Throttle Body Issue (Pics)

[wwomanC6]

Over the last 6 months I had the engine light come on and got the Throttle body sensor 1 performance code - P0121.

It reset it, then came back on a month later. I have a new DD so I had not been driving my C6 much Nov. Then it started doing a hard start. acted like it didn't want to start or slight hesitation. I waited for a warm up to work on it. In the mean time I talk to a trusted friend and GM mechanic. He told me in the last few months he has seen and cleaned a lot of throttle bodies on all different GM vehicles.

He stated because of the fuel that's currently being used and the cold weather that was causing carbon build up on the back side of the butterfly valve. I don't know if that was his opinion or base on some research.

Today it was warm, so I removed it to clean it. Holy cow! Serious black slightly oily residue all over the back side of the butterfly valve. Mine had a lot more build up on it than the one in the Youtube video had on that one. See pics below

So with care not to move the butterfly valve I sprayed TB cleaner on it and a lot of it washed away with the cleaner. Youtube video I watched before hand said not to move the butterfly valve on new cars that have electrical input and no throttle linkage to gas petal. A few spots I had to rub and spray a couple times to get it off. Got it clean and installed.

On start up, the hard start before was gone. Ran fine no hesitation. After a few engine cycles the engine light went out! My SQUIRREL is fixed!!

note: I had to order the gasket and it will be here Tue. So if it is warm again this next weekend I will take it off again and replace the gasket.



BEFORE
Front Side Of TB

Rear Side of TB










AFTER CLEANING
TB rear view




Front View

[73sbVert]

Awesome!!

Great job Wendy!!

[mike100]

Good to know. I just completed a laundry list of repairs and maintenance to mine- I guess our cars aren't really new anymore and there are always pattern failures that seem to repeat themselves making it easier for us to find out how to deal with them.

[wwomanC6]

Originally Posted by mike100

Good to know. I just completed a laundry list of repairs and maintenance to mine- I guess our cars aren't really new anymore and there are always pattern failures that seem to repeat themselves making it easier for us to find out how to deal with them.

Yep, with going over 100k miles on mine I know maintenance time will increase and it will start to have more issues.

I can take more pics of the entire procedure when I help my neighbor do this to her Vette, if anyone is interested in step by step procedures.

[6spdC6]

As a person that had a C5 for close to 8 years, a 05 for 2 and my present Z06 since 07 let me say one word "Techron". I found out about it when I had fuel tank problems in my 98 and as we do not have gas up here that has Techron in it I add some every few tankfulls. It does a good job of keeping the crud down.

Its available at Wally World, Pep boys and most likely any place that handles car parts/accessories.

Many of the boat guys up here on my lake swear by it also. Yes it goes in my boat also.

[DropTheTop]

Great job Wendy, I suspect my C5 is in need of this as well

Hey 6spdC6, do you use the Techron in every tank fill? I use it maybe one in 4 or 5 tank fills, when my guage goes goofy on me. Maybe I should be using it every time though?? It wouldn't break the bank, as I only put on 10k miles since 2006

[6spdC6]

Originally Posted by DropTheTop

Great job Wendy, I suspect my C5 is in need of this as well

Hey 6spdC6, do you use the Techron in every tank fill? I use it maybe one in 4 or 5 tank fills, when my guage goes goofy on me. Maybe I should be using it every time though?? It wouldn't break the bank, as I only put on 10k miles since 2006

About every 3-4 tanks. I have had good luck with this.

[wwomanC6]

I took it for a quick drive and filled up with gas. Then add a bottle of Techron.

I might need to have my friend at the Dealership relearn the idle. Seem to be idling a little high. Maybe them Techron will help.

[DropTheTop]

Originally Posted by wwomanC6

I took it for a quick drive and filled up with gas. Then add a bottle of Techron.

I might need to have my friend at the Dealership relearn the idle. Seem to be idling a little high. Maybe them Techron will help.

Did you re-check your work, for maybe a loose clamp or missed connection when you put everything back together?
I'm thinking maybe a small air leak, and it's trying to compensate.

[Y2Kvert4me]

Originally Posted by DropTheTop

I'm thinking maybe a small air leak, and it's trying to compensate.

That would be my first guess too...More air = higher idle.

It may just take some time/driving for the fuel trims to readjust, but double-check PCV hoses and air coupler connections between MAF and TB.

[wwomanC6]

I will take another look at it. Still need to replace the gasket. Might not have tightened down the bolts tight enough. They were not very tight to begin with so I did not snug them too tight. Might be the issue.

[thegreenman]

Great job, glad the SQUIRREL is happy once again.