09.
What happens if the throttle body is not calibrated?
If the throttle body is not calibrated correctly, it can cause several problems that affect engine performance and drivability. Here are some potential consequences:
① Poor engine performance: An incorrectly calibrated throttle body can result in an incorrect air-fuel mixture being delivered to the engine cylinders. This can cause poor engine performance, including rough idling, misfires, and reduced power output.
② Unstable throttle response: A poorly calibrated throttle body may cause unstable throttle response, resulting in hesitation or fluctuations when accelerating. This will make it difficult to control the vehicle speed smoothly.
③ Stalling: Improper calibration may disrupt the engine's idle speed control, possibly causing the vehicle to stall when stationary or stopped.
④ Reduced fuel efficiency: Improper throttle calibration can lead to inefficient fuel combustion, resulting in reduced fuel efficiency and increased fuel consumption.
⑤ Check Engine Light: In some cases, a poorly calibrated throttle body can trigger the onboard diagnostic system to illuminate the Check Engine Light. This may be accompanied by diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to throttle position or airflow differences.
⑥ Transmission Problems: On vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions, a poorly calibrated throttle body can affect shift points and transmission operation, causing jerky or delayed shifts.
⑦ Increased emissions: Improper air-fuel mixture delivery may result in increased emissions of pollutants such as hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which may cause the vehicle to fail emissions tests.
During installation or after any maintenance or repair work involving the throttle system, it is critical to ensure that the throttle body is properly calibrated. This usually involves following the manufacturer's specifications and using diagnostic tools to verify proper operation. If you suspect there is a problem with your vehicle's throttle body calibration, it is recommended that a qualified mechanic inspect and adjust it to prevent potential performance issues.