Help cleaning throttle body on Alpha
08 Alpha H3 126k. I have read many posts on here how to clean an I5 TB but nothing for the Alpha. Could not find but a few threads on the Alpha. I found one that says to clean it like the I5 but I am not sure. I did read somewhere not to disconnect the cable from the TB because you will have to go through a "Relearn" of the butterfly position. My wife's car cannot have the cables disconnected unless you have the tool to go through the relearn. Looking for some guidance. Much appreciated.
I've disconnected the TB on my alpha and didn't have to conduct a relearn.
And if it really worries you, disconnect the battery then remove TB for cleaning. That way, there would be no way that it would even know it was disconnected in the first place.
I cleaned mine the same way I clean all my TBs. TB/Carb cleaner and a toothbrush. Wipe dry, reinstall.
Hope that helps.
And if it really worries you, disconnect the battery then remove TB for cleaning. That way, there would be no way that it would even know it was disconnected in the first place.
I cleaned mine the same way I clean all my TBs. TB/Carb cleaner and a toothbrush. Wipe dry, reinstall.
Hope that helps.
Yep, What gpcalero said.
Cleaning a TB is cleaning a TB. The key takeaway is when you are done and re-install the TB, start the truck for the first time after and DO NOT TOUCH THE ACCELLERATOR. That makes sure it is seen by the PCM with the TPS and PPS sensing the same position. It may change RPM while they establish a proper handshake if it was disturbed during the cleaning, just let it do its thing. Can sometimes take 2-3 minutes, but no relearn necessary as it will take care of it by itself.
Cleaning a TB is cleaning a TB. The key takeaway is when you are done and re-install the TB, start the truck for the first time after and DO NOT TOUCH THE ACCELLERATOR. That makes sure it is seen by the PCM with the TPS and PPS sensing the same position. It may change RPM while they establish a proper handshake if it was disturbed during the cleaning, just let it do its thing. Can sometimes take 2-3 minutes, but no relearn necessary as it will take care of it by itself.
08 Alpha H3 126k. I have read many posts on here how to clean an I5 TB but nothing for the Alpha. Could not find but a few threads on the Alpha. I found one that says to clean it like the I5 but I am not sure. I did read somewhere not to disconnect the cable from the TB because you will have to go through a "Relearn" of the butterfly position. My wife's car cannot have the cables disconnected unless you have the tool to go through the relearn. Looking for some guidance. Much appreciated.
Here's a video I made if you're interested in a visual guide:
I would disconnect the battery, anyway. Anytime I'm fiddling with electrical I disconnect it. I checked the 5.3L manual and did not see anything different in the removal procedure. The throttle body "relearn" should still be done, I think, especially if you clean a lot of gunk out of it.This is the procedure I used:
1) Start and idle the engine in park for 3 mins
2) Turn ignition off for 60 sec
3) Start and idle the engine in park for 3 mins again. At this point, the engine should be idling normally.
NOTE: Check engine light may illuminate indicating idle speed diagnostic trouble.
If idle speed has not been relearned, it may be necessary to drive the vehicle at speeds above 44 MPH.
After the drive cycle, engine should idle correctly;
if not: 4) Turn the ignition off for 60 sec and repeat Step 3
Last edited by Dylan Rogers; Jun 20, 2021 at 07:03 PM.
Post some before and after photos! I'm interested in what yours looks like.
Here's a video I made if you're interested in a visual guide: https://youtu.be/Awe7ybOIkh0 Most throttle bodies can be cleaned this way
I would disconnect the battery, anyway. Anytime I'm fiddling with electrical I disconnect it. I checked the 5.3L manual and did not see anything different in the removal procedure. The throttle body "relearn" should still be done, I think, especially if you clean a lot of gunk out of it.
This is the procedure I used:
1) Start and idle the engine in park for 3 mins
2) Turn ignition off for 60 sec
3) Start and idle the engine in park for 3 mins again. At this point, the engine should be idling normally.
NOTE: Check engine light may illuminate indicating idle speed diagnostic trouble.
If idle speed has not been relearned, it may be necessary to drive the vehicle at speeds above 44 MPH.
After the drive cycle, engine should idle correctly;
if not: 4) Turn the ignition off for 60 sec and repeat Step 3
Here's a video I made if you're interested in a visual guide: https://youtu.be/Awe7ybOIkh0 Most throttle bodies can be cleaned this way
I would disconnect the battery, anyway. Anytime I'm fiddling with electrical I disconnect it. I checked the 5.3L manual and did not see anything different in the removal procedure. The throttle body "relearn" should still be done, I think, especially if you clean a lot of gunk out of it.This is the procedure I used:
1) Start and idle the engine in park for 3 mins
2) Turn ignition off for 60 sec
3) Start and idle the engine in park for 3 mins again. At this point, the engine should be idling normally.
NOTE: Check engine light may illuminate indicating idle speed diagnostic trouble.
If idle speed has not been relearned, it may be necessary to drive the vehicle at speeds above 44 MPH.
After the drive cycle, engine should idle correctly;
if not: 4) Turn the ignition off for 60 sec and repeat Step 3
Before
Before
After
Looks good!


