How to Clean a Mazda Throttle Body
Keeping your Mazda running at its best requires regular maintenance of the engine and its components.
Your Mazda's throttle body is part of the engine's air intake system and should be kept in clean working condition to offer optimal engine performance and fuel economy.
Our article shares all you need to know about how to clean a Mazda throttle body.
What is a Throttle Body?
Think of your Mazda's engine as a giant air pump that sucks in air, then mixes the air with fuel and, through the ignition and combustion process, creates a rapid expansion of the air mixture to power the pistons. The gases are then whisked away through the exhaust.
The throttle body is the component of a Mazda's engine intake system that regulates the volume of air entering the engine. It stands to reason that the more air the throttle body allows into the engine, the more fuel mixture is available, and more power is generated.
The throttle body, in turn, is controlled by the accelerator pedal. When you press down on the accelerator pedal, either a cable or an electronic drive-by-wire system will cause a valve inside the throttle body to open wider, allowing the engine to suck in more air.
Signs of a Dirty Throttle Body
Bearing the above explanation of a Mazda throttle body's function in mind, it's easier to understand the importance of keeping this component working at 100 percent.
Some sure signs that your Mazda's throttle body is dirty from any sticky residue caused by oil mist and crankcase fumes, which need to be cleaned up, include:
- Rough idling can be attributed to inconsistent airflow from a dirty throttle body.
- Stalling may occur if the engine does not receive the correct volume of air to keep running.
- The illumination of the check engine light will alert the driver to a problem.
- Poor acceleration can result from a dirty throttle body, causing insufficient airflow to allow the engine to increase revs when pressing down on the accelerator pedal.
- Worsening fuel economy due to an incorrect air-fuel mixture. Typically, the engine will run rich with lower airflow, having to work harder to provide the same level of performance.
Tools and Materials Needed to Clean Your Throttle Body
Cleaning your Mazda throttle body is an easy task for a competent DIY mechanic.
However, there are a few tools and materials needed to successfully complete this task. The appropriate tools to remove the air intake plumbing may include screwdrivers, a socket set, and pliers.
Throttle body cleaner is used to loosen and dissolve any residues. This specialized cleaner is normally available at most auto parts stores or hardware stores and is packaged in an aerosol spray.
Cleaning rags and a small brush, like an old toothbrush, will be used to wipe inside the part and clean away any dirt.
Remember, it's always best practice to wear gloves and eye protection for safety's sake as you will be working with chemical cleaners.
Preparing Your Mazda for Throttle Body Cleaning
When preparing your Mazda for throttle body cleaning, always make sure that your vehicle is safely parked in a well-lit area with the emergency brake applied and the car in gear.
Before removing air intake components, the battery must be disconnected by removing the negative battery terminal.
Once you have located the throttle body, usually found between the air cleaner and the intake manifold, the air intake duct must be loosened and removed from the throttle body.
The throttle body will also have a sensor plug that must be disconnected before removing the bolts that hold the throttle body to the intake manifold.
The throttle body may still have coolant lines attached, which may need to be removed depending on the level of dirt that needs to be removed.
Accessing the Mazda Throttle Body
Once the intake pipe is removed, you can carry out a visual inspection that will reveal if the throttle body can be effectively cleaned without complete removal from the engine bay.
Cleaning Process
Start off the cleaning process by wiping down the inside of the throttle body to remove any loose dirt, and then spray in the cleaner to dissolve any residue, following the product instructions.
You may need to use your small brush or toothbrush to clean up any stubborn spots before wiping out the throttle body with a clean, dry rag.
Reassembling Your Mazda
If you had to remove the Mazda throttle body completely to do a thorough cleaning job, then reassemble using your removal steps in reverse, making sure that all screws or bolts are properly secured and that the electrical sensor terminal is carefully plugged back in.
Once you are satisfied that everything is in place and secured, it's time to reconnect the battery.
Testing the Throttle Body
Your car will need to be restarted to allow the ECU to reset the throttle body position sensor.
Start your car and allow it to idle for around four minutes. The idle speed may be high for a short while until the ECU recalibrates the sensor.
Once the idle speed returns to normal, turn off the ignition for about 90 seconds and then restart. Your Mazda should now be ready to go as normal.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
Owners can keep their Mazdas running great by following a few useful preventive maintenance tips.
- Regular maintenance services that include cleaning of the throttle body every 30,000 miles.
- Regularly replacing the air filter if the vehicle is used in dusty conditions will go a long way to keeping the throttle body clean.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When you experience any of the aforementioned signs of a dirty Mazda throttle body, you should carry out an inspection of the air intake system and the throttle body to establish if it's time for a cleaning.
If you are not comfortable with this DIY task, it is best to take your car to a professional service center or the nearest Mazda dealership.
Get Throttle Body Service at Central Mazda
Be sure to contact the service team Central Mazda in Plainfield, CT, when you suspect that your Mazda throttle body is in need of service.
At Central Mazda, our technicians are Mazda professionals who know what's best for your Mazda.
