Throttle Bore Idle Air Control Service

Throttle Actuator Servicing

Helpful Information

When mass volumes of air is processed through the air intake throttle actuator bore it will leave deposits that hurt engine performance. These deposits effect the idle air control motor which can cause stalling. This service should be performed whenever a tune up is performed. Each manufacturer has their own design when it comes to the throttle system of an engine but the principle remains the same. An electronic throttle actuator requires no idle valve or circuitry as the computer will adjust the main butterfly to arrive at the desired engine idle speed.

Tool and Supplies Needed

Carburetor cleaner (sensor safe)
Small socket set
Screwdriver set
Shop towel
Needle nose pliers
Impact screw driver
Protective eyewear and gloves

Best Practices

Clean throttle bore and idle air control motor thoroughly using sensor safe carburetor cleaner.
Replace air filter when soiled to avoid additional impurities.

Easy step by step guide on how to service an automotive engine throttle actuator bore and idle air control motor, this article pertains to most vehicles.

Difficulty Scale: 4 of 10

Before beginning, park the vehicle on level ground with the engine cold and the parking brake "ON".

Step 1 - After locating the throttle actuator bore begin by removing the air intake boot.

Removing Air Intake Boot

Step 2 - Next, inspect the throttle bore or actuator (electric) and check for vacuum leaks due to failing vacuum lines.

Throttle Bore

Step 3 - Once the unit has been inspected, locate and remove all electrical connectors.

Remove Electrical Connectors

Step 4 - Older vehicle utilize a throttle cable which must be removed, along with transmission and cruise control cables.

Removing Throttle Cable

Step 5 - Using needle nose pliers loosen and remove vacuum lines.

Removing Vacuum Lines

Step 6 - Some vehicles are designed with a coolant line that runs through the actuator, this practice is generally for older vehicles.

Removing Cooling Hoses

Step 7 - Once vacuum and coolant lines have been removed along with any control cables, locate and remove the throttle actuator mounting bolts, at this point it will become loose.

Removing Throttle Actuator Mounting Bolts

Step 8 - After mounting bolts have been removed, grasp the bore and remove it from the intake manifold.

Throttle Bore Actuator

Step 9 - Next, remove the sealing gasket or "O" ring seal and clean or replace.

Throttle Bore Gasket

Step 10 - Once the gasket or "O" ring has been removed, use carburetor cleaner and a shop towel to clean the intake inlet.

Clean Intake Manifold Inlet

Step 11 - Looking from the rear of the throttle bore coking deposits are observed which is caused by impurities in the air. These deposits can cause the engine to idle radically and in some cases, stalling.

Coking Deposits

Step 12 - Using a shop towel and carburetor cleaner wipe the bore and butterfly until clean.

Clean Bore w/Butterfly

Step 13 - Once thoroughly cleaned the throttle actuator is ready to be reinstalled.

Cleaned Throttle Bore Actuator

Step 14 - After the throttle bore has been cleaned, remove the mounting screws to the idle air control valve.

Removing Idle Air Control Valve

Step 15 - Next, gently remove the valve from the throttle bore.

Idle Air Control Valve

Step 16 - After the valve has been removed, inspect for coking deposits similar to the throttle actuator.

Idle Valve Coking Deposits

Step 17 - Then, using carburetor cleaner, spray the valve internally using a shop towel to help clean the valve.

Clean Idle Air Control Valve

Step 18 - Once the valve is clean, use cleaner to wash out deposits from the idle valve transfer ports.

Cleaning Idle Air Ports

Step 19 - After cleaning the idle air control valve, reinstall the valve onto the throttle bore housing and reinsert the mounting screws and tighten evenly.