This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the throttle body on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with the 2.5L I4 gasoline engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Throttle body gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Throttle body assembly (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Gather all tools and new gasket before beginning
4. Have drain pan ready for potential coolant spillage

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine cover
   Grasp the engine cover firmly and pull upward to disengage the rubber grommets from the posts. The cover is not bolted and uses friction-fit mounting posts. Set the cover aside in a clean area.
2. 2

   Disconnect intake air duct
   Locate the air intake duct connecting the air filter housing to the throttle body. Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp at the throttle body connection. Slide the clamp back along the duct and carefully wiggle the duct free from the throttle body inlet. Move the duct aside to provide access.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the throttle body electrical connector on the driver's side of the throttle body. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight back to disconnect it from the throttle position sensor. Ensure the connector is moved completely out of the work area.
4. 4

   Disconnect coolant hoses (if equipped)
   The throttle body has two small coolant hoses for heated throttle body operation. Place a drain pan beneath the work area. Use pliers to compress and slide the spring clamps back along each hose, then carefully twist and pull the hoses from the throttle body nipples. Expect small amount of coolant loss. If hoses are difficult to remove, use a pick tool to break the seal.
   ⚠Coolant will drain from hoses. Keep drain pan positioned to catch spillage and prevent contamination of other components.
5. 5

   Remove throttle body mounting bolts
   Using an 8mm socket, remove the four throttle body mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation. Note that bolts may have slight differences in length depending on position.
   Torque spec

   Throttle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove throttle body
   Carefully pull the throttle body straight away from the intake manifold. The gasket may stick to either surface. Do not pry against the throttle body bore or the intake manifold mating surface as damage will result in vacuum leaks. Set the throttle body on a clean towel with the bore facing upward.
7. 7

   Remove old gasket and clean surfaces
   Remove the old gasket from the intake manifold and throttle body surfaces. Use a plastic scraper or clean shop towel to remove any gasket material. Do not use metal scrapers that could gouge the aluminum surfaces. Clean both mating surfaces until completely free of debris. If cleaning the throttle body bore, use throttle body cleaner and a soft cloth - do not scrub the throttle plate coating aggressively.
   ℹ️The throttle plate has a special coating. Aggressive cleaning or scrubbing can damage this coating and cause idle issues.
8. 8

   Install new gasket
   Position the new throttle body gasket onto the intake manifold mounting surface. Ensure the gasket alignment pins or holes match the intake manifold. The gasket should sit flat with no wrinkles or gaps.
9. 9

   Install throttle body
   Carefully align the throttle body with the gasket and mounting holes. Press the throttle body gently into position, ensuring the gasket does not shift. Start all four mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening any bolt.
10. 10

    Torque throttle body bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the four throttle body mounting bolts in a crisscross pattern to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft). This ensures even gasket compression and prevents distortion of the throttle body. Make two passes: first to 5 Nm, then final torque to 10 Nm.
    Torque spec

    Throttle Body Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect coolant hoses
    Push the coolant hoses firmly onto the throttle body nipples until fully seated. Slide the spring clamps back into position over the connection point on each hose. Ensure clamps are positioned correctly to prevent leaks.
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector and air duct
    Push the throttle body electrical connector onto the throttle position sensor until it clicks into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged. Slide the air intake duct onto the throttle body inlet and position the hose clamp over the connection. Tighten the clamp screw to 4.0 Nm (3.0 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Air Intake Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall engine cover
    Align the engine cover mounting grommets with the posts on the engine. Press down firmly on each mounting point until the cover snaps into place.

Reassembly

1. Check all connections are secure and clamps are properly tightened
2. Verify no tools or parts have been left in the engine bay
3. Check coolant level in overflow reservoir and top off if necessary with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to idle. The engine should idle smoothly without hunting or surging
• Check for coolant leaks around the throttle body coolant hose connections
• Check for vacuum leaks by listening for hissing sounds around the throttle body gasket area
• Verify no check engine lights or throttle-related diagnostic codes are present
• Test drive the vehicle and confirm smooth throttle response and normal acceleration
• Recheck coolant level after test drive and top off if needed

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