How to Clean a Nissan Throttle Body

The throttle body of your Nissan is what opens up and allows air to flow into the combustion chamber. This area gets pretty clogged up with soot and debris from the ignition of the fuel. It can rob you of fuel mileage, cause poor performance and make the gas pedal feel like it is sticking. Cleaning the throttle body is actually an uncomplicated process for which some repair shops charge a hefty price. You can perform this task at home with the proper steps and a few tips.

Things You'll Need

  • Throttle body cleaner
  • Old toothbrush
  • Ratchet
  • Socket set
  • Torque wrench
  • Repair manual (Chilton's or Haynes)
  • Screwdriver set
  • Shop rag
  • Open the hood of your vehicle.

  • Locate the throttle body. Follow the air intake tube towards the engine and you will find square piece of metal connected to the engine. This is the throttle body.

  • Remove the air tube from the throttle body by loosening the clamp, with a screwdriver, and pulling the hose off.

  • Disconnect the electrical harness that is connected to the throttle body by pressing the locking button and pulling it off.

  • Loosen the four bolts around the throttle body with a ratchet and socket. Pull the throttle body from the engine.

  • Remove the accelerator cable by lining the cable up with the slot in the guide and pushing the cable through that slot.

  • Spray the inside of the throttle body with the cleaner and scrub it with a toothbrush. Wipe the throttle body with a rag. Make certain to open the internal flap and clean under it. Repeat this step until it is shining.

  • Put the accelerator cable back into the slot on the throttle body and run it through the guide.

  • Put the throttle body back on the engine and torque the bolts, with a torque wrench and socket, to the manufacturer specifications in the repair manual for your specific model Nissan.

  • Put the harness back into the throttle body by pushing it in until it clicks into place.

  • Push the air intake hose back onto the throttle body and tighten it with a screwdriver until it is snug.

  • Start the vehicle and allow it to warm up. Pay close attention to the idle speed of the engine.