When running, your engine needs a certain amount of fuel and air to perform at its best. The fuel injectors take care of the fuel part, the throttle body takes care of the air part. The throttle body is connected to your accelerator by a wire or by a cable, it regulates how much air is let into the engine and therefore how quickly the car accelerates.

What is a throttle body?

A throttle body is basically a blade that covers the air intake to the engine. It controls the amount of air that is allowed in based on how much throttle you give the accelerator. It’s connected to the accelerator by either a cable or a wire. The cable style is more performance orientated but most new cars will use a wire. By controlling the throttle electronically, the ECU can better control the fuel/air mixture and produce better results. 

Why does your Subaru need a throttle body?

Your throttle body is how your engine controls the rate of acceleration. It also makes sure that the engine is getting as much air as it needs. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to drive your car. It’s an essential part of your engine. 

How to tell if you need a new throttle body

If you find that your car idles quicker than usual, that may mean that the throttle body is sticking open. If your check engine light comes on and you find that you can’t get the car to accelerate above a certain rpm, the ECU has put you in limp mode. This means that there is something wrong with the drive-by-wire system. The most dangerous indicator is if the throttle sticks while driving and you can’t get the car to stop accelerating. If that ever happens, put the car in neutral and turn the key back one click and coast to the side of the road.

What’s involved in getting a throttle body replaced?

The mechanic will access the air intake system and remove any engine coverings. They will disconnect the air filter and the air intake tubing. The throttle body will be disconnected from any cables or wires and unbolted from the intake system. The mounting will have the old gasket scraped away and removed. The new gasket will be applied and the new throttle body will be installed. The mechanic will test the operation before refitting the intake system and engine coverings.

How much does a Subaru throttle body replacement cost?

They’re a pretty big component and a fairly expensive part. Costs generally start around $450 but they can easily go over $1200 for a performance part. 

How often do I need a throttle body replaced?

Hopefully never, they aren’t a thing that fails and needs replacing. Over time, due to carbon, dirt and moisture, they can end up failing but it’s pretty uncommon. 

Is a broken throttle body unsafe?

If it sticks while driving or seriously impacts your ability to drive the car, then it’s something that can cause massive headaches and danger. 

You can find a Subaru mechanic near me with My Auto Shop