throttle body cleaning on a CRV

[matrass]

Couple of questions on cleaning the throttle body of my 2014 Honda CRV .

First one is it ok to use Amsil powerfoam on a lint free rag , was not planning to spray it down it .

Was planning on doing it while still attched disconnecting the battery first , hoping to avoid codes / idles issues after the cleaning .

What the best method for avoiding the codes or idle issues , just letting it idle after cleaning for a while like 10-15 minutes ?

Hoping not to have the dealer do it they charge a lot for a simple process imo .

 

[The Critic]

There's a relearn procedure that must be performed after the throttle body is performed. There is a function in the scan tool to reset the throttle plate position, followed by performing the idle relearn.

 

[TmanP]

I've done it both connected to the car (with the battery disconnected), on the 2.5 in the Camry, and disconnected (on my old 3800). If it's a heated throttle body that has coolant running through it (as I assume most are these days) doing it without removal prevents another failure/coolant leak point. I just used CRC throttle body cleaner, and cleaned the MAF sensor with the special MAF cleaner, while I was under the hood. I think the Toyota procedure involved various shifts from gear and to park, but they both idled better after the cleaning (after a kind of scary long initial crank). And, it should relearn the idle naturally over time, even if the relearn procedure doesn't go exactly as expected.

 

[2010Civic]

Are you trying to fix an issue? If not, I wouldn't touch it.

 

[grasscutter]

Soaking a rag with brake cleaner and then sticking it in there is the cheesy way you see people do on YouTube.

I always take the throttle body off the car to clean it.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

Soaking a rag with brake cleaner and then sticking it in there is the cheesy way you see people do on YouTube.

I always take the throttle body off the car to clean it.

I like cheese. I also like not going through leaking coolant things. I've cleaned many with microfiber rag, open fully (slowly) spray a bunch, wipe everything etc.

No issues. If I need to take it off for some reason then it will get done from the back also.

 

[CleanSump]

Brake cleaner can remove the coating and ruin you MAF forever.

 

[matrass]

Thnaks for your thoughts guys .

On my 2002 Trailbazer I remove the throttle body after checking to see if its dirty in there.

For that ride just put it back on and let it idle for a while and all is good .

Was trying not to remove it in the Honda and open any cans of worms .

Left it go 80k trying not to fix anything if its not broken .

The ide has been a little rough latley and the throttle body has not been cleaned since I got the car new .

Dealer tried to tell me their service and it was not cheap a couple years back.

I dont have a scan tool to relarn the ide etc .

 

[Looger]

I'm interested in this as well for a 17 and 10 CRV, but don't have the special scan tool.

Looks like it isn't too hard with the proper tools, but can open a can of worms without.

Bob

 

[wlk]

Brake cleaner and a rag or toothbrush while on the vehicle has worked well for me on every vehicle I've owned.

 

[JAG]

My 2010 Ford Ranger’s throttle body is plastic. I cleaned it thoroughly with Amsoil Powerfoam. It ran with high idle rpm and between gear shifts the rpm did not drop anywhere near as fast as it should have. I eventually learned that the throttle body had a black, thick paint-like coating that my cleaning removed. There was a significant gap between the throttle plate and housing that caused the problems. I replaced the entire throttle body and all was well. Be very sure that there is no similar coating on your before cleaning it.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Did this a few times on my 13' CRV. Held open the butterfly with a piece of paint stick. Then used CRC throttle body cleaner with a piece of scotch brite to clean it up. Metal throttle body. No harm was ever done. Upon start up, it does throw codes, so I would just buy a cheap scanner with the delete feature. Huge difference in idling after doing this.