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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Golf mk4 how to guides + info => Topic started by: richw911 on 03 August 2008, 00:08

Title: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 03 August 2008, 00:08
A Dirty throttle body can result in poor running, mpg ect. Well worth giving it a clean. Should be done approx every 30k.

**NOTE**
 If you have a DBW 1.8T you May need to do a Throttle Body Alignment using vag com after cleaning it.

 It is not req on Cable-Throttle engines as it will self adjust. (I have AGU cable throttle and it did not need alignment)

First off  undo the jubilee clip and remove the pipe. Then undo the four 5mm allen key bolts:
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/richw911/tbtogetherbv3.jpg)

Next remove the electrical plug which is under the throttle body.


Remove the TB:
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/richw911/tb4.jpg)


To clean the throttle body - Spray the carb cleaner onto the cloth (instead of spraying it into the throttle housing) and wipe out the dirt.

You can use cotton buds soaked in carb cleaner for hard to reach places. You can open the throttle body butterfly to clean inside it. It swings open like a cat flap. Get everything as clean as possible.

Remember to clean both sides!!

Yours will be black but should end up looking like this:
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/richw911/tb3.jpg)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/richw911/tb2.jpg)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t318/richw911/tb1.jpg)


IF you have Vag Com:

Here the "how to"  Re-Align the TB after removal:

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/cars/throttlebody.html

[Select]
[01 - Engine]
[Basic Settings - 04]
Group 060
[Go!]
It should say "Basic Settings: OFF" on the top of your screen.
Click [ON/OFF/Next] to turn on Basic Settings.
It should now say "Basic Settings: ON" on the top of your screen.
Once you do this you will see the top right display say ADP RUN. The TB adaptation is being done as soon as you switched basic settings on. You will see the values change and hear the TB cycle for the first few seconds then it will stop. Leave it in Basic Settings for about 30 seconds.
Click [ON/OFF/Next] to turn off Basic Settings.
It should now say "Basic Settings: OFF" on the top of your screen
Click the [Done, Go Back] button and you're all set.



Even if you don't do this your TB would eventually re-adapt itself over a few miles / start-stop cycles.

Note:
It MAY idle a bit higher after cleaning this is NORMAL and it will settle after a few miles of driving.

Since doing mine, i have noticed my car running a lot smoother and so have other forum users - well worth the half hour it takes to do!


The writer of this guide and GolfGTI.co.uk accept no responsibility of damage to your car when using this guide. Use at your own risk.


Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: bobbarley on 15 December 2008, 14:34
Just done this, and I would say it does make a small difference.  Worth noting that when you've removed the throttle body you can lock your car, but I don't think the alarm works until you re-fit the thing!
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 15 December 2008, 20:34
Just done this, and I would say it does make a small difference.  Worth noting that when you've removed the throttle body you can lock your car, but I don't think the alarm works until you re-fit the thing!

Good guide the eh bob?  :smug:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: bobbarley on 15 December 2008, 20:37
Worked a treat  :cool:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 15 December 2008, 20:42
Worked a treat  :cool:

 :cool:  Another good job done yourself mr bob  :wink:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: Hulmie on 23 December 2008, 21:11
Did this meself the other day and i think theres a slight difference but would like to know how soon the TB reset should happen after cleaning if you havent got a computer to reset it.
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 23 December 2008, 22:53
Did this meself the other day and i think theres a slight difference but would like to know how soon the TB reset should happen after cleaning if you havent got a computer to reset it.

Few hundred miles  :smiley:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: Hulmie on 25 December 2008, 12:44
would this cause the car to idle abit high when stopping at junctions and then settle after a couple of seconds?
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: bobbarley on 25 December 2008, 13:02
I think so yeah.
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: ben1.8T on 13 February 2009, 14:16
What bits the butterfly valve? Dont wanna fook that up?
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 13 February 2009, 19:44
What bits the butterfly valve? Dont wanna fook that up?

The part that moves inside. You CANT move it on a DBW  like you can on the throttle cable - throttle body.  :wink:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: K666PDP on 14 February 2009, 20:11
What bits the butterfly valve? Dont wanna fook that up?

