my throttle body is dirty according to my mechanic, where and what is a throttle body? also, can i clean it myself to save some $$$?

 

You can do it yourself. Get some THROTTLE BODY CLEANER from any auto parts store and follow the instructions. The throttle body is where that BIG, THICK AIR HOSE ends on the engine side. You want to disconnect it from the throttle body for better access. It's not that hard to do.

 

You can try this for starters. If the throttle body is totally filthy, it should be removed and bench cleaned.
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The Idle Air Control (IAC) is mounted on the back of the throttle body. (front for 87-90) The valve controls the idle speed of the engine by controlling the amount of air flowing through the air control passage. It consists of a stepper motor that moves a pintle shaped plunger in and out of the air control passage. When the valve plunger is moved in, the air control passage flows more air which raises the idle speed. When the valve plunger is moved out, the air control passage flows less air which lowers the idle speed. Over time and miles, the IAC can get carboned up which can have an adverse affect on idle quality. Cleaning the IAC may restore proper function and is an easy procedure to perform and good preventive maintenance so it is never a bad idea.

CLEANING THE JEEP 4.0 IDLE AIR CONTROL

Remove the air filter cover, associated hoses and the rubber boot that goes from the air filter cover to the throttle body. Remove the IAC with a torx driver (2 bolts; one can be kind of hard to get to)

“Gently” wiggle out the IAC from the throttle body. Gasket on the IAC can be re-used if it is not damaged

Clean the IAC with a spray can of throttle body cleaner; inexpensive and available at any place that sells auto parts. Throttle body cleaner is recommended rather than carburetor cleaner as it is less harsh, safe for throttle body coatings and is best for this task. Use cleaner, a rag and a toothbrush and or Q-Tips. Be gentle; don’t twist or pull on the pintle that protrudes from the IAC as it is fragile and you could damage it.

Thoroughly spray clean and flush where the IAC seats in the throttle body with the same spray cleaner

It is also a good idea to clean the entire throttle body itself, the butterfly valve inside of the throttle body and all associated linkage as long as you have things disassembled

Reinstall IAC and check idle quality

 

thanks guys i figured i could clean it myself but i had no clue where to start, im 18 and im just starting to learn about jeeps, thanks!

 

The throttle body is held on by 4 Torx head screws. On the throttle body, there are three sensors, the throttle position sensor (TPS), the manifold absolute pressure sensor (MAP) and the idle air control valve (IAC). Look up what they look like. When you disconnect the throttle body to clean it, also clean the IAC valve (disconnect and set aside the TPS and MAP while cleaning). And make sure you get a new throttle body gasket to mount it up

 

I'm planning to do this as well. Got a new t-body gasket to replace old one if needed.
Q: does this gasket need to be glued/fixed in anyway, or will putting the T-body back unto it be enough to give a good seal once bolts are tightened?