In this video I show the process of throttle body cleaning in an attempt to correct an intermittent condition of stalling on this '02 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4.0L.
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48 thoughts on “Throttle body cleaning to restore idle quality”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars xHamfistedx says:

    Great video Eric ! I've found Amsoil PowerFoam or CRC Intake cleaner to do quick work of the carbon buildup in both the throttle body and the idle air control valve. Their foaming action really does clean out the tiny crevices and ports that are hard to get to with a brush. You'll just see all the crud float out of there with the foam, and they leave a light oil behind to help ward off any corrosion. Highly recommended !

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars starving artist says:

    What was that you use to clean it with,,is that a secret or what ?

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars samuel adams says:

    Man Eric you be kicking them buttons on the scan tool kinda fast…😀

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Sparks says:

    THOSE FORDS ARE AMAZINGLY DEPENDABLE…WITH MAINTANANCE THEY CAN GO 300,000 OR MORE MILES…EASILY…

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Road Mound says:

    Excellent diagnosis to address the problem from its root… Good Job…!!!

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ronald Todd says:

    Excellent and informative. Thanks. I can now clean a throttle body and feel confident that although i may not help, at least, I will do no further harm.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brian Sumner says:

    Good work and a good video. Many thanks!

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jose Peixoto says:

    I don't get it;

    the thin carbon film on the internal walls made any difference?

    i mean,the throttle plate was closing all the way,the same it is now,what was the improvement?

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pharoah Monk says:

    Good info.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pete Quinones says:

    I didn't know plastic throttle body's were even a thing on something this old. Ford has been pinching every cent of profit for longer than I thought. Plastic intakes have been common, but even my Tacoma still has a aluminum Throttle body. Building with all these plastic components that were metal previously will fail prematurely in comparison. Heat cycling makes brittle over time. I was disappointed first time when Honda switched from cast to plastic intake plenum in k-series motor.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dennis Chausse says:

    Erick Great job

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars phil tulk says:

    Very helpful, thank you 👍

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Luis Jandres says:

    I have a 2012 gmc yukon I try to relearn it and is not working the truck does not move at all.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Antonio Claudio Michael says:

    Good diagnosis Eric O that throttle body was nasty From that EGR nice and clean and seems to be happy now re learning pretty quickly @SouthMainAutoRepairLLC

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars markay vintageformeforever says:

    I absolutely love your channel, with every video I learn something new. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, much appreciated.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kevin Kuc says:

    What’s the air filter look like ?

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Meredith says:

    Why didn't you clean inside of the where the throttle body sits in the intake runners .

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charles Downs says:

    mine dont stall+but one thing is+ hard starting sometimes after fully warm. it starts back. but sometimes worries me. any suggestions?

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charles Downs says:

    my pontiac g.p. 2002 3.1. dont chuggle. not now. ive cleaned everything.

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charles Downs says:

    once properly cleaned+ i noticed mine stayed fairly clean.

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tim Ramirez says:

    What about a relearn?

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars GT -C- says:

    I have a 2001 Lexus LS-430.
    Can not take down the intake boot I'm afraid to force it.
    Do I have to remove it from both sides or only the side where attaches to the throttle body?
    I have the code P0174.
    What shall I do?

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! drmikeosgood says:

    Thanks Eric, I have a Toyota that has a throttle body that needs cleaning. So I'll remove it and also change out the IAC module on the bottom of the assembly as soon as my parts come in. Your methods are a tremendous help even though I don't have a 2000 dollar analyzer.

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tj lee says:

    my 3 liter ranger says not to clean the throttle body or even adjust the idle stop . 135 k miles and just a little carbon staining on the throttle body and butterfly valve . cleaned the throttle body and also the MAS Thingy with brake cleaner . so far so good , i guess

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Larry Ferris says:

    Very informative!!! One of the most complete clips I've found on Utube! Based on this it appears I've cleaned my throttle body and screwed it up! I had a problem with a hard shifting transmission on a 2005 6L Chevy Express Van changed the tps sensor and at the same time cleaned the throttle body. I fixed the shifting problem but crated very fast idel at start up that would settle to an extent in 5 to 10 min. So I replaced the throttle control valve, MAP and Oxy sensor. To date have not fixed the idle problem and can't seem to find a manual trottle body for my truck. I have found some after market LS1 units that I think will work. Any ideas?