The part that moves inside. You CANT move it on a DBW  like you can on the throttle cable - throttle body.  :wink:
u can physically move it but I WOULDN'T recommend it as theres a motor controlling it unlike the NDBW which is attached to the throttle cable attachment...............i cleaned my DBW TB last night and i did move it once as there was so much crap but wudnt fancy moving it again...........btw all's good now
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 14 February 2009, 20:13
What bits the butterfly valve? Dont wanna fook that up?

The part that moves inside. You CANT move it on a DBW  like you can on the throttle cable - throttle body.  :wink:
u can physically move it but I WOULDN'T recommend it as theres a motor controlling it unlike the NDBW which is attached to the throttle cable attachment...............i cleaned my DBW TB last night and i did move it once as there was so much crap but wudnt fancy moving it again...........btw all's good now

Indeed NOT to a good idea to move it.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: barry-gti on 15 February 2009, 12:31
so basically you can f@*k ur car up by doin this?
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 15 February 2009, 13:46
so basically you can f@*k ur car up by doin this?

It could damage the motor inside the TB on a DBW 1.8T - if you try and move it.
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: barry-gti on 15 February 2009, 13:51
i think ill give this one a miss lol...until i get more skills
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: K666PDP on 15 February 2009, 15:10
i think ill give this one a miss lol...until i get more skills
by all means taking off the TB is easy mate....make some space as u dont want to drop the TB and damage it(i did mine on the floor in my carpeted garage)and liberally spray ur carb cleaner both sides of the TB, now get a cloth and soak in carb cleaner and clean deposits of both sides of TB for hard to reach places like in the corners use cotton buds soaked in carb cleaner also do the butterfly faces JUST DONT MOVE IT theres alot of resistance so u cant accidently move it then wipe with a clean cloth to dry it (i then left it to 100% dry for 15mins) then refit(making sure all 4 of the 5mm allen bolts are tight and the vaccuum pipe/electical connector are secure!!!REMOVE ALL TOOLS ETC FROM UNDER BONNET if u've left any there!!!!!!!,reconnect battery open drivers door and leave open and turn on ignition to pos2(u will hear chiping noises for about 30secs coming from the TB thats normal as its realigning)i left mine like this for 3mins to 100% make sure was done then start up and leave to idle for a few mins,if all is good(no reason why it shudnt) if for some reason the revs are high etc it'll self learn over a few miles and reset to normal so dont worry now get cleaned up and take the car for a spin and relish how much smoother it is  :cool: easy.
***** The only reason i moved mine ONCE was there was a noticible build up of crap when the butterfly was closed i cudnt shift with the flap in the closed position and when i opened the butterfly the edges of the flap were caked in crap and it was totally baked on(cars done 109k) so the edges in the closed position have prob never been cleaned and when i closed it again it fitted better--id not open it again****
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: ben1.8T on 16 February 2009, 09:27
Cool cheers peeps just wanted to make sure. Gonna do mine and Lukes on Saturday.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: ben1.8T on 18 February 2009, 11:03
Do the mteal clips on the pipes squeeze together to release them?
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: barry-gti on 18 February 2009, 15:13
i think ill give this one a miss lol...until i get more skills
by all means taking off the TB is easy mate....make some space as u dont want to drop the TB and damage it(i did mine on the floor in my carpeted garage)and liberally spray ur carb cleaner both sides of the TB, now get a cloth and soak in carb cleaner and clean deposits of both sides of TB for hard to reach places like in the corners use cotton buds soaked in carb cleaner also do the butterfly faces JUST DONT MOVE IT theres alot of resistance so u cant accidently move it then wipe with a clean cloth to dry it (i then left it to 100% dry for 15mins) then refit(making sure all 4 of the 5mm allen bolts are tight and the vaccuum pipe/electical connector are secure!!!REMOVE ALL TOOLS ETC FROM UNDER BONNET if u've left any there!!!!!!!,reconnect battery open drivers door and leave open and turn on ignition to pos2(u will hear chiping noises for about 30secs coming from the TB thats normal as its realigning)i left mine like this for 3mins to 100% make sure was done then start up and leave to idle for a few mins,if all is good(no reason why it shudnt) if for some reason the revs are high etc it'll self learn over a few miles and reset to normal so dont worry now get cleaned up and take the car for a spin and relish how much smoother it is  :cool: easy.
***** The only reason i moved mine ONCE was there was a noticible build up of crap when the butterfly was closed i cudnt shift with the flap in the closed position and when i opened the butterfly the edges of the flap were caked in crap and it was totally baked on(cars done 109k) so its prob never been cleaned and when i closed it again it fitted better--id not open it again****



cheers mate  :smiley:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 18 February 2009, 19:14
Cool cheers peeps just wanted to make sure. Gonna do mine and Lukes on Saturday.  :smiley:

