A dirty throttle body can cause all sorts of problems: uneven idle, slow response, lack of fuel efficiency and even stalling if there is enough of a build up of gunk. Here we head down to Super Cheap to buy a few of the necessary items then we tackle the problem head on.

Step 1: This is a stock SR20DET throttle body. It hasn’t been clean ever as far as we know, so it is time to crack it open and have a look-see.
Step 2: Undo intake pipe clamps. Some will need a socket like this one which needed an 8mm socket. Others can be taken off with a screw driver.
Step 3: Loosen both clamps so you can take the hose off totally for ease of movement. This will also ensure that you do not damage any pipes or tubing by bending and twisting them unnaturally.
Step 4: Gently pull the intake tube off.
Step 5: Now the throttle body is easily accessible and ready to be scrubbed
Step 6: Spray on the throttle body cleaner. Be liberal with your application. You will see plenty of dirt sliding off already. Open the throttle so you can spray the inside walls of the throttle body and edges of the throttle blade.
Step 7: Brush the edge and face of the throttle blade, as well as the walls of the body.
Step 8: Give it another good spray to get rid of all the dirt the brush loosened.
Step 9: The first improvement we noticed was the improved throttle blade seal at closed throttle. When we first sprayed the throttle body cleaner in, the liquid seeped under the blade very quickly. Here this photo shows that the liquid wasn’t going anywhere unless we opened the throttle.
Step 10: Reattach intake hose.
Step 11: Make sure you tighten up all hose clamps and connect any other piping, hoses or sensors that you may have disconnected in the process. Once this is done start the car up and let it idle. (Warning: Do not start the car with the intake hose not attached) It will blow some smoke at first and man sound a little rough. Once the throttle cleaner is out of its system it will idle smoother and you should notice a big improvement in response across the rpm range.
Supercheap Auto DIY Clean your Throttle Body Prices: TFT Part Brush - $2.39 Nulon Carby and Throttle body Cleaner - $11.99 www.supercheapauto.com.au