How Do I Change the Throttle Body on a 2003 Nissan Altima?

The throttle body, also known as the electronic throttle control actuator, is mounted on the intake manifold collector and connected to the air cleaner tube on a 2003 Nissan Altima. The purpose of a throttle body is to control the air flow into the fuel manifold. Some symptoms of a throttle body problem are; the engine running rough at idle, the gas pedal sticking and engine hesitation when accelerating. Most problems with a throttle body can be fixed by cleaning it. They are expensive, so make sure it's not just dirty before replacing it. This procedure is for both the 2.5 and 3.5-liter engines.

Instructions

1

Loosen the clamp holding the air tube to the throttle body with a screwdriver. Disconnect the wire connector from the mass air flow sensor. Remove the two screws holding the upper air cleaner housing to the lower air cleaner housing with a socket. Remove the air tube and upper air cleaner housing as one piece.

2

Disconnect the wire connector from the throttle body. Remove the four bolts holding the throttle body to the intake manifold collector with a socket. Remove the throttle body. Remove the gasket and clean off any gasket material left on the collector.

3

Line up the replacement gasket and throttle body with the bolt holes on the collector. Hand tighten the four throttle body bolts. Torque the bolts to 45.1 inch-pounds or 3.8 foot-pounds in a crisscross pattern.

4

Connect the wire connector to the throttle body. Install the upper air cleaner housing and air cleaner tube. Tighten the air cleaner housing bolts. Tighten the air cleaner tube clamp securing the tube to the throttle body. Connect the wire connector to the mass air flow sensor.