Yes  :wink:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: T_J_G on 18 February 2009, 20:04
i think ill give this one a miss lol...until i get more skills

man up. and get on with it.
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 18 February 2009, 20:05
i think ill give this one a miss lol...until i get more skills

man up. and get on with it.

lol  :laugh:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: ben1.8T on 19 February 2009, 09:04
Sweet will do mine and Lukes on Saturday ready for my visit from 2 blokes in a red van on Tuesday :cool:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: Pete H on 04 March 2009, 22:21
just a quick and maybe silly question, but does that blue gasket need to be replaced that connects it to the inlet?
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 04 March 2009, 22:22
just a quick and maybe silly question, but does that blue gasket need to be replaced that connects it to the inlet?

You can do tho ive done mine twice without the need to.  :wink:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: Pete H on 04 March 2009, 22:27
ok ta, im abit concerned about the moving the throttle butterfly thing, but how can you clean it properly without moving it?!

mines a agu, so the less sensitive one, lol
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: K666PDP on 05 March 2009, 10:52
ok ta, im abit concerned about the moving the throttle butterfly thing, but how can you clean it properly without moving it?!

mines a agu, so the less sensitive one, lol
dont worry mate uve got the easy one u can move the butterfly ok as its cable operated so moves ok, dbw is the one that shouldnt really be moved..........go 4 it  :wink:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: 1.6mk4GOLF16v on 06 April 2009, 12:48
A Dirty throttle body can result in poor running, mpg ect. Well worth giving it a clean. Should be done approx ever 30k.

Excellent thread, i did this a few days ago and it does make an improvement on how responsive your accelerater is  :smiley:
there was soo much gunk stuck to the rear side of the butterfly
also i drive a 1.6 mk4 and mine was located in a different (kinda opposite) place
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: axewielder on 26 May 2009, 16:34
on my 1.6 16v ive just cleaned mine+ moved the butterfly loads+ its still fine even though its a DBW, cleaning without being able to get to the edges of the butterfly seems a bit useless??
was caker on good needed scraping off :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: dr. benway on 03 August 2009, 10:27
+1 to this thread; cleaned mine a couple of months ago and car's been noticeably smoother since.

For what it's worth, mine is a DBW and I found you could nudge the valve to get a cotton bud etc into the gap, but be careful not to force the stepper motor past one of the notches--that's what'll ruin it.

Oh, and I didn't use vagcom or any strange voodoo dance, the valve aligned itself all on its lonesome  :cool:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: Yahya on 08 November 2009, 22:31
on my throttle unit the hoses are crimped on, presumably with some kind of crimping tool, are these going to be difficult to get off?

Also, would anyone know the best place to get some jubilee bands to replace them, including the big 60mmish size one that connects to the throttle unit.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: tonyg on 08 November 2009, 23:53
Good guide, cheers! I did mine (aum) wasn't terribly careful with the butterfly was more interested in getting it clean  :grin: I just did the the old 'leave the drivers door open and turn key to No.2 position and leave' the etpper motor beeped and clicked for about 30 seconds and that was that good as new.....

Nice little job only takes 10 mins......
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: Lewisf1988-DUB on 01 April 2010, 15:40
Just pick up carb cleaner from halfords? Or is there ne thing else that I can use? 
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 01 April 2010, 17:17
Just pick up carb cleaner from halfords? Or is there ne thing else that I can use? 


