So Unclear-Throttle Body Cleaning

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Hello,
This is my first post, but I am hopeful using this forum.
I have a 2012 Ram Sport with the 5.7 hemi. I have searched online for days and days, and I can't find a clear answer about cleaning the throttle body on a 4th gen ram Hemi throttle body.

I would like to clean mine, and I've gathered bits and pieces, saying that I can disconnect the battery, unplug the sensors, and taking the throttle body off to clean.
I have read that I need to use brake cleaner because it dries quickly and doesn't leave residue. I also read that I need to hold the electronic part up top so no fluid gets on the electric parts. Also, I think that spraying a lint free rag with the cleaner, and wiping down the backside of the throttle body with it, and maybe use a q-tip soaked in brake cleaner to clean around the butterfly valve so i don't push it in.

However, I was told by 2 mechanics that if I take it off and clean it, I will ruin it. They said they have to have someone inside the truck, pressing the gas pedal while the other person cleans the open butterfly valve.

My real question is, can I disconnect the battery, remove the throttle body, and clean it with a brake cleaner soaked rag and q-tip?
Or will I set off sensors and ruin my throttle body?

Thank you everyone for allowing me to post this! I look forward to the answers!

 

[Mineralram]

It can be done both ways. Removal is the best process

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[shane1981]

They make throttle body cleaner that is made for that

tuned by Jay Greene

 

[[email protected]]

Will this throw codes or break the electronics on the throttle body?

 

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Has anyone actually done this on a 4th Gen Ram?

 

[shane1981]

Ive not done it on a ram but plenty of others and never had an issue

tuned by Jay Greene

 

[WiSH2oo0]

I have on my old 12 Ram. It is Fly by wire so holding the gas pedal down will not work. I would look for a new mechanic Unhook the battery, pull off the intake hoses, unbolt the 4 bolts holding the throttle body, clean with throttle body cleaner and let it dry.

When mounting the throttle body again DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE MOUNTING BOLTS! They will strip easy and it is plastic.

 

[savage_46]

Yes you can remove the throttle body & clean it. Keep the key off the entire time it's unplugged, keep your fingers away from the blade when key is on. On an electronic TB, I always keep the motor on top when spraying it down. Spray a rag down, open the throttle blade, & wipe it. I'll use a small flat head screwdriver or pick & lightly scratch away the gunk that can't be reached with a rag. Reinstall & plug in. If you have any TB cleaner left, you can start the engine & spray down the intake manifold. Just need someone pressing the gas pedal to keep it running, it will stall out otherwise.

Brake clean will work, but not as well. TB cleaner will dissolve the gunk, make it easier to wipe off.

 

[[email protected]]

Ok thank you for all the help!
WiSH2oo0, do I need to do a throttle relearn after doing it?

 

[WiSH2oo0]

If you unhook the battery while cleaning you'll be fine.

 

[shane1981]

Pull it off spray it with the cleaner scrub it with a tooth brush spray it again repeat til clean put it back on and go.

tuned by Jay Greene

 

[[email protected]]

Thank you so much guys!! I'm going to go do it right now! I am so impressed by the helpful responses on here! You guys are great!

 

[WiSH2oo0]

FYI: After I cleaned mine my check engine light did come on. If that happens unhook the battery again for a couple minutes and double check to make sure your TB wiring connector is seated. Then go ahead and hook up the battery again to reset the code and all will be sunshine and rainbows.

 

[muscleram]

I haven a better idea.
If it's dirty and a 5 year old truck. Take off that throttle body and put on a nice new clean moes throttle body. by the time that one is dirty you will probably need a new truck. And a new truck comes with a new throttle body

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[Duffr]

I remove the TB for cleaning every 20-30k on my 2007 3rd gen 1500. Slightly different setup than a 4th gen, but it's essentially the same electronically controlled TB. I wouldn't hesitate to remove it for cleaning. I don't like the idea of a bunch of sticky oil/fuel gunk going down into my intake manifold and valves if I can help it.

The process I use is to turn off all electronics (radio, fan, lights etc.) disconnect the negative battery terminal, disconnect the TB connector, remove the TB, clean it until it shines on the inside with generic TB cleaner from any parts store, put some dielectric grease on the TB connector and reverse the removal process.

The only problem you might run into is your PCM going into "learn mode" from having the battery disconnected for too long and completely discharging the system (that's why I turn off all the electrical stuff before disconnecting the battery). If that happens, it will seem like your truck runs sluggishly for a few hundred miles, but it's just re-leaning how to drive. I've never had a CEL come up or ruined my TB by doing it this way. My truck still has plenty of power and runs ALOT better.

I'd go for it if I were you. Good luck!




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[huntergreen]

Might want to install a catch can after cleaning.

 

[SyN]

https://youtu.be/JPNnHU6PYbo