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How to Clean Throttle Body Assembly 2002-08 Dodge Ram

Created on: 2016-07-05

Learn how to properly clean a throttle body assembly with this how-to video. This procedure is similar for a lot of different makes and models

  1. step 1 :Disconnecting the Battery
    • Disconnect the negative battery terminal with a 10mm wrench
  2. step 2 :Removing the Air Intake
    • Release the clips and open the air filter housing box
    • List the air filter housing box cover up and off
    • Release the PCV hose
    • Loosen the rear clamp on the inlet pipe
    • Remove the box cover and pipe
    • Lift the bottom of the air filter housing box up and out
    • Remove the 10mm bolt behind the alternator
    • Remove the 10mm bolt behind the oil cap
    • Lift the air box up
    • Disconnect the intake sensor
    • Remove the air box
  3. step 3 :Cleaning the Throttle Body
    • Spray throttle body cleaner into the throttle body
    • Clean any build up with a soft-bristle brush
    • Clean off the debris with a thick paper towel or rag
  4. step 4 :Reinstalling the Air Intake
    • Insert the air box with the silicone gasket over the throttle body
    • Tighten the two 10mm bolts to the box
    • Connect the air temp sensor
    • Insert the air filter housing into its mounting spots
    • Insert the intake tube to the air box
    • Tighten the hose clamp
    • Connect the PCV hose
    • Lock the air filter housing box
  5. step 5 :Reconnecting the Negative Battery Terminal
    • Tighten the 10mm bolt to the negative battery terminal
  6. step 6 :Testing the Engine
    • Start the vehicle
    • Let the engine run a little rough or high idle
    • Let the engine even itself out

Tools needed

  • Socket Extensions

    Flat Blade Screwdriver

    Paper Towels

    Soft-Bristle Brush

    8mm Socket

    10mm Wrench

    10mm Socket

    Ratchet

    Cloth Rags

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Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks.

In this video, we're going to show you how to clean the throttle body on this 2008 Dodge Ram 5.7L Hemi. The cleaning procedure's similar for a lot of different makes and models of vehicles. You'll need a flat blade screwdriver, 8-10mm sockets with a ratchet and extension, a cleaning brush, rag, cleaner, and a pair of gloves.

You'll want to use a 10mm wrench to remove the negative terminal of your battery. Set it off to the side.

Open the air box by releasing the metal clips on the side and the rear. Pop it out of its holders, release this hose from the front and using a flat blade screwdriver, and loosen the clamp on the rear of the inlet pipe. With that loosened up, work the pipe off of the box, and remove this assembly. The bottom half of your air box simply lifts off its retainers and comes right out of the truck.

Remove the two ten millimeter bolts, one behind the alternator and one behind the oil cap, with a ten millimeter socket, ratchet, and extension. Lift up on the air box so you can access the intake air temp sensor at the front.

Push down on the connector, and remove it from the IAT. Remove the air box from the vehicle.

Buildup inside of the throttle body is something that happens on all vehicles over time. However, it can cause the vehicle to run rough, accelerate poorly, or have poor throttle response as a result of the blade inside of your throttle body getting gummed up and sticky, restricting air flow and movement of the actual throttle body blade. Cleaning it is a simple, fast process that can really change the way your vehicle runs and feels.

After disconnecting the battery, spray some throttle body safe cleaner into the throttle body, focusing on any gummy or hard built-up spots. Use a toothbrush or a soft bristled parts brush. Open the blade by hand. Got some build up on the back of the blade there too. Start clearing away all that gum and debris. Be sure to clean inside the actual bore of the throttle body as well, as far down as you can reach. Apply more cleaner as necessary. Make sure you break up as much of that buildup and gunk as you can.

Using a thick paper towel or a clean rag, wipe all that gunk and debris out of there. Open the blade. Wipe it all out of there too. Make sure you don't tear the paper towel or let anything fall down into the intake—that's going to restrict flow or possibly get stuck in the head. After you've completed cleaning your throttle body to your liking, reconnect your air box components and your battery, and start the vehicle.

Reinstall the end of the air box with the silicone gasket over the end of your throttle body. Tighten up the bolt behind the oil fill cap and behind the alternator with the ten millimeter socket and ratchet and an extension. Reconnect the intake air temp sensor. Drop the lower air filter housing back onto its mounting locations. Be sure the air filter is fully seated into the housing. Reinstall the intake tube onto the air box and the PCV breather hose. Lock the lid of the air box back onto its hinge. Close it. Lock it back down. Tighten the intake tube clamp with a flat blade screwdriver.

Now, the chemicals we used to clean this, as well as the gunk that we cleaned out of the throttle body, are both combustible. This can cause the engine to run rich or overcompensate and create a high idle. Might run a little rough or a little high at first, but within a few seconds, all that should even out and your motor should be running smooth again.

Thanks for tuning in. We hope this video helped you out. Next time you need parts for your car, please visit 1AAuto.com. Also check out our other helpful how-to and diagnosis videos.


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