How To Reset The Throttle Body - 1A Auto Blog

Why do you need to do a throttle body relearn procedure and how do you reprogram your car’s throttle body? Find out how to reset the throttle body on different vehicles as our experts review the different methods in this article and video.

Throttle Body Reset Procedure for Electronic Throttle Bodies

Most vehicles today have an electronically-controlled throttle body, sometimes called drive-by-wire. When you press the accelerator pedal, the computer receives a signal. It then signals the throttle body blade to open. An electronic throttle body has a throttle position sensor that sends a signal back to the computer so it knows what position the throttle body blade is at.

On older vehicles, it’s common to find mechanically-controlled throttle bodies that operate with a cable.

Why Do I Need to Reset the Throttle Body?

Removed and Cleaned a Dirty Throttle Body

Carbon builds up on the throttle body and blade over time. The computer makes up for it by keeping blade a little more open for a bit longer to compensate and keep engine running well.

You may have removed the throttle body to clean it. Cleaning the throttle body with a brush and brake cleaner or carburetor cleaner can remove the carbon and sometimes fix any issues.

More on how to clean the throttle body

Replaced a Defective Throttle Body

If you’re replacing the throttle body or reattaching it after cleaning, you’ll need to do a throttle relearn procedure.

How to Reset the Throttle Body

There are different procedures depending on the car. Below is a list of throttle body idle relearn procedures you may have to do depending on your car

Start the Engine and Let It Idle

For some vehicles, you may just need to start the engine and let it idle. RPMs may be very high during this.

Run the Engine for 3 Minutes, Shut It Off, and Run It for 3 Minutes Again

You might only have to run the engine for 3 minutes, shut it off, and then run it for 3 minutes again.

Turn the Key On, Let the Engine Idle, and Turn the Key Off

On some vehicles, to complete a throttle body relearn procedure you may just have to turn the key on, let the engine idle for a bit, and then turn the key off.

Drive at Highway Speeds or 40 MPH While Accelerating and Deaccelerating for Some Time

To complete a throttle body idle relearn procedure on some vehicles, you may have to drive at highway speeds or 40 mph while accelerating and deaccelerating for a certain amount of time.

Reset the Throttle Body with a Scan Tool That’s Capable

You may be able to do this procedure easily with an advanced scan tool. Some scan tools can do the relearn procedure and reset the idle.

How-to Videos for Throttle Body Relearn Procedures and More

Check out our how-to videos and learn how to work on you car. Pick up tips, diagnosis, repair instructions, and more for general and model-specific repairs, procedures, and more.

SummaryArticle NameHow to Reset the Throttle Body - Throttle Body Relearn Procedure - 1A AutoDescriptionIf you removed the throttle body to clean it or need to install a new one, find out how to reset the throttle body with these tips from the expert mechanics at 1A AutoAuthor 1A Auto Team Publisher Name 1A Auto Publisher Logo