Buy Oldsmobile Bravada Throttle Bodys

The throttle body (also called the air-intake valve or butterfly assembly) sits between the air filter and the intake manifold. When you press the gas pedal, a small motor (or cable on older V-6 Bravadas) opens the round plate so the engine can breathe. A matching Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) tells the computer exactly how far open the plate is, letting it mix the right amount of fuel for smooth power. If dirt coats the plate or the sensor fails, the Bravada may idle rough, stall, or flash a "Reduced Engine Power" message. (GM Parts Giant, CarParts)

• 1991-2001 models use the 4.3 L V-6 with a cable-driven throttle body and separate TPS.
• 2002-2004 models switch to the 4.2 L "Vortec 4200" I-6 and an electronic throttle control (ETC) that combines the motor and TPS in one unit. (Charm, Buick)

Inside the housing is a round butterfly plate that pivots on a shaft. A tiny electric motor moves the plate on ETC versions, while a spring-loaded cable does the job on older trucks. The TPS (or APP sensor in the pedal) measures angle changes in thousandths of a second. That information lets the engine control module adjust fuel, spark, and even transmission shifts. (StartMyCar, CarParts)

• Rough or hunting idle - engine speed jumps up and down. (RepairPal.com, CarParts)
• Stalling at stoplights - especially with A/C on. (Car Talk Community, JustAnswer)
• Reduced Engine Power lamp - often tied to dirty plate or bad TPS. (CarParts, Ben's Garage)
• Check-engine codes P0121, P0122, P2135. (CarParts, AutoZone.com)
• Poor fuel economy or "laggy" acceleration. (Berryman Products, Mr. Clean Car Wash)

1. Scan for codes. A $30 scanner can pull P0121 or similar. (CarParts)
2. Visual check. Remove the air hose and look for black carbon on the throttle plate. (MotorTrend)
3. Plate movement test. Key ON, have a helper floor the pedal; the plate should sweep fully on ETC trucks. (YouTube)
4. Ohm the TPS. On 4.3 L units, steady resistance rise means good; sudden drops mean replacement. (JustAnswer)

• Disconnect battery (resets idle learn).
• Pull intake tube; unplug sensor harness.
• Spray throttle-body cleaner on both sides of the plate.
• Gently wipe with lint-free cloth; avoid forcing the plate.
• Re-install, reconnect battery, and let the engine idle 5 minutes for relearn. A clean bore often restores smooth idle and improves MPG. (YouTube)

• Bolt torque: 80 in-lb (I-6) or 16 ft-lb (early V-6). (trailvoy.com, Reddit)
• Common Bravada numbers: 12570800 (4.3 L) and 12580760 (4.2 L). (eBay)

A ported 54 mm throttle housing, matched to a free-flow filter and tune, can free up to 8 hp on the 4.2 L straight-six without hurting drivability. Bigger bores help the engine breathe at high RPM but require a software update so the computer learns the extra airflow. (Drifted.com, JustAnswer)

The throttle body works with the Mass Air Flow sensor and catalytic converter to keep emissions low. A sticky plate can send unburned fuel downstream, overheating the cat and triggering codes like P0171 (lean) or P0300 (random misfire). Keeping the bore clean protects the converter and helps pass yearly smog tests. (JustAnswer, CarParts)

Tests show a dirty plate can drop mileage by 10 % or more, while a quick cleaning often restores 1-2 MPG. The EPA notes that well-maintained fuel-injection parts, including the throttle body, contribute to lower CO₂ output and fuel costs. (Berryman Products, Mr. Clean Car Wash)

Q: What does the throttle body actually do?
A: It's a round door that lets air into the engine; more open means more power. (CarParts)

Q: Why does my Bravada say "Reduced Engine Power"?
A: The computer limits power when it sees throttle or TPS faults so you can limp home safely. (CarParts)

Q: Can I drive with a bad throttle body?
A: Short trips may be possible, but you risk stalling, poor MPG, and catalytic-converter damage-fix it soon. (Ben's Garage)

Q: How often should I clean it?
A: Every 30,000 miles or whenever idle gets rough. Heavy city driving may need yearly service. (MotorTrend)

Q: Do I need special tools?
A: Just basic sockets, a torque wrench, and throttle-body cleaner. No fancy scanners are required for cleaning. (YouTube)

Q: What codes point to throttle issues?
A: P0121, P0122, P2135, and P1516 are the most common. (AutoZone.com, CarParts)

Q: Is there a relearn process?
A: Yes-after cleaning or replacement, let the engine idle without touching the pedal for 5-10 minutes so the ECM relearns the throttle angle. (YouTube)

Q: Can a dirty throttle body hurt fuel economy?
A: Yes, carbon buildup restricts airflow, making the engine burn more fuel to compensate. (Berryman Products)

Q: Will a bigger throttle body add power?
A: A mildly larger bore with tune can add a few horsepower, but gains are small unless paired with exhaust and intake mods. (Drifted.com)

Q: What's the torque for those tiny screws?
A: About 80 inch-pounds on I-6 models; always double-check your service manual. (trailvoy.com)

Keeping the throttle body, TPS, and connectors clean and tight ensures the Oldsmobile Bravada's V-6 or I-6 engine breathes properly, saves fuel, and stays reliable for years to come.