Do we have a DIY for cleaning the throttle body?

I have a small amount of carbon on the edge of the butterfly valve (we used to call it that with carburetors). Normally, I would get to work on it with a wire brush and some carburetor cleaner, but since the Fit has fly-by-wire and a million other sensors, etc., I didn't want to start man-handling things only to have the engine throw a code later.

So, what's the proper way to clean the throttle body?

 

TB cleaner and a rag? I don't see the need for a wire brush, and I wouldn't want any bristles coming off and going in there. I just cleaned the TB on a 25 year old Explorer that I don't think has ever had it cleaned and it all came off with a rag and TB cleaner. Just put some elbow (finger?) grease into it.

 

^^You just clean what you see? You don't attempt to open the butterfly in order to clean a little more thoroughly?

Just asking.

 

Of course, I just reach back behind the throttle plate with my fingers. I have piano fingers. I also clean the edges, front and back of the throttle plate.

Keep cleaning till the rag doesn't turn black anymore.

 

The manual instruction says to remove the throttle body and

• Always remove the throttle body to clean it.
• Be careful not to pinch your fingers.
• To avoid removing the molybdenum coating, do not clean the bearing area of the throttle shaft (A).
• Do not spray carburetor cleaner directly on the throttle body.
• Use Honda genuine carburetor cleaner.

Afterwards, it says to use "HDS" to reset throttle position (TP) learned value.

• Make sure all electrical items (A/C, audio, lights, etc.) are off.
• Reset the ECM/PCM with the HDS. (or disconnect the battery for a minute)
• Turn the ignition switch to ON (II), and wait 2 seconds.
• Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm (min −1 ) without load (A/T in P or N, M/T in neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, or until the engine coolant temperature reaches 90 °C (194 °F).
• Let the engine idle for about 5 minutes with the throttle fully closed.
• NOTE: If the radiator fan comes on, do not include its running time in the 5 minutes.
• Verify on the HDS data list that the idle learn procedure is complete.

 

Good info here, from Wanderer. and CasualFitOwner.

Important points:


I clean the TB same as Wanderer. The key statement is And yes, you DO need use a cleaner that is safe for plastics or sensors. Most autoparts stores sell "intake cleaner" that is safe.

And yes, you WILL need to do the ILP. I forgot and my idle was weird for a couple weeks until I did it. (The car WILL re-learn on its own eventually, BUT!)

 

Easy for you to say.

What's "HDS" and "ILP"?

 

"Honda Diagnostic Scanner" and "Idle Learn Procedure".