My 2005 has 160k miles. Idle speed lately seems perhaps a tad higher than I recall (maybe 750-800 rpm), and mileage seems a bit lower than usual, like 15mpg but probably all local. My normal in 2/3rds highway driving is around 19.9 average.

I've never had throttle body cleaned since purchase at 30k miles in 2009. Wondering if it could matter, even if mileage turns out to be OK. I know the car has tolerances to a point to handle a somewhat dirty throttle body, but I read articles saying do it every 30k miles etc. Also seen videos that show you deal with lots of old hoses nearby, etc. So I could see this causing (minor) harm if mechanic is not careful or something just goes bad pulling out a hose to get access.

In truth I have never performed this service on any car I have owned, but 160k+ miles in the most I've ever had. I currently put on 4-6k miles a year on the car and plan to keep it.

Thoughts on when and if this should be done and a fair price at dealer or mechanic? This would not be just running some can of cleaner through it, but getting to the actual TB and cleaning it. Should I ask them to check/change accessible vacuum hoses at sane time?

 

FYI. Awesome technican.

I would be careful with the rubber vacuum lines as they most likely will be brittle. I am replacing 2 of mine since they are pretty stiff and drying out. I will be cleaning the TB as well since it is fairly easy and straight forward.

 

It's a fairly straightforward procedure, and a lot less complicated than you would think. Basically you just have to wipe the innards of the throttle body down with a rag that's been sprayed with throttle body/carburetor/brake cleaner while holding the valve open. Make sure the car is off, and that the throttle body electrical connector is unplugged before opening the valve.

Usually a dirty throttle body will result in a lowered idle speed, as the gunk start to build up on the throttle bore and the butterfly valve, which allows less air through it.

 

Thanks. I watch him sometimes but missed that video. He says 25-50k, but the car in his shop had 191k on it! I'll keep on eye on my idle speed but car is very responsive so not going to jump on doing it, From what I can tell, if no symptoms, I am ok for now if not theoretically ideal. Next time I have engine opened up, say for my next timing belt, I might ask that this gets done too.
I do not trust myself to attempt it myself without some supervision the first time, especially with 20 year old hoses

 

Don't forget to clean the 8 little idle air holes underneath the rectangular cover on top of the TB. And the two larger holes heading inwards toward the engine.