Cleaning Throttle Body - 2001 4runner

Last weekend I decided to clean the throttle body on my 4runner.

Decided to document the procedure In hopes it would benefit someone who likes do things on their own:

For this task, I picked up some throttle body cleaner, a rag, and my wife's toothbrush:



One of the most important steps in this procedure is to stare down the throttle for a good 2 or 3 minutes. This helps break down the carbon inside. The harder you stare, the more it breaks down and easier it is to clean. Sorta like WD-40 loosens up rusted nuts and bolts.



First step is removing the airbox assembly, loosen airbox bolts and straps:





unplug mass airflow sensor and any other connectors in the vicinity:



There will be a smaller airbox towards the firewall with some airlines connecting into it, remove the airhoses and the small airbox:





Don't forget the airhoses that run towards the front of the engine towards the piping of the airbox:





Loosening these thinner clamps will help removing the piping to the airbox:






Remove another plug, this one is right besides the accelerator cable:



Three cooling lines will be feeding into the throttle body, these can be removed also:







Another plug:



Remove the accelerator cable off the throttle, this can be done by clocking the body of the spring and sliding it out carefully:



Another picture of everything removed:



Remove the two top nuts that are holding the throttle in position:



Now remove the bottom bolts that are holding the throttle in position:



Pull off the throttle gently:



Take it to the operating table:



Generously spray inside the throttle body with cleaner and brush the carbon off with your wife's toothbrush and rag:



Carefully rotate the "door" to make sure all the carbon buildup has been cleaned out.

If you aren't bleeding, you aren't done:



Once you are satisfied with the removal of carbon, installation is reverse of removal.

 

Cool toothbrush.

 

it was my wife's.

 

Good write up also. Did you notice a different in performance, gas mileage, anything. (Other than I looks really clean.)

 

i felt a better response to the throttle

 

LOL, love the write up Ramon!!!

 

Will be doing this soon. IACV might be acting up on mine. Only slightly rough at cold startup and a little low RPM sometimes, but fine and perfect operation fully warmed up to operating temps.
Did you get a new TB gasket or was the old one in decent shape to reuse?

 

i reused the same one.. still good

 

I know this is an old thread, but can someone tell me where the IAC valve is on this TB? Thx

 

I want to know where the IAC is as well. Took off my TB and nothing that resembles what I see online. I have the same exact TB as what is on the photos on this thread. I did remove the plate on the TB that 4 screws holds down thinking that was the IAC.