How To: Clean Throttle body and IAC 4cyl 2.3 engine

This How To is for cleaning your throttle body and IAC (Idle Air Control Valve). The cleaning steps work on all engine throttle bodies and IAC's, however the breakdown is different on certain size engines. This How To was performed on a 1997, 4 cyl 2.3 l engine. With this cleaning you should experience a smoother idle, better acceleration, and possibly better mpg, all depending on how dirty your throttle body is.

Tools needed: (Not all of these are necessary you will see which ones are)

Ratchet with extension
10mm socket
3/8th socket
flashlight
Throttle body cleaner
Push pin remover
Cuetips
Paper towel.
Flathead screw driver
Plywood (optional)
MAF cleaner


You will notice this sticker on your throttle body, ignore it any special coating they have has worn off and is covered in carbon. you cant hurt your throttle body by cleaning it the correct way, with the correct cleaners.



Step 1. Remove the throttle body cover by removing one 10 mm bolt. the push pin then it just snaps off the throttle body.


Step 2. Remove the electrical connectors, these can be removed by pushing in the pins and pulling up or out. There is also one on the IAC

One on the throttle body


One on the air intake hose



Step 3. Using your flat head screw driver on the throttle body and the air box,Remove the air intake hose by loosening the clamps


Step 4. Remove the throttle cable by pulling it, it will pop off the throttle body.



Step 5. Remove the throttle body by taking out the 4 bolts holding it on using the 3/8th's socket. I did this by loosing them with the socket then taking them out by hand. You will need your extension for one of the bolts since you wont be able to reach your hand in there. I used my mag lite to find this bolt and put the socket on it. there is also a hose that you will have to pop off.


Step 6. Remove the IAC by taking out the two 10 mm bolts holding it onto the throttle body.

Step 7. Clean your throttle body, by spraying throttle body cleaner on the plate and all around it, use paper towels to wipe. DO NOT use a brush. Brushes will scratch up the inside. As you spray, dump out the liquid as it builds up. The job is not a clean one, I recommend putting a sheet of plywood down then putting a paper towel on top of it.

Before:




After:


As you can see mine needed a cleaning really badly, it was completely black inside.


Step 8. Clean the IAC. (I used maf cleaner to do this) You can also use throttle body cleaner that does not contain solvents. This is where the cue tips come in handy.

Before:



After:

This IAC did not clean up too well, sometimes repeating these steps are necessary.


Step 9. Allow everything to completely dry and re-install in reverse order.