Part Overview
The throttle body sits between the air filter housing and the intake manifold, acting like a door that opens wider when you ask for more power. Modern Camrys use an electronic "drive‑by‑wire" design where a small DC motor moves the butterfly plate instead of a cable, giving the engine computer precise control over airflow (HowStuffWorks). Inside the housing you'll also find sensors such as the throttle‑position sensor (TPS) and, on older models, an idle‑air control (IAC) valve that lets air bypass the plate when you're not pressing the pedal (HowStuffWorks).
How It Works
Pressing the accelerator sends a voltage signal to the engine control unit (ECU); the ECU then commands the throttle actuator motor to rotate the plate, matching airflow to desired torque (papers.sae.org). Because airflow and fuel flow are linked, the ECU simultaneously adjusts fuel injectors to keep the air‑fuel ratio close to 14.7:1 for clean combustion (HowStuffWorks). On 2007‑up Camrys (XV40/XV50/XV70), Toyota's ETCS‑i system also handles cruise control, traction control, and idle speed through the same throttle body, eliminating extra mechanical parts.
Common Symptoms
A failing or grimy throttle‑body assembly can trigger:
Diagnostic Tips
Maintenance & Cleaning
Toyota recommends inspecting the throttle body every 30,000 miles or whenever idle quality changes. Light deposits can be removed with a lint‑free cloth and throttle‑body‑safe cleaner (avoid spraying electronics directly) (YouTube, Berryman Products). After cleaning, perform the idle relearn:
Owners share success with this routine on Camry forums (Toyota Nation, Toyota Nation), and it prevents rough idle or stalling showcased in popular DIY videos (YouTube).
Replacement Cost
If cleaning doesn't solve the issue, a full throttle‑body assembly runs about US $250 - $600 for the part and $150 - $300 for labor, depending on engine size and local shop rates (J.D. Power). DIY mechanics need only basic sockets and a torque wrench; tighten the four mounting bolts to 80 lb‑in (10 N·m) on 10 mm fasteners or 22 lb‑ft (30 N·m) on 12 mm bolts (Toyota Nation).
Installation Steps
Compatibility Notes
Performance & Economy
A clean throttle body restores smooth airflow, improving fuel economy by 4‑10 % in vehicles with heavy deposits according to chemical manufacturer testing (Berryman Products). By guarding against rich or lean spikes, it also helps engines meet the tighter CO₂ and NOx targets highlighted in the 2022 EPA Automotive Trends Report .
Safety & Recalls
Environmental Impact
When the throttle plate can't close fully, idle speed climbs and fuel efficiency suffers, increasing tail‑pipe CO₂. Keeping the assembly clean therefore reduces fuel burned and supports stricter emissions rules recently finalized for light‑ and medium‑duty vehicles (see the EPA's 2023 heavy‑duty rule) .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the throttle body on a Toyota Camry?
A: It bolts to the front of the intake manifold, just past the air‑filter box, and is easy to spot by the big round bore and the wiring plug for the actuator motor (YouTube).
Q: What are other names for this part?
A: Mechanics may call it the throttle valve, air intake valve, or ETC actuator-all mean the same core assembly.
Q: How often should I clean it?
A: Check for soot every 30,000 miles or if idle feels rough; light deposits wipe off in minutes (YouTube).
Q: Can a dirty throttle body cause stalling?
A: Yes. Carbon can choke airflow at idle, letting the engine die when the ECU can't add enough air bypass (GoMechanic).
Q: Why did I get code P2103 after a battery change?
A: The ECU lost its learned throttle positions. Perform the idle‑relearn routine or have a shop run Techstream to calibrate it (YourMechanic, Toyota Nation).
Q: Do all Camrys use electronic throttle?
A: Models from 2002 onward do; older ones use a cable and have a separate idle‑air valve (Reddit).
Q: Is replacement hard?
A: Moderate DIY-just four bolts and a gasket-but follow torque specs (80 lb‑in or 22 lb‑ft) and relearn the idle afterwards (Toyota Nation, YouTube).
Q: Will cleaning improve gas mileage?
A: Tests show up to a 10 % improvement when heavy buildup was removed, thanks to steadier airflow and fuel metering (Berryman Products).
Q: What can happen if I ignore throttle‑body problems?
A: You may face reduced‑power mode, higher emissions, poor fuel economy, or in rare cases unintended idle surge (NHTSA).
Q: Are there recalls for the throttle body itself?
A: No direct recalls, but software updates (like T‑SB‑0092‑23) fine‑tune the ECU to prevent false actuator faults (NHTSA).
By weaving in practical tips, common questions, and safety context-plus outbound references like and the NASA safety report-this guide offers readers everything they need to understand, maintain, and replace the Toyota Camry throttle body with confidence.
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