Ford Focus III 2.0 GDI (XQDA) (2015): Throttle Body Cleaning

Part numbers are from the manufacturer's original catalogue. Check them against your VIN before ordering.

• Screwdriver or socket for the hose clamp
• socket set and Torx bits (confirm sizes on the vehicle)
• torque wrench
• throttle body cleaner (spray safe for electronic components)
• lint-free rags
• soft brush
• gloves
• safety glasses

1. Wait for the engine to cool down. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and disconnect the negative battery terminal. Wait 5-10 minutes so the control modules can discharge.
2. Remove the engine cover if it blocks access. The throttle body is mounted on the intake manifold, and the corrugated air duct from the air filter housing connects to it.
3. Loosen the duct clamp at the throttle body. If necessary, detach the duct from the air filter housing or the resonator and move it aside. Inspect it for cracks and traces of oil.
4. Disconnect the throttle body electrical connector. To do this, press the locking tab and gently pull the connector off. Do not yank on the wires.
5. Remove the throttle body fasteners. It is secured to the intake manifold by several bolts or studs. Support the throttle body so it does not fall, and remove it. Inspect the seal: if it is damaged or hardened, replace it.
6. Plug the opening in the intake manifold with a rag so that dirt and lint cannot get in.
7. Apply the cleaner to a rag, not to the throttle body itself, and wipe the housing, the edge, and the throttle plate. Remove any remaining carbon at the edge with a soft brush. Do not press on the throttle plate with your fingers and do not turn it by hand. If you need to see the whole plate, you may move it slightly, only with the battery disconnected and without force, so you do not damage the actuator gear. Avoid getting liquid on the electric motor and the connector.
8. Let the cleaner evaporate for 5-10 minutes. Wipe the throttle body dry with a clean rag and make sure the throttle plate moves freely without sticking.
9. Remove the rag from the manifold. Install the throttle body with a clean or new seal. Tighten the fasteners in a crisscross pattern with a torque wrench. Small throttle body bolts usually need 7-12 N·m (5-9 lb-ft); check the exact value in the manufacturer's service manual. Do not overtighten, as the housing is aluminum.
10. Reconnect the connector, install the air duct, and tighten the clamp. Make sure the duct is seated all the way. An air leak will cause fault codes and a fluctuating idle.
11. Reconnect the battery. Turn the ignition on for 10-15 seconds without starting the engine, then start it and let it idle for 5-10 minutes with no load while the control unit relearns the idle. The idle speed may feel unusual in the first few minutes; this is normal. Then drive gently for 10-15 minutes.
12. Check the instrument cluster. If the Check Engine light or the throttle warning light comes on, read the fault codes with a diagnostic scan tool. If needed, reset the adaptation with a scan tool that supports Ford.

• Cleaning does not remove carbon from the intake valves: on direct-injection engines, fuel does not wash over the valves, and that carbon can only be removed with a separate procedure
• Do not use harsh abrasives or carburetor cleaner with aggressive solvents on plastic, and do not spray liquid toward the electric actuator
• If the problems persist after cleaning, check the throttle and accelerator pedal position sensors, look for air leaks, and check the spark plugs
• If you lack experience, leave the job to a repair shop