto parts stores or find one for free at a public library.

2. Take off the air cleaner assembly.

3. Disconnect the cable of cables attached to the throttle lever.

4. Unplug the electrical connectors from sensors, valves, idle control motor unit, and disconnect vacuum hoses attached to the throttle body (if necessary) make a note of the connector you unplug for easier installation.

5. Disconnect the inlet and return fuel lines from the throttle body.

6. Remove the bolts or nuts attaching the TBI unit to the intake manifold using a wrench or ratchet and socket.

7. Lift the throttle body off the intake manifold and remove plastic, rubber, and other electrical parts still attached to the unit. Keep part organized for easier reassembling.

8. Immerse the TBI in carburetor cleaner following the product manufacturer instructions.

9. Replace gaskets, seals, and worn parts as necessary and reassemble the throttle body. If you need the replacement parts, bring old ones to an auto parts store for assistance.

10. Clean the intake manifold mating surface from old gasket material thoroughly, using a scraper, lacquer thinner and a clean rag.

11. Install the throttle body unit on to the intake manifold using a new base plate gasket and tighten the mounting bolts in sequence to the specifications listed in the car’s manual.

12. Connect the inlet and return fuel lines; plug electrical connectors and install vacuum hoses, throttle lever cables, air cleaner assembly, and connect the black negative cable to the battery terminal.

We’ve been selling used parts for about 25 years now. We’ve seen a lot of things, and dealt with some pretty interesting situations. Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about our customers strengths and weaknesses along with their wants and needs. This guide will hopefully give you an idea of what to look for and what to expect when buying used parts. Not every “Junk Yard” is created equal and there’s some important tips that can really save you a lot of time and money.

This post assumes you’ve already decided who and where you’ll be having the work done. Check back for a future guide on picking out the right shop and deciding the right thing to do.

When your cars broken, you have a few different options for parts.

• You can call up the local dealership and get a price on the parts you need. While pricey you’ll be sure you get an OEM part.
• You can go to the local parts store / website and get a re manufactured or aftermarket part. While this could prove to be a good savings over dealer cost, the parts aren’t always that same quality as OEM
• You can look online or locally for a Used OEM Part. Buying used gets you a quality OEM part at a huge savings over dealer price. Used parts can also carry better warranties vs the dealer and some parts stores.

It’s not the 70′s anymore. “Junk Yards” have evolved into Auto Recyclers.

Auto Recyclers are yards that uphold higher quality and service standards. Modern day salvage yards belong to associations that ensure the yard is doing everything correctly. From proper handling of waste fluids to proper handling of customer concerns. Using a salvage yard with some credibility will make all the difference in your buying experience.

Look for the Seals that build trust. These aren’t just marketing gimmicks.

These are just a few industry specific seals. Associations such as the ARA, CAR, and the Gold Seal program have strict requirements that must be met yearly. This includes verification of waste oil handling, EPA Standards, hazmat certifications, customer service standards, quality standards, and overall good business practices. Seals such as ORP and QRP show that the yard participates in its regional trading partner group. Trading partner groups are networks of salvage yards that work together to serve body shops and insurance companies with high quality parts.

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