Warning Signs of a Failing Throttle Body Assembly:
- Rough idling or stalling
- Hesitation during acceleration
- Check Engine Light is on
- Poor fuel economy
- Engine surging or fluctuating RPMs
How to Test the Throttle Body Assembly:
- Visual Inspection: Check for dirt, carbon buildup, or damage.
- Scan for Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to check for trouble codes related to the throttle body.
- Throttle Plate Movement: Manually check if the throttle plate moves freely. It should open and close smoothly.
- Voltage Test: Use a multimeter to test the voltage at the throttle position sensor (TPS). Compare readings to the vehicle's specifications.
- Cleaning Test: Clean the throttle body and see if the symptoms improve. If they do, it confirms the throttle body was the issue.
Common Failure Causes:
- Carbon buildup from the engine's air intake
- Electrical issues within the throttle position sensor
- Damage to the throttle plate or housing
- Wear and tear over time
- Vacuum leaks