I just cleaned the throttle body using one of those throttle body cleaners in a spray can, following the directions exactly. I put all the components back on and now I'm throwing a CEL. I'm nervous because this is the first CEL I've had with this car in 94,000 miles.

Everything is attached properly, all the hoses are back, the MAP and Throttle Position sensor is connected and tight and the car seems to run fine.

I'm headed to an autox in an hour or so, that's why I wanted to clean the throttle body, been trying to get time all week to do it.

The CEL is steady, but is it okay to drive it with it on? Will the CEL reset itself or will I need to get the code read before it can be reset?

Warren

 

Without knowing the CEL you can't say for certain. If it's not in limp mode, I'd probably drive and autocross it. Then I'd get the CEL pulled to find out what it is.

 

I think knowing the CEL code would be helpful. Either use the jumper trick or borrow a code reader from a parts store.

I personally would not go to an autox if my car were throwing a code and I did not know why. If I knew the code was harmless (02 sensor code for example) then I would go...but not if I had no idea.

But, you can reset the ecu to clear the code and see if it comes back. Check the DIY sticky for instructions.

One question...did you remove the throttle body from the manifold and if so what did you do about the gasket?

 

No, only removed the tube from the filter to the throttle body to expose the throttle body.

How do you reset the CEL?

Warren

 

Look at the very top of this forum for FAQ's, DIYs, and Maintenance!!!!!. All kinds of important instructions there.

When you have more time, it is better to remove the TB and thoroughly clean it. There is a small passage that takes air from the TB throat to the MAP. It can become restricted by crud build-up. You will probably need a new gasket. You can either buy an oem from your dealer or make one out of gasket material so long as you carefully remove the old one to use as a pattern.

 

I've been thinking about taking mine off too. It does get real cruddy in there. The idles so good right now I can't really justify it though.

 

for the last 61 days you've been posting on this site like you are an expert. I can't say that I have seen anyhting you posted that I could disagree with until now. I can not believe you are advising someone with a CEL to go autocross the car.


To the OP, get the car checked out before you do anything else. While chances are good that nothing is wrong, you don't know that for sure.

 

It's an opinion, nothing more. If it was a track day, then I'd agree with you. Auto-crosses just aren't that hard on a car. You drive hard 4 times for 45 seconds to 2 minutes each.

It's not flashing. That means the ECU doesn't think it's that serious. Since he didn't have a CEL before he cleaned the IAC, it's likely related to the cleaning job. If the car's not in limp mode and is running properly I don't see the problem. He's going to have to make that judgement though.

The key to me is "running properly" and "limp mode".

I don't pull my car over and park it every time I get a CEL. As for my credibility well, that's not too important to me. Take what I say, use the parts you want. Ignore the parts you disagree with.

 

IMHO you gave out some bad advice, doesn't matter how you worded it. You are probably right about it not being anything major. But I disagree with what you are saying about autoX not being hard on the car

 

Your vacuum lines by the tb probably got detached or swapped. They are very easily dislodged.