FAQ-43

Where are the throttle blades
and how are they cleaned?

The throttle blade is the moving flap in the air intake system of a fuel injected car which is operated by and connected to the throttle pedal. So follow the throttle linkage to the throttle blades. They get real dirty and the housing around them gets real dirty. They are supposed to flow air around the flap when it is in the relaxed position but because of dirt build up on the flap and around the flap, it can't. So the computer has to open the blade slightly to get the same amount of air and that throws everything ends up out of wack.

Dirty throttle blades cause a rough idle, poor fuel economy and dying and stalling when leaving from a stop and/or coming to a stop.

Cleaning the throttle blades or flap involves holding the throttle wide open (engine off) spraying the throttle blades with carb cleaner and using a rag on the end of a screwdriver to clean BOTH sides of the flap and the housing around it.

CAUTION: After you clean the throttle blades (key in your pocket) prop the throttle open and walk away from the engine for two hours. That will allow any carb cleaner you got into the engine to vaporize. If you crank it over AND you have liquid inside the engine, you will end up with bent rods and that bill will be well over $2,000 and most likely will cost you an engine.

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FAQ-43

Where are the throttle blades and how are they cleaned?

Where are the throttle blades
and how are they cleaned?