Bad to worse: Cleaned TB, now erratic idle and stalling Topic is solved

TJWookiee · Post by **TJWookiee** » 23 Jul 2024, 16:21

I bought my 2006 XC70 a year ago and it has just crossed the 200K mark. I'd been meaning to try cleaning the throttle body after having mild acceleration issues, and this morning after I stalled while waiting in traffic, I figured the time had come. I'd already picked up a new gasket and a can of cleaner, and I'd been reading a few how-tos posted here and elsewhere for a few days, so I got the car home and went to work very slowly as this was my first time with this particular process.

The TB was pretty dirty but I cleared off all the gunk, slapped on the new gasket and reassembled. I made sure to follow the battery disconnect and reconnect process. After finishing up, I tried starting it up and the idle was up and down, up and down, very rough and much worse than it had been before.

Any ideas on what might be happening? Is it possible cleaning the TB exposed some other issue?

Post by **volvolugnut** » 23 Jul 2024, 16:54

Did you get all of the electrical and vacuum connections properly reconnected? Recheck all of them that you may have touched.
volvolugnut

Post by **scot850** » 23 Jul 2024, 20:06

If you soaked the TB while cleaning it with spray, you may have damaged the sensors. What did you use to clen the TB with? Hopefully if you leave it overnight it may dry out if this is the issue.

Volvolugnut beat me to the other suggestions!

Neil.

TJWookiee · Post by **TJWookiee** » 24 Jul 2024, 03:54

There were a couple of spots where I sprayed directly, but mostly I sprayed the rag and wiped.

TJWookiee · Post by **TJWookiee** » 24 Jul 2024, 05:53

Rookie mistake. I'd mounted the TB 90 degrees from the proper mounting. Took it down, mounted properly, back in business. Let my stupidity help the next guy. Next time, maybe I'll take photos along the way to see how things were instead of relying on my memory.

ignatz · Post by **ignatz** » 25 Jul 2024, 06:55

Glad its running better. Did cleaning your throttle body cure your original problem?

yanga001 · Post by **yanga001** » 25 Jul 2024, 11:20

When i cleaned the MAF i remember having to reset some sort of adaptation as the car would instantly stall. Once cleared, it ran a lot better as it relearned the throttle.

TJWookiee · Post by **TJWookiee** » 25 Jul 2024, 14:04

Yes, ignatz, running better now, idle is steady and acceleration is much improved.

Post by **scot850** » 25 Jul 2024, 15:45

Glad you figured it out! Even better that the car is running better.

Neil.