6 Signs of a Bad Throttle Body Actuator

Proper airflow is essential for your car's engine to perform optimally. A throttle body actuator controls the amount of air entering the engine, essentially supporting fuel combustion. A failed actuator can lead to several performance issues and could damage other parts of your car. Keep reading to discover six signs of a bad throttle body actuator.

1. Lack of Power

A throttle actuator ensures that there is a correct mixture of air and fuel needed to allow your car to start. If it is not working as it should, it will not release the air needed to achieve combustion, and your car might not start.

2. Poor Acceleration

When the actuator is closed, your engine should run at idle and when it is open, your engine should run at maximum. Too much/little airflow will affect your car's acceleration performance, and your car might start taking too long to pick up speed.

3. Irregular Idling Speed

Fluctuating idle speed is one of the tell-tale signs of a bad throttle. If the throttle body actuator is not performing optimally, you might notice issues such as a low idle after starting the car or stalling after coming to a stop.

4. Poor Mileage

A bad throttle actuator can have an impact on fuel economy. If you notice a significant change in your average miles per gallon, the actuator could be one likely culprit.

5. Electrical Problems

An electrical connection issue resulting from a corroded or faulty connection will affect the throttle body's performance and might result in a "Reduced Engine Power" warning.

6. "Check Engine Light" Warning

Error codes are an easy but vague indicator that there is a problem with one or more components of the engine. Manually checking the engine control module could help you figure out if the error code is linked to the throttle body.

Get your Car's Engine Back to Full Performance and Power

A throttle body actuator issue does not always translate to a need for a replacement. If you notice any or a combination of these issues, consider visiting your mechanic to get your car checked.

At Custom Complete Automotive, we can repair the throttle body actuator with our check engine light diagnostics and engine repair services. Contact us today to book an appointment.