Hello, I have a 2018 CX-5 with 137k miles and decided to clean my throttle body. Since it has an electronic TB, I was told to not push the plate with all the sensors. I turn the car on with engine off and when I press down on the gas pedal all the way down, the throttle plate only opens part way (see 2nd picture). Has anyone else had experience with this and should the plate be opened all the way with the gas pedal all the way down? Thanks!
Throttle body cleaning question
- Thread starter gman1
- Start date
for all this it worth ,I have had some experience with throttle cleaning . to me it looks like there is a little build up of carbon on the throttle opening ,all you need to do is wipe it with a solution for throttle body's . I use one that is used for mapp maff sensor's not sure if theres one for throttles ,Prop carb cleaner will work ,pretty sure . Some say don't manually move the throttle plate it could damage it , and heard that the plate can shut like a guilotine and chop off finger. Theres different views out there about how to handle the throttle ,not sure if its different for each diff car . They say that the gummy carbon can change the computer reading on how much the throttle is open and if there's a build up it effects things . In other words the plate doesn't close all the way because of build up. I had a chev malibu 2012 and cleaned it with no probs but every car is diff. Hopefully this may help .If someone else can chime in would be great .All the best
AS for the throttle being open like that( MAY) be normal ,if car starts and drives ok may be ok,are you experiencing any idle issues or notice some throttle issues
AS for the throttle being open like that( MAY) be normal ,if car starts and drives ok may be ok,are you experiencing any idle issues or notice some throttle issues
Last edited:
AL Cx5
2024 CX-5 Prem Turbo Tuned Lowered Forged Wheels
X2 @CmazdaX9, I have cleaned many TBs and open them manually. Some I've removed to get to the back side of the blade. And I agree, the ECU may not open the TB all the way unless the engine is started.
You could disconnect the electrical connector on the TB, then open and clean. You might have to clear a code if you energize the ignition. I normally stick the fat end of a screw driver in the TB to hold it open while cleaning.
With the engine running, I've sprayed carb cleaner or Seafoam before they had it in a spray can, very CAREFULLY into the TB. Careful not to hydro lock the engine. Often a big cloud of black smoke comes out of the exhaust. This method cleans the intake as well.
You could start the engine and have someone blip the throttle and watch the blade if you are still concerned. You will find that drive by wire TBs don't follow the accelerator peddle. The ECU has the final say. You may also find it your blip the throttle to WOT the blade does not open 100%. I've blooded several T shirts learning how to make a TB open 100% at WOT.
More than likely it's OK if it didn't throw a code.
I'm sure Mazda has a TB calibration, relearn, procedure. I'm new to Mazda and don't know it yet.
Here is one method to calibrate the TB. It reads like the way I have calibrated other TB in the past.
2015 CX5 throttle body reset - Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast Forums
You could disconnect the electrical connector on the TB, then open and clean. You might have to clear a code if you energize the ignition. I normally stick the fat end of a screw driver in the TB to hold it open while cleaning.
With the engine running, I've sprayed carb cleaner or Seafoam before they had it in a spray can, very CAREFULLY into the TB. Careful not to hydro lock the engine. Often a big cloud of black smoke comes out of the exhaust. This method cleans the intake as well.
You could start the engine and have someone blip the throttle and watch the blade if you are still concerned. You will find that drive by wire TBs don't follow the accelerator peddle. The ECU has the final say. You may also find it your blip the throttle to WOT the blade does not open 100%. I've blooded several T shirts learning how to make a TB open 100% at WOT.
More than likely it's OK if it didn't throw a code.
I'm sure Mazda has a TB calibration, relearn, procedure. I'm new to Mazda and don't know it yet.
Here is one method to calibrate the TB. It reads like the way I have calibrated other TB in the past.
2015 CX5 throttle body reset - Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast Forums
Last edited:
MrViking
2022 CX5 Premium
I've found Sea Foam works way better than carb cleaner Also, getting the perimeter of plate and the carbon ridge that forms is the most important part as it can allow additional air to leak by messing up the air/fuel ratio and sometimes causing a rough idle. If you use a screwdriver handle to hole it open, be very carful. One time I pushed the plate open a bit further (can't remember if it was on purpose or not) and the screwdriver fell into my intake manifold. There's an interesting story on how I got it out without removing the intake.
Thanks for the reply. The car idles okay. It does have a faint vibration and I do notice the engine air filter box in the engine bay shaking when the car is in park. I do not feel a difference after the TB cleaning but I couldn't clean very much of it due to the narrow plate opening. I do noticed the throttle response improving when I disconnect the battery and reconnect it after 30 minutes but that good throttle response is usually short lived and goes away after driving it a hundred or so miles.