Yeah get it from halfords or local carparts centre  :smiley:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: Lewisf1988-DUB on 09 April 2010, 20:24
Just did this, and all seemed fine. Put everthing back as it should be, but think there's a problem :s car idles a tiny bit higher than normal, and when I manually use te throttle, I.e with my hand under bonnet there's quite a lot of fumes :s also car is nearly out of petrol could this be causing this?
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: Lewisf1988-DUB on 12 April 2010, 13:21
Forget last post, it's sorted. Just needed to settle. Lots smoother I think  :smiley:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: martin_jg on 13 April 2010, 15:25
may sound stupid, but will all the benefits be found on a disesiel model too? temped on doing my tdi 130?
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: Dan_GTI on 26 April 2010, 13:19
may sound stupid, but will all the benefits be found on a disesiel model too? temped on doing my tdi 130?

you'll want to check out the egr valve on those, they get carbon sh!te built up big time
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: linz on 30 May 2010, 09:34
i need to do a throttle body allign as it came up on my fault codes list

but when i wen to do it i dont get the but where it says basic settings should be off??


helppppppppp
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: JC on 09 April 2011, 14:51
great guide rich :afro: 

cheers for the heads up Rhyso  :laugh:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 09 April 2011, 20:16
great guide rich :afro: 

cheers for the heads up Rhyso  :laugh:

Cheers bud :afro:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: JC on 09 April 2011, 20:29
great guide rich :afro: 

cheers for the heads up Rhyso  :laugh:

Cheers bud :afro:

no worries, see my thread for the piccies  :sick:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 09 April 2011, 20:45
great guide rich :afro: 

cheers for the heads up Rhyso  :laugh:

Cheers bud :afro:

no worries, see my thread for the piccies  :sick:


Just seen it  :shocked:  :sick:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: lukeyyyyyyy21 on 05 May 2011, 20:53
I did this and uses the vag diag from work but soon saw how oily the pipe was and intercooler so you may wish to flush that as well if you have time... one afternoon on the weekend :)
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: craig4004 on 19 June 2011, 20:31
Just done this, does make it a lot smoother. and mine runs fine without  VAG com'ing it :)
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: johny boy on 27 June 2011, 23:07
once its been cleaned would it make any difference if you polished all the inside with metal polish?????????????
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 28 June 2011, 17:17
once its been cleaned would it make any difference if you polished all the inside with metal polish?????????????

There would be no need to do that  :smiley:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: blainej1 on 11 July 2011, 11:16
really good thread sorted my car right out thanks
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: der_kaiser on 12 September 2011, 19:58
Where is the TB located in the 2litre?
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: daz veedub on 24 September 2011, 22:53
Where is the TB located in the 2litre?

under the bonnet  :wink:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: 1 gti on 26 October 2011, 15:51
Just had a quick look at my throttle body and can't any cables just one sensor. I've got an AUQ. Does that mean I'll have to use vag-com to reset it once it's all back together? Also when I take it off should I leave ignition on or off? Sounds silly but I need to be 100% before doing it. Cheers  :smiley:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: hotdogsmale on 30 October 2011, 16:58
Just done my 1.4S mk4 golf and the throttle body was black as your hat cleaned her out and now she is running perfectly. i disconnected the battery and then on restart i left the ignition on for about 3 mins on position 2 and then ran it up on idle for a good ten mins and she is lovely real big difference thank you everyone :)
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: big stevie on 03 December 2011, 15:09
i done this today got carb cleaner from ebay (s.t.p one) all car shops near me didnt have any including halfrauds and some never stocked it, suppose not many cars with carbs anymore all fuel injected, well i followed the guide and got throttle body off i have no cable so had to be carefull with the butterfly motor and took it down the shed as a bit warmer, but disapointed in a way as mine was very clean indeed heres some pics.

before cleaning
(http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x222/nofearmadbiker/throttlebody4.jpg)
(http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x222/nofearmadbiker/throttlebody5.jpg)

and after being cleaned not a lot of difference to be honest
(http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x222/nofearmadbiker/throttlebody3.jpg)
(http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x222/nofearmadbiker/throttlebody2.jpg)

then i bolted it all back together and was praying it would start and run ok, fired her up and cold start valve kicked in as revs were up slightly then cold start valve shut off and car was running normal with no problems, wish mine was more dirty to be honest but a good little job to do. :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: daz veedub on 03 December 2011, 15:14
filthy that top pic mate

Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: big stevie on 03 December 2011, 15:28
i was kind of hoping it was going to be black but not the case, this was one of those things i keep looking at doing but chickened out as i have cableless throttle was really chuffed how it all went to be honest, well one job off the list now.  :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: lukeyyyyyyy21 on 04 December 2011, 13:47
Again cleaning your throttle body won't make much difference at all, mainly on a turbo car because the intercooler catches nearly all the oil. It will be worth much more your while to flush the intercooler as a clean and shiny throttle body may look good but will much more benefical to flush out an intercooler that has built up and slightly blocked over the years with oil.
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: big stevie on 04 December 2011, 16:27
that will be a job for the summer then that one, least i know how to take throttle body off now as im going to paint it i think and wasted a bit of time i suppose. :smiley: :smiley: :smiley:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: Fergus3060 on 27 December 2011, 11:00
Again cleaning your throttle body won't make much difference at all, mainly on a turbo car because the intercooler catches nearly all the oil. It will be worth much more your while to flush the intercooler as a clean and shiny throttle body may look good but will much more benefical to flush out an intercooler that has built up and slightly blocked over the years with oil.

Anywhere I can find a How To... On flushing the intercooler?

Thanks
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: mcgee9t2 on 01 May 2012, 13:15
is the 1.8n/a dbw or cable? and is this stuff ok to clean it with

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_202903_langId_-1_categoryId_255221

gonna give mine ago tonight as i have nout else to do and hoping that its this thats causing rough idle instead of knakerd maf :D
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: Mazydizzle on 30 May 2012, 17:20
Hi guys,

I have a 1.8T AUQ engine. It is running a little sluggish. Not sure if the previous owner looked after it properly. Will it be okay to clean the TB?

How can I tell if it is cable operated or not?

Mario
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 30 May 2012, 17:22
Hi guys,

I have a 1.8T AUQ engine. It is running a little sluggish. Not sure if the previous owner looked after it properly. Will it be okay to clean the TB?

How can I tell if it is cable operated or not?

Mario

AUQ doesn't have a  cable  :wink:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: Mazydizzle on 30 May 2012, 17:24
Thanks for the quick reply rich!

Do you know Where can I find out about flushing the inter cooler?
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: richw911 on 31 May 2012, 15:04
Thanks for the quick reply rich!

Do you know Where can I find out about flushing the inter cooler?

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?2773574-flushing-the-IC-out-with-water
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: rfn_hodgson on 13 June 2012, 16:41
great guide. did it today on my auq and left it for 3 mins in idle and no problems
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: GTi_James on 17 July 2012, 20:17
is this good for an AUM engine? will i need Vag-com or will it auto correct the same?
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: eddie_t on 12 September 2012, 13:29
is this good for an AUM engine? will i need Vag-com or will it auto correct the same?
Yep. Did my AUM, and the butterfly moves no problem. I pushed it open and stuck a brush handle in it to keep it open while i cleaned it. Must say tho that it makes no difference. Didn't think it would but I just thought I'd do it to see what people keep bangin on about. Its just a pipe really so I'm not surprised cleaning it does nothing. Didn't need to do any VAGCOM reset either, like i say it runs the same as it did before. I get the feeling there's a lot of people talking about doing this who haven't actually done it...
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: A5H on 09 November 2013, 19:16
Good guide  :smiley:

I done mine a few days ago, it was bad

I have the AGU engine so cable

Before

(http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/7259/1yoy.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/202/1yoy.jpg/)

After

(http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/2083/57eo.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/842/57eo.jpg/)

Ive not run it up yet but im sure it will be much better :)
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: andychug on 30 March 2014, 21:25
I had the pleasure of using this guide a few weeks ago on my Agu 1.8t
I also cleaned my I.A.T sensor (intake air sensor) using carb cleaner and a tooth brush (my mrs doesn't know it was hers) :grin:

Before cleaning the T.B, the car was idling very rough, struggled to start without giving the pedal some gas and would constantly stall at junctions and traffic lights. I was lucky if I got 18mpg around town (normal driving).

After unbolting the throttle body it was clear it hadn't been cleaned for some time. After a good scrub and blast of cleaner it looked as good as new. The I.A.T sensor was just as bad, I used a toothbrush and carb cleaner to clean the wire of the sensor, it was caked in black carbon and took some careful cleaning.

When all was back in place I turned the car over and it started first time no problems idle was high at 1800rpm for about 30secs then settled at 900/1000rpm.

It now runs much better, throttle response is smoother, no more kangaroo jumping and stalling and I easilly get over 30mpg around town (normal driving).

I recommend cleaning the I.A.T sensor at the same time it's only one allen bolt and a wiring plug to remove and it's out.

