How to Clean the Throttle Body on a 1987 4Runner

Cleaning the throttle body of your 4Runner can make a difference in how well your SUV runs, especially when you accelerate. Over time dirt and debris can build up in your throttle body, requiring it to be cleaned. With older cars, like an '87, this can be an important step to keeping the vehicle working well. Fortunately, cleaning the throttle body of your 4Runner can be done in your driveway in an afternoon using items found at your local auto parts store.

• 1

  Disconnect the negative battery cable from the rest of the battery. This will protect you from electrical shock in case of an accident.

• 2

  Loosen the clamp that holds the air intake valve to the throttle body using the phillips-head screwdriver. Remove the air-intake valve, the vacuum hoses, throttle position sensor wire harness and the IAC valve wire harness. Do not remove the coolant hoses. These will all be above the throttle body. The intake valve is a large piece directly above the throttle body. The vacuum hoses and wire harness are to the front of the throttle body, attached to the intake valve, and need to be removed prior to removing the intake valve.

• 3

  Place a shop rag underneath the throttle body inside the engine to catch any drippings from the throttle body cleaner.

• 4

  Spray throttle body cleaner on the throttle body and butterfly valve, the small flap that moves on the top of the throttle body which allows air to move in and out.

• 5

  Wipe the throttle body cleaner off the throttle body using a clean rag. Use a toothbrush in hard-to-reach areas.

• 6

  Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until the throttle body is completely clean. Remove the rag from under the throttle body once complete.

• 7

  Reattach the IAC valve wire harness, throttle body sensor position wire harness, vacuum hoses and air intake hose. Tighten the clamp that holds the air intake valve to the throttle body using the phillips head screwdriver.