Cleaning 3.5L V6 Throttle Body

[Ultimateplayer]

I took on this task during my recovery from ACL reconstruction surgery, so it should give you an idea of the level of difficulty.

This was performed on a 2008 Dodge Charger SXT - 3.5L Engine at 31,XXX miles

Level of difficulty: 2/10
Estimated time: 1 hour
Cost: ~$5
Tools needed: ratcheting wrench, 10mm deep socket, 15mm socket, screw driver, toothbrush (not necessary, but helps in the cleaning), throttle body cleaner (~$5), old towel/rag/microfiber

1. Disconnect negative cable from battery.

2a. Disconnect the upper end of your intake to the throttle body (TB) by loosening the clamp with screwdriver.

2b. Disconnect IAT electrical connector from intake.

2c. Remove your intake. (may not be necessary to remove intake, but this makes working with the TB removal much easier)

3. Disconnect the electrical connector from the TB itself. (Note: The connectors have a little red tab that you have to move away from the harness and then there is a black tab you push down to actually remove.)


4. Loosen the 2 bolts, using the 15mm socket, holding the TB support bracket. (Note: The Dodge Repair Manual says remove, but not necessary as the TB support bracket has an open bolt hole at the forward bolt position which can allow you to pivot the support bracket out of the way once you loosen the bolts)


5. Remove the 2 nuts (on outboard side of TB), using the 10mm deep socket, holding the TB support bracket directly to the TB and pivot the TB support bracket on the rear mount bolt below out of the way. (Note: This is the part which requires the deep socket because the bolt protrudes well beyond the nut.)

6. Remove the 4 mount bolts of the TB (10mm deep socket). By removing these, the TB will become free and able to be removed from the car.

7. Clean TB using throttle body cleaner. I used an old microfiber towel (Note: I didnt spray any of the TB cleaner directly, rather I sprayed on the microfiber towel and then wiped away the residue. This may not be necessary, but I didn't want excess cleaner making its way into the pivot point of the butterfly valve). I also used an old toothbrush here to clean some of the tight areas I couldn't get with the towel.
(The Dodge Repair Manual States:

CAUTION: Do not use spray (carb) cleaners on any part of the throttle body. Do not apply silicone lubricants to any part of the throttle body

Dirty:


Clean:


8. Reverse steps 1-6 to re-install.

Also to note the Dodge Repair Manual states:

A Scan Tool may be used to learn electrical parameters. Go to the Miscellaneous menu, and then select ETC Relearn. If the relearn is not preformed, a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set. If necessary, use a scan tool to erase any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC’s) from PCM

Potential issues/tips:
A. Disconnecting the electrical connector from the TB - make sure to unlock the red tab and then push down on the black tab directly under it.

B. Remounting the TB - the bolts are not too strong, so it was easy to snap the head off the bolt. For replacement the part number for the shorter bolts are 6507725aa. They retail for $1.50 per bolt through the dealer but they took 3-4 days to get because none were in stock at either the local dealer, nor the regional supply warehouse (located in Boston). Additionally, just remove the other bolts you already installed, and you can slide the TB off because the TB itself does not have any threads (this one is nice to know). I read that you may throw a code if you drive the car with only 3 of the 4 mount bolts installed, so it isn't advisable.



Hope this helps you guys. I am currently waiting on the one TB mount bolt which I snapped the head off.

[Ultimateplayer]

Any thoughts on this? I know its very simple, but as a newb to the auto world, I could have used this, specifically the parts where I screwed up, to alleviate some stress of snapping the bolt.

[Solow 300]

Thanks for starting this thread it was very helpful just finished cleaning mine except I had to put in a little extra elbow grease.My tb was as black as my car when I took it off and to think I was about to pay the dealer 250 to clean it. Thanks Again

[gr8ride]

My 2010 challenger (3.5 L. H.O.) has about 6000 clicks. I don't think it is that bad but when do you think i should cleat it? This forum is very helpful and if i can help anyone i'll be more than happy to do it!

[Bryali]

A catch can from our friends at Billet Tech may be something to look into. For detailed instructions on that, look here.

Nice write-up, though!

[Dub Icon]

Thanks for the write up. Reminded me it's time to do mine. Bean your way!