Cleaned throttle body, now have check engine light

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Aug 28, 2006
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McAlester, OK
My throttle was sticking so I cleaned the throttle using a throttle body cleaner. When I started the car, the engine revved and "check engine light" is not on. Have disconnected battery for 15 minutes but light stays on. I know I will probably have to take it to a shop to have checked but anyone have any ideas before i do so. Runs fine. I figured I may have contaminated a sensor.
 
Start by checking the wiper of the throttle position sensor, the resistance should vary smoothly as a function of throttle angle with respect to either of the other pins.

You can identify the wiper by testing the resistance between any two pins while you move the throttle, when you find two pins where the resistance doesn't change, the wiper is the other one.
 
and if you're like me and don't test things....run some seafoam/techron/Lucas through your tank and drive it.
 
Depending on the car (especially the newer models), disconnecting the batter doesn't work anymore. Just buy a code reader (you really should have one if you have a newer car), clear the code and be happy! Autozone used to clear codes, but got in trouble; maybe you know a friendly AZer
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Bought a code reader. Code was P0300 which is random cylinder misfire. Cleared code and it has not come back on.
 
docsteveg,
The code was probably triggered when you used the throttle body cleaner. I've done it while cleaning out the EGR on my SUV. If the check engine light was related to another issue, then you will no doubt see it again down the road.

Just pay attention, take care of the light promptly whenever it blinks on, and I'm sure you will avoid futher problems down the road. I had to learn the hard way with my dad's car.

By the way, a code reader can be a fun tool. Makes me feel like I actually know what I am doing.
Take care,
Bobby
 
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