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Jeep Wrangler TJ 1998-1999 repair manual download

Tools & supplies (minimum)
- Throttle-body/intake cleaner (non‑silicone), lint‑free rags, soft brush/toothbrush
- Socket set + screwdrivers, pliers, small pick
- New throttle-body gasket (if you remove TB), paper towels, gloves, eye protection
- Optional: scan tool to read/clear codes and monitor IAC/TPS/PIDs

Safety & quick theory summary
- The throttle body controls airflow into the engine. At idle most airflow bypasses the closed throttle plate through small passages or via an IAC (idle air control) path. Carbon/varnish builds on the plate, bore and IAC passages, restricting airflow or preventing the plate from sealing → rough/high/low idle, stalling, poor throttle response, hunting. Cleaning restores the air path and proper mechanical sealing so sensors/ECU see correct airflow and can control idle/response.

Ordered procedure with theory at each step

1) Prep & safety
- Park on level ground, engine cold, parking brake on. Wear gloves/eye protection; work in ventilated area.
- Disconnect negative battery terminal if you’ll be removing the throttle body or working on wiring. Theory: prevents shorts. Note: disconnecting battery clears learned idle/trim values — you’ll do an idle relearn after (explained later).

2) Diagnose & observe before cleaning (quick checks)
- Note symptoms (idle behavior, stalling, throttle hesitation). If you have a scan tool, check for codes (P0120–P0124 TPS, P0505 idle control). Theory: confirms whether cleaning is likely to help or if sensors/mechanics are faulty.

3) Gain access
- Remove air intake hose/airbox to expose the throttle body. On the TJ the intake hose clamps and resonator must be loosened. Remove any wiring harness clips out of the way. Theory: you need direct access to the throttle bore and IAC passages.

4) Inspect before you spray
- Open the throttle plate manually (twist cable or have helper depress gas slightly with ignition on, engine off). Inspect bore, plate edges and the openings to the IAC passages. If heavy black carbon is present, cleaning is warranted. Theory: deposits accumulate where flow is slow (plate edge, idle ports), causing incorrect idle airflow and seating.

5) Clean the throttle plate and bore (preferred: remove TB; you can clean in‑place if careful)
- If removed: unbolt TB, replace gasket when reinstalling. If cleaning in place: prop throttle slightly open with a screwdriver to get behind plate.
- Spray cleaner onto a rag (not directly onto electrical parts). Wipe carbon from plate faces and the bore with rag and soft brush. For stubborn carbon, soak briefly with cleaner then wipe. Open and close plate to clean the edge and bore lip.
- Theory: removing carbon restores the correct cross‑sectional area and lets the plate seal when closed (stops uncommanded bypass airflow) and prevents sticking.

6) Clean idle air passages / IAC valve
- If your TJ has a removable IAC valve, remove it and clean the pintle and passages with cleaner and rag/brush. If not removable, spray and wipe the visible idle passage openings and use a small pick/pipe cleaner to clear ports. Do not submerge the IAC motor electronics. Theory: idle air passes through these small ports; deposits block them so the ECU/IAC cannot meter idle air accurately.

7) Protect sensors & wiring
- Do not soak the TPS connector or the electrical end of IAC/actuators. Do not use a harsh wire brush on mating surfaces. Theory: sensor damage causes wrong signals and will bypass benefits of cleaning.

8) Reassemble
- Reinstall TB (use new gasket if removed) and reattach intake hose, clamps, and any vacuum lines you disconnected. Reconnect battery if you disconnected it. Theory: proper sealing prevents vacuum leaks that mimic throttle problems.

9) Idle relearn / reset procedure
- If you cleared the battery or codes, or if you removed the IAC, perform an idle relearn:
- With everything hooked up, start engine and let it warm to normal operating temp with A/C off and no accessories. Do not touch accelerator. The idle may be high at first and should settle within a couple minutes. If manual relearn is needed: turn key to ON (engine off) 3 times for a few seconds each, then start and let idle for ~2–5 minutes. Then take a short drive with gentle throttle to allow ECU trim adaptation. Theory: the ECU adjusts IAC duty and fuel trims around the restored airflow; it needs time and cycles to relearn baseline idle and idle control.

10) Verify repair
- Observe idle stability, response to throttle, and absence of stalling. Use scan tool to check for persistent codes and measure IAC duty/TPS/MAF airflow if available. Theory: cleaning reduces unmetered bypass airflow and allows sensors/ECU to control idle and throttle correctly; if symptoms persist, further faults (vacuum leaks, faulty TPS/IAC, MAF, or intake leaks) may exist.

How the repair fixes the fault — short, technical explanation
- Carbon deposits reduce the effective flow area at the throttle plate and block small idle/Bypass passages/IAC ports. That changes the airflow vs. plate angle relationship and introduces unpredictable unmetered airflow or sticking. Cleaning removes the restriction and restores the designed airflow map so the TPS/IAC/ECU read correct flow and can control fuel/idle accordingly. Removing residue also restores a proper seal when the plate is closed, reducing unwanted idle air that causes high or erratic idle. In short: cleaning restores mechanical clearance and airflow paths, which corrects the sensor-to-actuator balance the engine computer expects.

Practical cautions & troubleshooting
- Don’t damage the TPS or over-spray electrical parts.
- If cleaning doesn’t fix idle issues, check for vacuum leaks, faulty TPS, failed IAC, dirty MAF, or fueling problems.
- Replace the throttle body gasket when removed. Use the correct cleaner (intake/throttle body cleaner) — not general degreaser.

That’s the ordered procedure with theory and why it fixes throttle‑related faults.
rteeqp73

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