Kia 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 Kia Optima Throttle Body Replacement is $410 with $270 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2012 Kia OptimaL4-2.4LService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$694.38Shop/Dealer Price$832.83 - $1240.06
2003 Kia OptimaV6-2.7LService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$1031.39Shop/Dealer Price$1240.70 - $1862.88
2009 Kia OptimaL4-2.4LService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$1452.05Shop/Dealer Price$1780.42 - $2761.36
2015 Kia OptimaL4-2.4L HybridService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$790.29Shop/Dealer Price$953.22 - $1437.84
2012 Kia OptimaL4-2.4L HybridService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$790.29Shop/Dealer Price$954.70 - $1440.42
2014 Kia OptimaL4-2.0L TurboService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$845.87Shop/Dealer Price$1009.03 - $1492.24
2018 Kia OptimaL4-2.4LService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$1127.91Shop/Dealer Price$1375.26 - $2113.11
2002 Kia OptimaL4-2.4LService typeThrottle Body ReplacementEstimate$1060.65Shop/Dealer Price$1291.17 - $1978.56
Show example Kia 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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Meet some of our expert Kia mechanics

Real customer reviews from Kia owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(600)

Rating Summary
563
14
8
2
13
563
14
8
2
13

Daniel

9 years of experience
43 reviews
Daniel
9 years of experience
Optima 2012 - Coolant is leaking - Sacramento, CA
Great. Was personable, knowledgeable, provided clear and easy to follow advice.

Chuck

4 years of experience
271 reviews
Chuck
4 years of experience
Optima 2013 - Car is not starting - McKinney, TX
Chuck was great, super nice guy polite and knows his cars.

Kenneth

6 years of experience
808 reviews
Kenneth
6 years of experience
Optima 2013 - Brake Pads - Los Angeles, CA
Kenneth is a True Professional! His knowledge and experience far surpasses any auto mechanic I have ever worked with. I refuse to allow anyone other than him work on my vehicles. Awesome Personality and Highly Technical! Absolute Pleasure having his support in maintaining all of my vehicles!

Jay

30 years of experience
1009 reviews
Jay
30 years of experience
Optima 2015 - Oil Pan Gasket - Hemet, CA
This was the second time I used Jay. Just like before he arrived on time and got to work. While working on my car he noticed some things that would need some attention in the near future. Explained to me those were and what type of work that would entail. I appreciate him taking the time to tell me that. He also does qualify work.

Excellent Rating

(600)

Rating Summary
563
14
8
2
13
563
14
8
2
13
Number of Kia Optima services completed
6600+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Kia MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

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