engine
Throttle Body
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
6
Steps
11
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the throttle body on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, including disconnection of electrical connectors and air intake components.
Warnings
⚠Perform this work with the engine completely cold to avoid burns from hot components
⚠Never force throttle plate movement manually as this can damage the electronic actuator
ℹ️Disconnecting the battery may clear adaptive learning values; allow the ECU to relearn idle characteristics after reassembly
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Flathead screwdriverEssential
Torque wrench (5-50 Nm range)Essential
Shop towelsEssential
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Parts
- Throttle body gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Throttle body assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification (if replacing)
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cold
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for system discharge
- Remove engine cover by pulling upward on integrated pull points
Procedure
- 1Remove air intake systemLoosen the air intake hose clamp at the throttle body inlet using a flathead screwdriver. Disconnect the breather hose from the air intake tube. Remove the air intake tube by pulling it away from the throttle body.Torque specAir Intake Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 2Disconnect throttle body electrical connectorLocate the electrical connector on the left side of the throttle body. Press the release tab and carefully pull the connector straight off the throttle body. Move the wiring harness aside to provide clearance.⚠Do not pull on wires; always grasp the connector body to prevent damage
- 3Remove throttle body mounting boltsUsing a 10mm socket, remove the four throttle body mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation. Note the bolt locations as they may be different lengths.Torque specThrottle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 4Remove throttle body assemblyCarefully pull the throttle body straight out from the intake manifold. The gasket may stick to either the throttle body or manifold surface. Remove and discard the old gasket completely.⚠Support the throttle body to prevent it from falling and damaging the throttle plate
- 5Clean mating surfacesUsing shop towels, thoroughly clean the intake manifold mating surface, removing all gasket material and debris. Ensure no debris falls into the intake manifold opening. Inspect the throttle body bore and plate; clean with throttle body cleaner if servicing (not replacing).⚠Cover intake manifold opening with a clean shop towel to prevent foreign objects from entering
- 6Install new gasketPosition the new throttle body gasket on the intake manifold. Ensure all bolt holes and passages align correctly. The gasket should sit flat without gaps or wrinkles.
- 7Install throttle bodyCarefully align the throttle body to the intake manifold, ensuring the gasket remains properly positioned. Insert all four mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening any bolts.
- 8Torque throttle body boltsUsing a torque wrench, tighten the throttle body mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern to 14.0 Nm (10 lb-ft). This is a critical torque specification to ensure proper sealing and prevent vacuum leaks.⚠Over-torquing can warp the throttle body housing; under-torquing can cause vacuum leaksTorque specThrottle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect electrical connectorPush the throttle body electrical connector firmly onto the throttle body until it clicks into place. Verify the connector is fully seated and the locking tab is engaged.
- 10Reinstall air intake systemConnect the air intake tube to the throttle body inlet, ensuring it is fully seated. Reconnect the breather hose to the air intake tube. Tighten the intake hose clamp to 4.0 Nm (3 lb-ft) using a torque wrench or screwdriver.Torque specAir Intake Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 11Reinstall engine cover and batteryReinstall the engine cover by aligning the mounting grommets and pressing down firmly until seated. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Reassembly
- Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
- Ensure all hose clamps are properly tightened to prevent air leaks
- Double-check that no tools or shop towels were left in the engine bay
Verification
- Start the engine and verify smooth idle operation with no rough running or stalling
- Check for unusual hissing sounds indicating vacuum leaks around the throttle body
- Verify no check engine light illumination after 2-3 drive cycles
- Confirm throttle response is smooth and immediate with no hesitation
- Allow ECU to relearn idle parameters over 10-15 minutes of varied driving conditions
Related trouble codes on this vehicle
Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.
P0068MAP/MAF - Throttle Position CorrelationP0120Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A CircuitP0121Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Range/PerformanceP0220Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B CircuitP0221Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Range/PerformanceP1121Throttle Position Lower Than ExpectedP1122Throttle Position Higher Than ExpectedP1241Throttle Valve Control Motor Circuit 1P1242Throttle Valve Control Motor Circuit 2P1580Throttle Actuator Motor Circuit Low VoltageP1581Throttle Actuator Motor Circuit High VoltageP1790Throttle Position Signal Malfunction (from A/T)
Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →