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Pontiac Optima Throttle Body Replacement at your home or office.

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Throttle Body Replacement Service

How much does a Throttle Body Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Pontiac Optima Throttle Body Replacement is $531 with $391 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1990 Pontiac OptimaL4-2.0LService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$1005.06Shop/Dealer Price$1207.12 - $1801.94
1991 Pontiac OptimaL4-1.6LService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$992.45Shop/Dealer Price$1192.03 - $1785.00
1990 Pontiac OptimaL4-1.6LService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$992.45Shop/Dealer Price$1192.06 - $1785.06
Show example Pontiac Optima Throttle Body Replacement prices

What is the throttle body and how does it work?

The throttle body is an air metering device mounted between the air filter and snorkel, and the intake plenum. Within the throttle body is a movable throttle plate whose position controls the amount of air that enters the engine to determine engine speed. Throttle body designs vary. Some incorporate an idle air control valve, throttle position sensor, and other electronic throttle controls. The throttle plate in the throttle body can be controlled directly by an accelerator pedal cable or fully electronically in the newest drive-by-wire systems.

When to consider replacing the throttle body:

  • Check engine light and/or reduced power warning light is on. Most modern throttle bodies have electrical components, such as a throttle position sensor. These components are monitored by the powertrain control module (PCM). If the check engine light or reduced power warning light comes on, a mechanic will determine if any of the stored trouble codes implicate a throttle body malfunction.
  • Wrong idle speed. Carbon deposits in the throttle body, particularly around the movable throttle plate or in the idle air control valve, can cause the engine idle speed to be too low or too high.
  • Poor transmission shifting. In some applications, transmission shift timing relies on signal outputs from the throttle body. If the throttle position sensor is defective, that might adversely affect shift timing and feel.

How do mechanics replace the throttle body?

  • The engine cover is removed, if necessary.
  • The flexible rubber snorkel from the air filter housing to the throttle body is disconnected. Typically, the connection is made with a large stainless steel hose clamp.
  • The electrical connections to the throttle body are removed.
  • If the throttle body is not a drive-by-wire system, the accelerator cable and cruise control cable are disconnected and set aside.
  • The bolts retaining the throttle body to the plenum, the gasket, and the throttle body are removed. If the throttle body is being cleaned and tested for re-use, approved chemicals are used in the cleaning process.
  • The new or serviced throttle body is re-attached to the plenum and the bolts torqued to factory specifications.
  • All cables and electrical connections are restored. The intake air snorkel is reconnected.
  • If applicable, the electronic throttle installation and idle re-learn procedures are performed using an appropriate scan tool.
  • Finally, the engine is started, brought to normal operating temperature, and idle speed is checked. The car is road tested to ensure normal operation and no illumination of warning or service lights.

Is it safe to drive with a throttle body problem?

Yes. But, the vehicle may be limited in power or put into what is referred to as limp mode, in order to get the vehicle to a repair facility. If the check engine light is on, or the electronic throttle control warning light is on, but there is no noticeable difference in engine performance, the car can be safely driven. However, it is best to have it diagnosed and repaired at your earliest convenience to avoid unexpected breakdown or possible damage to the catalytic converter.

When replacing the throttle body keep in mind:

  • Many modern throttle bodies have spring loaded sensors and plastic gears that are not intended to be manipulated directly during any diagnostics or inspections. These components are controlled electronically or generate signals. It is best to let a mechanic use approved tests to diagnose the problem.
  • Wiring faults, bad grounds, or bad terminal connections can make it appear as though an electronically controlled throttle has failed. A mechanic will always rule out all other causes before replacing the throttle body.
  • When cleaning the throttle body, special care should be taken to use only special spray cleaners designed to not damage electrical components or sensors.

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Excellent Rating

(2,262)
Rating Summary
2,113
80
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2,113
80
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39

Gustavo

18 years of experience
575 reviews
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Gustavo
18 years of experience
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by Anjanette
Pontiac Grand Prix V8-5.3L - Throttle Body Replacement - New Braunfels, Texas
Outstanding!!!! He made phone contact with me twice before the appointment which is a triple plus in my book. If COVID was not going around, I would've given him the biggest hug! He made my day and I was there was more than saying it and thanking him to show my deepest appreciation for him.

Jerel

12 years of experience
125 reviews
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Jerel
12 years of experience
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by barbara
Pontiac Torrent V6-3.4L - Throttle Body - Clayton, North Carolina
He is an excellent mechanic, and he did a great job.

Richard

22 years of experience
237 reviews
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Richard
22 years of experience
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by Will
Pontiac Montana V6-3.5L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Naples, Florida
Very good at recognizing all my car issues and the best order to fix them. Had multiple issues when I was buying my SUV with the your help.

Angelo

33 years of experience
76 reviews
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Angelo
33 years of experience
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by henry
Pontiac Grand Prix V6-3.8L - Oil Pressure Sensor - Grapevine, Texas
supper find good guy and good mech. henry york . would like to see his bid on puting my vales cover gaskets

Excellent Rating

(2,262)
Rating Summary
2,113
80
17
13
39
2,113
80
17
13
39
Number of Pontiac services completed
24882+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Pontiac MECHANICS
800+
experts on our platform
Yourmechanic was featured in

New York Times NBC CBS Forbes INC Tech Crunch

Learn more about us

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