Throttle plate cleaning?

[Solphilos]

Hey guys. While changing the purge solenoid on my 2010 Elantra I noticed the throttle plate has quite a bit of carbon buildup around the edges (had to remove the duct to access the solenoid).

I've cleaned these before without issue, but I've read warnings against manually opening the plate on DBW throttle bodies, and I have no idea what this means or if its safe to do on my car.
Before I dive in there with a rag and TB cleaner is there anything I should know? The manual covers removal but nothing about cleaning with the body on.

 

[wallyuwl]

I have done it without issue. Maybe disconnect the battery if you are concerned.

 

[CBR.worm]

I've heard some cars can be picky about the butterfly being moved by hand. I would do some more research for your specific car. I generally will turn the key to the run position (not started) and put something on the pedal to hold it somewhat open so I can at least clean the mating surfaces. I also understand, at least in the MC world, that some throttle bodies have a coating on them that can be damaged by some harsh carb cleaner type products.

 

[eljefino]

My camry was that way, I could turn the key on and stomp on the pedal to open the throttle plate.

Get yourself some nitrile gloves, a paper towel, and some gasoline to clean that thing off with. They would be hard pressed to blame you for screwing up a coating with a chemical available in abundance in that general area.

 

[Kira]

"They would be hard pressed to blame you for......." What? A 2010 Elantra is under warranty?

I like the idea of using the car's electronics to open the throttle.

Happy New Year

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OPTIONAL: Smudged up hunk-of-a guy in mechanics coveralls being attended by interested, eligible females slightly out of focus in background

 

[eljefino]

Originally Posted by Kira
"They would be hard pressed to blame you for......." What? A 2010 Elantra is under warranty?


10 years 100k bro

 

[Kira]

Oh yeah! The fuel and emissions part...thanks

 

[WhizkidTN]

On the Hyundai/Kia cars, there is a simple reset procedure for the throttle body cleaning process (from TSB 10-FL-009):

"7. Without starting the engine turn the ignition key ON for at least 10 seconds and then OFF for at least 10 seconds. This procedure allow the ECM to automatically learn the throttle valve position.

Throttle Position Learning Enable Conditions that must exist for learning to take place: Battery > 10V, Engine coolant temperature > 5.3C (41.5F)"

Give this a whirl.

 

[atikovi]

Originally Posted by eljefino
Get yourself some nitrile gloves, a paper towel, and some gasoline to clean that thing off with. They would be hard pressed to blame you for screwing up a coating with a chemical available in abundance in that general area.

Since when is gasoline anywhere in the general area of the throttle body? When you can get stuff that is specifically made for cleaning throttle bodies, i.e., throttle body cleaner, why would you mess with gasoline?

 

[Lubener]

CRC throttle body cleaner and an old toothbrush has worked for me.