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Engine Management

Throttle Bodies & the Air Supply System

Cambiare : Air supply systems when it comes to driving performance.

 

 

Cambiare’s development at the end of last year, the range saw the introduction of two products which are vital to the functionality of the vehicle’s air supply system; the throttle body and idle air control valve. Both products maintain driving performance by controlling the air supply at all engine speeds and preventing the vehicle from stalling while idling.

Here, Cambiare explains the functionality and reasons for air supply failure, as well as the best steps to take during replacement.

 

Throttle Body and Idle Air Control Valve Functionality

In simple terms, the throttle body controls the amount of air which is let into the engine during acceleration. This process is controlled by the movements of the accelerator pedal via a physical cable or by a throttle position sensor which is connected to the ECU. This mechanism will be dependent on application, however over the past 10 years there has been a shift towards throttle bodies controlled by the ECU.

The idle air control valve can sit either within the throttle body itself or outside of it. It is responsible for controlling the air intake while the vehicle is in an idling state. By increasing the air flow to the engine, the engine speed is increased which in turn prevents a stationary vehicle from stalling. This process is controlled by the ECU; the ECU receives signals from various sensors which determine whether the vehicle is moving or not, hence whether the vehicle needs to maintain an idling state.

Reasons for failure

While lack of maintenance can lead to system failure, the biggest cause within these parts is contamination. The carbon particles and oil mist in the vapour from the crankcase ventilation system of the engine, causes a build-up of carbon deposits within the throttle body which restricts the air flow and, in extreme cases, may cause the flap to stick so that air cannot reach the engine. 

 

Air supply replacement

As the throttle body and idle air control valve are not serviceable items, they are usually only replaced once a failure is detected. It should be noted that their failure is not always easy to instantly diagnosis, as the driver will not be alerted by an engine management light on the dashboard. Diagnosis can only be made by analysing the fault code or visually inspecting the part.

If there is a problem elsewhere in the air supply system, Cambiare recommends a thorough inspection of the throttle body and idle air control valve. If wear or damage is detected, they should be replaced accordingly in order to prevent unnecessary failure in the future. The Cambiare hotline is on hand to help your customers with diagnosis and explain the OBD adaptation after fitment – call 0845 543 8280.

The Cambiare range

When replacing the throttle body or idle air control valve, it is important to choose a good quality replacement. Cambiare’s OEM range includes 67 idle air control valves and 19 throttle bodies, all of which are available for same-day or next-day delivery. Cambiare’s growing range allows customer to purchase engine components from one, simple source.

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