The throttle body controls the amount of air that flows to the engine proportionally to the pressure applied to the accelerator pedal. Inside the throttle body, the valve controls the air-to-fuel ratio for the engine. If you press the accelerator pedal, the valve starts to turn. This makes it possible for air to flow into the manifold. The throttle body is a car part that can be found between the air filter and the intake manifold.
The throttle body has to process different gases and fumes from the engine. These gases and fumes will eventually contaminate the body. A contaminated throttle body results in decreasing engine performance. The throttle can also start failing due to contamination. If this is the case, you can try to clean it with a throttle body cleaner or replace it.
Bad throttle body symptoms
The throttle body can get contaminated by the gases and fumes emitted by the engine. A contaminated throttle body can be recognized by a number of symptoms. In some cases, a bad throttle body is detected during an MOT inspection only. It’s good to know though how to recognise a bad throttle body. Look for among others, the following symptoms:
- Drop in mileage;
- Throttle stops;
- Rough idling;
- Grime buildup;
- Poor engine performance;
- Check engine light;
- Increase in fuel consumption;
- Hard shifting;
- Poor or high idle;
- Airflow disruptions;
- Drop in acceleration.
Do you recognize any of these symptoms? Then it is advised to inspect the throttle body. If it turns out that it is contaminated, you can clean it with a throttle body cleaner or have it cleaned by your local garage. In many cases however cleaning is no longer possible and it needs to be replaced.
Replacing a throttle body
A heavily contaminated or bad throttle body needs to be replaced. You can have a throttle body replaced at your local garage, but to save costs its something you can do yourself as well. You can order a new throttle body quickly and easily using your number plate or by selecting the make, model and engine type of your car on Winparts UK.
Buying a new throttle body
You can buy a throttle quick and easily at Winparts. Enter your number plate or select your car make, model and type of engine, and the right car parts are shown. You can then choose from a number of top brands such as VDO, Bosch, Valeo and Pierburg. You can also find valves and regulators in our assortment at Winparts UK. The right place to look for EGR valves, electric bypass valves and for example pressure converters.