This procedure covers removal and replacement of the throttle body assembly on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine, including disconnection of electrical connectors and air intake components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Throttle body gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Throttle body assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
4. If replacing throttle body, disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 5 minutes
5. Gather all tools and new throttle body gasket

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine cover
   Grasp the engine cover firmly and pull upward to release the mounting grommets. Set the cover aside in a clean area.
2. 2

   Disconnect air intake hose
   Locate the air intake hose connected to the throttle body. Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp at the throttle body connection. Slide the clamp back along the hose and carefully twist and pull the intake hose off the throttle body inlet.
   Torque spec

   Air Intake Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect throttle position sensor connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the side of the throttle body. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the throttle position sensor. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself.
4. 4

   Remove throttle body mounting bolts
   Using an 8mm socket, remove the four throttle body mounting bolts in a criss-cross pattern. Keep track of bolt locations as they secure the throttle body to the intake manifold.
   ℹ️Support the throttle body with one hand while removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling
   Torque spec

   Throttle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove throttle body assembly
   Carefully pull the throttle body straight away from the intake manifold. The gasket may stick to either the throttle body or manifold surface. Remove and discard the old gasket completely.
6. 6

   Clean mating surfaces
   Use a clean lint-free rag to thoroughly clean the intake manifold mating surface. Remove all traces of the old gasket material. Inspect for any damage or warping. If cleaning the existing throttle body, wipe the exterior and inlet with throttle body cleaner, but avoid spraying directly into the throttle plate area.
   ⚠Do not allow debris or dirt to fall into the open intake manifold opening. Cover with a clean rag if needed
7. 7

   Install new gasket
   Position the new throttle body gasket onto the intake manifold flange. Ensure the gasket is properly aligned with all mounting bolt holes and the central opening.
8. 8

   Install throttle body
   Carefully position the throttle body assembly onto the intake manifold, aligning it with the gasket and bolt holes. Insert all four mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
9. 9

   Torque throttle body bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the throttle body mounting bolts in a criss-cross pattern to the specified torque. Start with the top bolts, then move to the bottom bolts, making multiple passes to gradually reach final torque.
   ⚠Critical torque specification - over-tightening can warp the throttle body housing or crack the intake manifold flange
   Torque spec

   Throttle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the throttle position sensor electrical connector firmly onto the sensor until you hear and feel the locking tab click into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure.
11. 11

    Reinstall air intake hose
    Slide the air intake hose onto the throttle body inlet, ensuring it is fully seated. Position the hose clamp over the connection point and tighten to specification using a flathead screwdriver or appropriate tool.
    Torque spec

    Air Intake Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall engine cover
    Align the engine cover mounting grommets with their receptacles and press down firmly until all grommets are fully seated and the cover is secure.

Reassembly

1. If battery was disconnected, reconnect negative terminal and tighten securely
2. Double-check all electrical connections and hose clamps are secure
3. Verify no tools or rags were left in engine compartment

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to idle - it may run rough for 10-30 seconds while ECU relearns idle parameters
• Check for any vacuum leaks around the throttle body gasket (listen for hissing sounds)
• Verify smooth throttle response by gently pressing accelerator pedal
• If throttle body was replaced and battery disconnected, drive vehicle through several acceleration cycles to allow ECU to complete relearning process
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes if check engine light illuminates

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