How to Clean a Throttle Body on a Pontiac
by Justin Cupler
The throttle body of your Pontiac allows air to come into the intake manifold and mix with fuel so it can burn properly. Due to it's location, it tends to get a lot of soot in it and can actually rob you of fuel mileage or make the gas pedal stick. Cleaning the throttle body is fairly easy and doing it yourself can save you upward of $70 (in 2010).
Step 1
Locate the air box of your Pontiac. It is where the air filter is located.
Step 2
Follow the hose that runs from the air box to the engine. On the engine side of that hose, you will see a square metal object, that is the throttle body.
Step 3
Loosen the hose clamp that holds the air hose to the throttle body using a screwdriver. Remove the hose by pulling it with your hands.
Step 4
Push the hose off to the side and you can see the inside of the throttle body. Push the metal flap and you can see the engine side of the throttle body and all of the soot.
Step 5
Push the flap and hold it while spraying the inside of the throttle body with the cleaner. Use the toothbrush to scrub the throttle body and use the cloth to get the diluted soot from the throttle body. Don't be alarmed if some cleaner or soot gets inside the engine; it will burn it off when running.
Step 6
Repeat step five until the throttle body is completely clean.
Step 7
Push the air intake hose back onto the throttle body and tighten the hose clamp until it is secure.
Step 8
Start the vehicle and allow it to reach operating temperature. Test drive the vehicle, and do not be alarmed if you see some white smoke, as it is normal for the first few minutes.
Step 9
Throw away the toothbrush.
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver set
- Toothbrush
- Carburetor cleaner
- Lint-free rag
Writer Bio
Justin Cupler is a professional writer who has been published on several websites including CarsDirect and Autos.com. Cupler has worked in the professional automotive repair field as a technician and a manager since 2000. He has a certificate in broadcast journalism from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. Cupler is currently studying mechanical engineering at Saint Petersburg College.
