A Complete Guide About Cleaning & Maintenance Of Honda Throttle Bodies

Throttle body cleaning is an essential preventative car maintenance procedure that every mechanic and car enthusiast will swear by. A clean throttle body will make sure that your car drives like new for years to come.

Symptoms that indicate your Honda needs its throttle body cleaning

A rough sound emanating from the engine bay when the engine is idling

Engine stalling

Jerky initial acceleration, especially after a cold start.

Location of the throttle body

Honda throttle bodies are located between the air filter and intake manifold of your Honda’s engine.

Tools you need

• A branded throttle body cleaner
• Eye protection goggles
• Cotton swabs
• A flashlight
• Screwdrivers
• Soft automobile parts cleaning brush
• Socket wrenches
• Rubber gloves
• Soft rags
• Household oil

Things you need to do next

Step #1

Disconnect the battery of your car by simply removing the connections. This is a safety precaution that should be followed at all costs!

Step #2

Remove the air ducting partially and not fully. It will prevent you from damaging any gaskets that might be in your way. Partial removal of air ducting will suffice as long as it is enabling you to see the throttle body. While removing the air duct, you should have steady hands to prevent accidentally disconnecting any electrical wiring or terminals. Be sure to keep in mind that the air duct is connected to the throttle body with a hose clamp. You would need to loosen this hose clamp using a screwdriver. Be sure that you are not using excessive rotating force when you are loosening the hose clamp. Some manufacturers, like Honda, might use two hose clamps on either side of the air duct that is connected to the throttle body. If that is the case with your car, be sure to remove only one hose clamp for the best results.

Step #3

Now the throttle body is exposed, it is time to use the throttle body cleaner. You would need to spray the throttle body cleaner on the insides of the air duct. Now, use the soft automobile parts cleaning brush to dislodge the dirt, grime and accumulated carbon from the opening of the throttle body. Repeat this process and be sure to wipe off the grime using soft cotton rags.

Step #4

It is best that you place a drop of general-purpose oil you have in your home on the shaft of the throttle body before reattaching the ducts. It is best that you place the drop of general-purpose oil using a cotton swab. This will prevent you from overdoing it! The purpose of placing a drop of general-purpose oil on the shaft is to endure that the blade of the throttle keeps turning smoothly. This will ensure that your Honda’s overall drivability is restored.

Step #5

Now reinstall the ducts of the throttle body and tighten the hose clamps.

After completing the above steps turn the engine on and take your car for a test drive. You might not readily notice any difference in your Honda’s overall drivability but still, it is best to clean the throttle body of your Honda at least once a year.