Vehicle Compatibility Information

Chrysler Pacifica 2008 3.8L
Chrysler Town & Country 2008-2010 3.8L
Dodge Grand Caravan 2008-2010 3.8L & 3.3L
Jeep Wrangler 2008-2011 3.8L

What is a throttle body?

The throttle body is the part of the engine that mixes air with the fuel to allow combustion to take place. When a throttle body gets clogged with carbon, the vehicle may suffer from issues ranging from a lack of fuel mileage, loss in efficiency or may even become totally inoperable.

When you need to replace the throttle body:

1. Check engine light and/or reduced power warning light is on. If the check engine light or reduced power warning light comes on, a mechanic will determine if any of the stored trouble codes implicate a throttle body malfunction.

2. Wrong idle speed.

3. Poor transmission shifting.

WARNING !

1. Do not disconnect any electrical connectors to the electronic throttle body assembly with the ignition switch in the “ON” position.   Make sure the ignition key is in the off position first.

2. Additional components may need to be removed before proceeding with the electronic throttle body removal.

3. Some electronic throttle body assemblies have coolant hose attachments that must be removed during replacement. To prevent coolant loss, plug hoses upon removal.

4. After the replacement of the electronic throttle body, the idle speed may be Different or Vary. A Relearn procedure may be required on the vehicle. Refer to the appropriate technical service repair manual and follow “Relearn” instructions.

Replace the throttle body:

You will need: Gasket Scraper, Pier Assortment, Screwddriver Assortment, Socket Set, Wrench Set

Steps:

1. Remove the engine cover , if necessary.

2. Important:Remove the negative battery cable.

3. Remove the air intake hose.

(There may also be some water cables attached to the throttle body. If this is the case remove the hose clamps using pliers before you remove the hoses.  )

4. Remove the electrical connections.

5. Remove the water hose.

(If your throttle body does not have connected the water hose, you can skip this step. )

6. Remove the mounting hardware and old electronic throttle body

7. Remove the old gasket

8. Clean the mounting surface

9. Install the new gasket

10. Install the new electronic throttle body

11. Torque the bolts to spec

12. Reattach the water hose

13. Reattach the electrical connections

14. Reattach the air intake hose

15. Important: Reattach the battery cable

16. If applicable, the electronic throttle installation and idle re-learn procedures are performed using an appropriate scan tool.

17. Finally, the engine is started, brought to normal operating temperature, and idle speed is checked. The car is road tested to ensure normal operation and no illumination of warning or service lights.

Don't forget to relearn the new replaced ETB!

Here is the throttle body relearn procedure:

1. Start the engine and let it idle in park for 3 minutes. During that period the idle may be higher idle than normal.

2. After 3 minutes, turn the engine off and leave it off for 60- seconds.

3. Start the engine again and let it idle in park for 3 minutes one more time. During these run periods you may see a check engine light. Scan for codes and if you get throttle body related codes, clear them.

4. If the idle speed is still off, drive the vehicle at speeds above 44-mph and operate several acceleration and deceleration cycles. Then repeat step #3 one last time.

Some tips for locating the throttle body under the hood in the Engine Compartment:

• Throttle body is situated between the air cleaner and intake manifold

• Throttle body is made from aluminum

• In some older models, the throttle body is connected to the gas pedal by metal wire so you can identify it by pressing the gas pedal while the engine is shut off and see the moving part.

• Once you find the throttle body, you have to be careful when dealing with it. This is because there are tubes and hoses and, in some cases, electrical connections attached to it.

Is it safe to drive with a throttle body problem?

Yes.  But, the vehicle may be limited in power or put into what is referred to as limp mode, in order to get the vehicle to a repair facility.  If the check engine light is on, or the electronic throttle control warning light is on, but there is no noticeable difference in engine performance, the car can be safely driven.  However, it is best to have it diagnosed and repaired at your earliest convenience to avoid unexpected breakdown or possible damage to the catalytic converter.

Why would a throttle body go bad?

One of the main causes of a malfunctioning throttle body is internal contamination. ... This causes 'false air' to be sucked in, so that the total amount of air sucked in does not correspond to the position of the throttle valve. An incorrectly adjusted throttle position sensor can also cause an engine to run badly.

Does throttle body need to be replaced?

The throttle body plays a large role in controlling the fuel and air mixture in your engine. The proper mixture needs to be achieved in order for your engine to run smoothly and properly. Once this part fails, it needs replacing rather than repairing.

What happens if you don't replace a throttle body?

When a throttle body is not functioning correctly, you'll usually notice a distinctly poor or very low idle. If the problem is really severe, you might even begin stalling when coming to a stop or when the throttle is quickly pressed.