Throttle Body Service - need it or not?

[VAPny54]

Ok folks - Cruiser hit 106K miles (last 8k being all highway from roadtrip).

I've had the following fluid changes done today and the dealer is recommending a "throttle body service" as well:

Oil change
Transmission fluid change
Transfer Case / Differential fluid change
Brake Fluid change
Power Steering fluid change

Car feels brand new and drives even more like butter; it's night and day for me.

Question is - what is the throttle body service and do I need it? What are the benefits / problems being preventive, if any?

Dealer quoted me at ~$300.

(Before people say anything, the plan is to get my spark plugs done around 120K miles and will possibly do starter/ water pump at that time...unless you all think otherwise)

 

[CharlieS]

Waste of time and money.

 

[bronc076]

what Charlie said, It’s a scam!

 

[VAPny54]

How critical is it to clean the throttle body? Better yet, how often?

If it needs to be done, what's the best approach?

 

[CharlieS]

You can spray it down with MAF friendly spray cleaner and carefully wipe it off with a lint free shop rag.

You should note that this service is not mentioned anywhere in the Toyota owners or service manual.

This “service” is a quick way to get more profit from your visit to the dealer.

 

[liv2bike]

I’d put that money towards a radiator. Honestly I wouldn’t worry about the starter either. Do radiator, new rad hoses, WP, thermostat, tensioner and pulley.

 

[VAPny54]

The infamous LC 200 series radiator cracked on me around 80K miles so that was replaced and done - I called the dealer out for saying my coolant needed to be flushed even though that was recently serviced. I told them i know it's the end of the month, I know the game and you're not screwing me over.

I got all the fluids changed and flushed which was well worth it and much needed.

@liv2bike - I see folks saying to change the starter at 100k miles on the 200, mine has been working well, do you feel otherwise? (also, what does "WP" stand for?)

 

[CharlieS]

WP == water pump

 

[VAPny54]

Gotcha - how often would you change the water pump? I figure if they're already in there, to change the starter as well.

My first car was a 1993 Mercury Villager and that was the infamous service combo haha.

 

[vladimir1986ca]

Doing water pump on my lc2009 with 133k miles and decided to check the throttle body…I think this one needs good leaning what do you say guys?

 

[vladimir1986ca]

When DIY you just can’t stop justifying how much more tools or cool upgrades you get with money saved on labor

 

[bloc]

That appears to all be surface gunk.. wouldn’t bother me at all. Once it gets thick enough it can cause problems but there are many Toyotas 5.7s on the road with triple the mileage and no one ever talks about throttle body issues.

This “service” is a quick way to get more profit from your visit to the dealer.

I couldn’t agree more.

 

[Dunbar]

That's why they are referred to as the $tealer. In fact, anyone who works on cars for money is to be considered a thief unless proven otherwise. That's why it's imperative to support those good ones and let others know they are honest.

 

[scottm]

I've cleaned throttle bodies with Throttle Body Cleaner and my brother's toothbrush. Luckily he stays on the 80 sub-forum.
.