Worth trying before chucking big money at expensive replacement parts :smiley:
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: MoMartin on 30 March 2014, 21:40
I had the pleasure of using this guide a few weeks ago on my Agu 1.8t
I also cleaned my I.A.T sensor (intake air sensor) using carb cleaner and a tooth brush (my mrs doesn't know it was hers) :grin:

Before cleaning the T.B, the car was idling very rough, struggled to start without giving the pedal some gas and would constantly stall at junctions and traffic lights. I was lucky if I got 18mpg around town (normal driving).

After unbolting the throttle body it was clear it hadn't been cleaned for some time. After a good scrub and blast of cleaner it looked as good as new. The I.A.T sensor was just as bad, I used a toothbrush and carb cleaner to clean the wire of the sensor, it was caked in black carbon and took some careful cleaning.

When all was back in place I turned the car over and it started first time no problems idle was high at 1800rpm for about 30secs then settled at 900/1000rpm.

It now runs much better, throttle response is smoother, no more kangaroo jumping and stalling and I easilly get over 30mpg around town (normal driving).

I recommend cleaning the I.A.T sensor at the same time it's only one allen bolt and a wiring plug to remove and it's out.

Worth trying before chucking big money at expensive replacement parts :smiley:

Where is the IAT Sensor? as i am still experiencing problems after cleaning the TB

Cheers.
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: andychug on 30 March 2014, 22:06
the I.A.T sensor is located just past the throttle body just a few cm along the chamber.
it has one black plug connector and an allen bolt holding it in place. it should easily pull out and if like mine was very very dirty. I think cleaning this gives a better result than just cleaning the T.B.

be careful not to break the wire when scrubbing, I used an old tooth brush and sprayed the cleaner onto the brush not directly on the sensor.
Hope this helps
Andy
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: andychug on 30 March 2014, 22:34
I had the pleasure of using this guide a few weeks ago on my Agu 1.8t
I also cleaned my I.A.T sensor (intake air sensor) using carb cleaner and a tooth brush (my mrs doesn't know it was hers) :grin:

Before cleaning the T.B, the car was idling very rough, struggled to start without giving the pedal some gas and would constantly stall at junctions and traffic lights. I was lucky if I got 18mpg around town (normal driving).

After unbolting the throttle body it was clear it hadn't been cleaned for some time. After a good scrub and blast of cleaner it looked as good as new. The I.A.T sensor was just as bad, I used a toothbrush and carb cleaner to clean the wire of the sensor, it was caked in black carbon and took some careful cleaning.

When all was back in place I turned the car over and it started first time no problems idle was high at 1800rpm for about 30secs then settled at 900/1000rpm.

It now runs much better, throttle response is smoother, no more kangaroo jumping and stalling and I easilly get over 30mpg around town (normal driving).

I recommend cleaning the I.A.T sensor at the same time it's only one allen bolt and a wiring plug to remove and it's out.

Worth trying before chucking big money at expensive replacement parts :smiley:

Where is the IAT Sensor? as i am still experiencing problems after cleaning the TB

Cheers.

(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/849/wtk3.jpg) (https://imageshack.com/i/nlwtk3j)
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: XMC1980 on 07 April 2014, 00:28
i think ill give this one a miss lol...until i get more skills
by all means taking off the TB is easy mate....make some space as u dont want to drop the TB and damage it(i did mine on the floor in my carpeted garage)and liberally spray ur carb cleaner both sides of the TB, now get a cloth and soak in carb cleaner and clean deposits of both sides of TB for hard to reach places like in the corners use cotton buds soaked in carb cleaner also do the butterfly faces JUST DONT MOVE IT theres alot of resistance so u cant accidently move it then wipe with a clean cloth to dry it (i then left it to 100% dry for 15mins) then refit(making sure all 4 of the 5mm allen bolts are tight and the vaccuum pipe/electical connector are secure!!!REMOVE ALL TOOLS ETC FROM UNDER BONNET if u've left any there!!!!!!!,reconnect battery open drivers door and leave open and turn on ignition to pos2(u will hear chiping noises for about 30secs coming from the TB thats normal as its realigning)i left mine like this for 3mins to 100% make sure was done then start up and leave to idle for a few mins,if all is good(no reason why it shudnt) if for some reason the revs are high etc it'll self learn over a few miles and reset to normal so dont worry now get cleaned up and take the car for a spin and relish how much smoother it is  :cool: easy.
***** The only reason i moved mine ONCE was there was a noticible build up of crap when the butterfly was closed i cudnt shift with the flap in the closed position and when i opened the butterfly the edges of the flap were caked in crap and it was totally baked on(cars done 109k) so the edges in the closed position have prob never been cleaned and when i closed it again it fitted better--id not open it again****

I fail to see where it says disconnect battery? I do see re connect battery, so I assume you disconnect it first?

