Is your Buick or Chevy acting up? A bad throttle body assembly could be the problem. Here's how to tell:
- Rough idling: The engine struggles to stay running smoothly, especially at stoplights.
- Stalling: The engine dies unexpectedly.
- Poor acceleration: The car feels sluggish when you try to speed up.
- Check engine light: This light comes on, often with codes related to the throttle body.
- Hesitation: The car pauses or stumbles when you press the gas pedal.
How to test it:
- Visually inspect the throttle body for dirt and carbon buildup. A dirty throttle body can cause problems.
- Use an OBD2 scanner to check for trouble codes related to the throttle body or engine airflow.
- Check the throttle position sensor (TPS) voltage with a multimeter. The voltage should change smoothly as you open and close the throttle.
- Listen for unusual noises from the throttle body area.
Common failure causes:
- Carbon buildup: Dirt and oil can accumulate on the throttle plate, restricting airflow.
- Electrical issues: The throttle position sensor or motor can fail.
- Wear and tear: Over time, the moving parts can wear out.
- Moisture: Water can get into the throttle body and cause corrosion.