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Triton84 says:

    Do you guys know of any good resources I could look up to investigate the type of throttle body (electronic control, with or without the coating)? I have a 2013 Chevy Trax with the 1.4 L turbo, and I've been wanting to clean the throttle body as a preventative measure.

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Don ——. says:

    Pffft… they call that a fuel mileage feature now…🙄

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars VideoRanger says:

    Interesting video. Thank you.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ben V says:

    I'm a DIY'er, good to learn about Seafoam.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bengkel Hadi sapto says:

    The throttle body cleaning process is great, success is always my friend

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars gusgiesel says:

    Great approach to the problem. Good Lord that TB was nasty. I just removed the TB on my Tacoma and there is a partial screen on the throttle body gasket which was coated in carbon, I mean really thick. I was surprised because I keep a clean air filter. But still this kind of maintenance is necessary anyway. Thanks for another good video.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rudy Mondragon says:

    Great diagnosis of the problem. Had a 2000 Chevy Silverado 5.3L required a throttle body cleaning every so often. Main issue, the throttle plate would stick closed after engine off for a while. Then when it was started again, it would require more gas pedal pressure to get it moving, OFTEN resulting on a sudden surge of the engine. Especially bad if it was in gear already. Had one occasion when I had to back out from a parking space, pressed on the gas pedal to get it moving. Suddenly the throttle plate came loose and the truck surged back wards, almost hitting a vehicle that was driving by. Now, have a 2013 GMC Sierra 5.3L . Don't have that problem, but will clean the throttle body while changing the air filter to make sure the throttle plate is not developing the same issue like the Silverado. THANKS FOR MENTIONING THE TYPE OF THROTTLE BODY CLEANER TO USE ON THE DIFFERENT VEHICLES…Don't want to have the throttle body replaced because I got it TOO CLEAN..

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Calculated Risk says:

    You don't need wood screws on a plastic manifold… if you design it right and have a threaded insert set in there. I do agree on intake side stuff going plastic and rubber though. They're good insulators and light. The air won't pick up much heat between the filter box and the intake valves.

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Let The Chips Fly says:

    The first 5 mins of this video is why I sub and watch every SMA video.

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Phillip Haas says:

    Eric are you feeling okay? You dont seem yourself!

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars anna correa says:

    I have a 2000 Nissan Xterra 3.3 with stalling issues at stoplights or when idling. RPM would increase from 750 to 1,100, then drop to 100-200. This will repeat several times until the engine stalls. Turning off the AC and placing in neutral tends to lessen the RPM needle bouncing. I also suspect the EGR is stuck open, but I’m leaning towards a throttle body cleaning or the IAC valve cleaning.

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sebastian Villela says:

    No way you were able to figure that out, anyways what all in one scanner do you recommend

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ken Hardy says:

    Had the exact same thing happen with intermittent low speed stall on my ‘99 Tahoe 5.7L (at only 59,000 miles). Cleaned the visibly carboned-up throttle body with carb cleaner (it is metal) and paper towel while still mounted on the intake manifold…..problem instantly solved. P.S. Kerosene used in most parts cleaners will never damage plastic or metal, but not as great a solvent as carb cleaner, brake cleaner, or sea foam. Dr. K.

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tommy Pitcock says:

    Parts tray fix or repair daily f o r d

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tom Currie says:

    Looking at previous videos. Saw you hat bill was not tore up so I had to check the date. Four years ago. You don’t lose hats very often. Love your videos.

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Marshall says:

    Buir in in parts tray. Hahaha hahaha only a junky ford product. Would have one.

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars leendert de heer says:

    Lenny in Australia love you videos have helped me alot

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pete Nowikow says:

    My subi sometime stalls after having driven it to a place, turned it off and back on again. RPMs get too low and dies. It's in park when it occurs.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Treeline Research says:

    My old second hand Hondoo CR-V has always seemed to have a bit of stickyness on the idle so I cleaned the throttle body when I did the air filter today. After a bit of driving the computer seemed to learn the blow-by gap was no longer plugged with gunk and now it's idling rock steady for the first time since I've had it.

    Never would have even thought to do this if I hadn't had your vids running on autoplay on my second monitor while I was working last night!