Sorry just checking as I recently had a right headache resetting gear linkage!

Mines AUQ
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: Nino on 08 April 2014, 11:18
You dont have to disconnect the batt..... Really....
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: WadGTI on 08 April 2014, 12:36
I would certainlly disconnect the battery before taking the throttle assembly apart.

I don't see the benefits of keeping it hooked up as I am always cautious about voltage spike whilst removing/refitting and/or shorting sensors.
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: XMC1980 on 08 April 2014, 15:40
Okay..... Just did mine today, nice easy job but if I'm honest I'm dissatisfied as it was so clean already! So clean there was no point posting pics.

Thanks for the thread though, nice job to do too
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: XMC1980 on 08 April 2014, 16:10
Sorry to go off topic but now I'm being a perfectionist if you like cleaning everything in sight, is it worth cleaning MAF sensor or is that best left alone?

Thanks
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: WadGTI on 08 April 2014, 16:34
Sorry to go off topic but now I'm being a perfectionist if you like cleaning everything in sight, is it worth cleaning MAF sensor or is that best left alone?

Thanks

If your MAF is working as it should, I wouldn't bother touching it. Thats my own view though!
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: systema on 11 April 2014, 13:50
I cleaned my throttle body yesterday as well as resetting it. It started revving around 1800 and then dropping slowly down to normal after a few seconds. It seems to be sticking around 1400 now and dropping down, but there doesn't seem to be any change. I have drove about 50 miles, should It start eventually idle back to normal?
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: XMC1980 on 11 April 2014, 13:53
When I restarted mine after the clean and reset it started up at around 1100rpm but within seconds idled around 750. I assume each car is different and will respond respectively, I have heard to allow up to 200 miles for it to settle?
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: systema on 12 April 2014, 00:24
82 miles and still sticking at 1400rpm and then dropping slowly :(
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: XMC1980 on 12 April 2014, 03:00
Try cleaning MAF sensor or better still borrow one of a friend to see if it fixes it? Was it fine before you cleaned it? Did you plug everything back? (It's happened)
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: systema on 12 April 2014, 11:57
MAF sensor has recently been replaced with a Bosch one, so has the engine coolant temperature sensor - changed these due to rough idle which worked but then it started to stick at around 1200 rpm, so I cleaned the throttle body, reset it Etc. and it's still doing it at 1400rpm, just hopefully waiting for it to settle, rather annoying
Title: Re: Throttle body clean.
Post by: james2 on 12 April 2014, 20:48
I had the pleasure of using this guide a few weeks ago on my Agu 1.8t
I also cleaned my I.A.T sensor (intake air sensor) using carb cleaner and a tooth brush (my mrs doesn't know it was hers) :grin:

Before cleaning the T.B, the car was idling very rough, struggled to start without giving the pedal some gas and would constantly stall at junctions and traffic lights. I was lucky if I got 18mpg around town (normal driving).

After unbolting the throttle body it was clear it hadn't been cleaned for some time. After a good scrub and blast of cleaner it looked as good as new. The I.A.T sensor was just as bad, I used a toothbrush and carb cleaner to clean the wire of the sensor, it was caked in black carbon and took some careful cleaning.

When all was back in place I turned the car over and it started first time no problems idle was high at 1800rpm for about 30secs then settled at 900/1000rpm.

It now runs much better, throttle response is smoother, no more kangaroo jumping and stalling and I easilly get over 30mpg around town (normal driving).

I recommend cleaning the I.A.T sensor at the same time it's only one allen bolt and a wiring plug to remove and it's out.

Worth trying before chucking big money at expensive replacement parts :smiley:

Where is the IAT Sensor? as i am still experiencing problems after cleaning the TB

Cheers.
+1