ICE throttle plate cleaning

Did the cleaning this weekend without of hitch. Actually not much junk on the throttle plate, meaning the "immediate work" that a dealer in the DFW area recommended for $190 (as well as $180 for fuel injector cleaning) wasn't needed. Glad I didn't listen to their concerns.

Thanks for all the good advice fellow PC users!

 

Hi Patrick,
Your cleaning instructions helped with my initial problem with my engine constantly running (on) even at a stop light. After cleaning TB and MAF sensor, the engine now shuts off at a light so that part returned to normal. Now when the engine is idle and in neutral, it keeps revving at low to medium RPM. Can you tell me what I should be checking?

I cleaned the TB by just removing the intake air box off the TB and wiped the opening and the "flip door" as far was I could reach with a rag filled with TB cleaner. I also removed the MAF sensor and used rubbing alcohol and a q-tip to wipe the dirty side off. I tried to ensure I put everything back correctly too. Thanks
[UPDATE] FYI, not sure if this is normal but when the engine is running and the box is open and air filter is removed, I hear like a loud hissing sound like an air compressor. When I close up the air box, the car sound normal.

 

1. What happens after the engine has reached operating temperature, the car is stopped, and you have the gear selector in D? Does the engine continue to run or does it turn off?

2. The MAF sensor is very delicate and should be cleaned only with MAF sensor cleaner spray. Nothing (not even a Q-tip) besides clean spray should touch the sensor bulb and the wires.

3. Is the check engine light or any other warning lights on?

 

#1: I drove it down the street and back. Hopefully that means operational temp. When I'm at a stoplight the engine stops. It only revs when the engine is on.

#2: Yes, I gently wiped it with a q-tip. did I break it? Was meaning to just run the alcohol over it but just forgot.

#3: no, but I only test rode it like 5 mins and few hundred feet should I take it on a longer test drive like a mile??

Thanks

 

Yes, take the car on the freeway and drive at least 20 miles at 70 mph or whatever your prevailing freeway speeds are.

If no warning lights appear, and the engine behaves normally at a stoplight while the gear selector is in D, then I would not worry.

 

Ok, I'll go for a long drive to test it.

Would it make a difference if I remove the sensor again and clean it again but this time with MAF cleaner spray?

Thank you Patrick! I appreciate your time!

 

No, leave the sensor alone now unless you get a check engine light. The isopropyl alcohol is OK as a cleaner, and the Q-tip probably didn't hurt it.

 

If your ICE is running when you come to a stop, do not select "N". Leave it in "D" or select "P" until the ICE shuts off. You can then select "N" at this point if you so wish. If the ICE does not shut down after 6 - 12 secs (and your A/C is off) then your engine is still warming up, so you will need to let it run its course (in "D" or "P") until such time as the ICE is sufficiently warm. From what you have said, there is nothing wrong with your car, therefore there is nothing for you to check or fix, just don't select "N" while the ICE is running as it will never shut off in "N".

hope this helps

 

Most likely the reason the engine continues to run is the Hybrid Battery is very low. One purple bar.
Engine forces on to charge the battery.

Look on the mfd screen and press the button to show Energy Monitor and look at the Hybrid battery indicator. If it shows empty or one purple bar the engine will continue to run. You will also have poor performance.

Take it for a base line test ride. Find a road that is nice and straight and level for about 3 miles. Get up to 55 mph's and reset the the mfd mileage screen. Turn on cruise control at 55 and don't give it gas or brake. Just ride. The Consumption meter should show at least 52 mpg's at the end of the 3 miles. And the battery should be close to full like 6 blue bars.

You may have a issue with the Hybrid Battery. While out on this test ride look for rapid changes in the battery icon level on the Energy monitor.
And is the fan in the back seat running?