What does a throttle body do?

In today's modern fuel injected cars, the throttle body is a critical piece of the air intake system that controls the amount of air flowing into the engine. It sits between the air intake and engine manifold where fresh air is pulled into the engine for the combustion process.

The throttle body itself consists of a tube containing a pivoting flat valve (butterfly). When the driver presses the acceleration pedal the butterfly in the throttle body pivots to let more air flow into the manifold. When this happens, the throttle position sensor reports to the ECU that you have pressed the accelerator. The airflow sensor then detects more air and sends a message to the car’s computer to boost the amount of fuel being supplied by the injectors. This whole process is what enables your car to accelerate.

A good air filter is absolutely critical to the healthy operation of the throttle body, because dirt buildup on its surface over time can cause the butterfly valve to stick, causing a rough idle and drivability issues. It is therefore important that both the air filter and the throttle body are well maintained and kept clean.

Suzuki

The Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive and motorcycle manufacturer, established in 1909, over 100 years ago.

How popular is Suzuki in the United Kingdom?

Possibly better known as a leading motorcycle manufacturer, the cars from this marque are becoming a well-known household name in UK motoring. The Suzuki Swift and Suzuki Vitara have made a real impact on UK drivers, being responsible for over half of the 408k Suzuki models on the roads today.

Good value small city cars and SUV driving

Suzuki’s success has been dependent on their provision of small, well-priced cars that offer excellent value and good fuel economy. They offer a selection of city cars and small hatchbacks, with added hybrid fuel options for green drivers and those who want further economy from their motoring.

It’s possibly the Vitara, Ignis and the SX4 S-Cross SUV and crossover models that are making the most impact for this brand, despite not achieving quite the same impressive sales figures as the Swift.

Suzuki provides great technology for budget brand cars

For cars at their price-point, Suzuki crams in a lot of tech. The Vitara, for example, comes with Suzuki’s Boosterjet turbocharged engine and Allgrip 4-wheel drive system for performance, and a host of additional technology for drivability.

It also incorporates driver assistance features such as a lane departure warning that includes visual signals and a vibrating steering wheel, cruise control and fully integrated smartphone connectivity—features you’d tend to expect to find on much higher priced vehicles.

The Suzuki SHVS hybrid system

In the current climate where ecology and green motoring has become prevalent, the ‘Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki’ advanced driving system reduces CO2 emissions and lowers your running costs. What Suzuki has done here, is create a lighter and smaller system than the standard hybrid arrangement. Combine that with their cars’ lightweight chassis and nimble performance, and the efficiency becomes even more impressive.

How often should a throttle body need replacing?

In today's modern fuel injected cars, the throttle body is a critical piece of the air intake system that controls the amount of air flowing into the engine. Because it is crucial to the healthy running of your vehicle, the throttle body should be well maintained and cleaned at least every 75,000 miles.

If you begin to notice any signs that your throttle body might be failing, such as a rough idle, frequent stalling or unreliable acceleration, you should book your car in to have the air flow system and the throttle body inspected as soon as possible. When the throttle body begins to fail it will get progressively worse (and more dangerous!) over time.

What happens during a throttle body replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Analyse the ECU to see if there are any related fault codes.

• Inspect the throttle body and air intake system.

• Replace the throttle body if there are issues with it.

• Clean the air intake system of dirt and residue.

• Advise if any other parts need to be replaced.

• Finally they will run the engine and test drive the car.

What causes a throttle body to break?

Like most car parts, over time the throttle body will experience wear and may begin to fail. Another common issue is caused by the filth, carbon, and dirt that can build up in the throttle body housing and air intake system, creating problems with air flow. This interrupts the perfect mixture of air and fuel and can cause the butterfly valve to get stuck. Therefore regular cleaning and maintenance of the system and throttle body is crucial for a healthy and reliable car.

What are the symptoms of a bad throttle body?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• A very poor or rough idle

• Poor or unreliable acceleration

• Excess fuel consumption

• Car misfiring

• A delay from when you step on the acceleration until the car responds

• A visibly dirty throttle body

• Stalling more frequently

• Check engine light comes on

How often should you replace your throttle body?

There is no set lifespan when it comes to the throttle body, however it is suggested that you clean it thoroughly at about 75,000 miles. Cleaning the throttle body and air intake system allows your car to operate more smoothly and it helps prolong its life.

What happens during a throttle body replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Analyse the ECU to see if there are any related fault codes.

• Inspect the throttle body and air intake system.

• Replace the throttle body if there are issues with it.

• Clean the air intake system of dirt and residue.

• Advise if any other parts need to be replaced.

• Finally they will run the engine and test drive the car.

What is the average life of a throttle body?

There is no set lifespan when it comes to the throttle body, however it is suggested that you clean it thoroughly at about 75,000 miles. Cleaning the throttle body and air intake system allows your car to operate more smoothly and it helps prolong its life. Like with many car components, if the throttle body is well serviced and properly maintained it should last a while.

Can you drive with a bad throttle body?

Driving with a bad throttle body is not recommended. Your car could be very difficult to handle, it could break down whilst driving, or it could even accelerate unpredictably and uncontrollably - which is a very dangerous situation to be in on the roads. When the throttle body begins to fail it will get progressively worse (and more dangerous!) over time. You should book your car inn to be looked at as soon as you suspect there may be a problem.

Does the throttle body deteriorate with age?

Like most car parts, over time the throttle body will experience wear and may begin to fail. Filth, carbon, and dirt can also build up in the throttle body housing and air intake system over time, creating problems with air flow. This interrupts the perfect mixture of air and fuel and can cause the butterfly valve to get stuck. Therefore regular cleaning and maintenance of the system and throttle body is crucial for a healthy and reliable car.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

If your throttle body is failing it could be affecting your fuel consumption and emissions. Because there are strict regulations around car emissions in the UK, excess fuel consumption and emissions could result in a fine or an MOT failure. It's important to keep your car well maintained to avoid unnecessary costs and harmful emissions.