The throttle body is a valve that controls how much air enters your engine, directly impacting the engine’s power and speed. Pressing the gas pedal opens the throttle body, allowing more air in for increased power, while easing off the gas closes it, restricting airflow and slowing the engine.
How much does it cost to replace a throttle body?
The average cost for a throttle body replacement ranges from $300 to $1,000. Your final bill will depend on the parts you choose as well as your mechanic’s labor rate.
How much is a throttle body?
The price of a throttle body can differ widely—take these throttle body replacements for a 2015 Ford F-150. Just a step up to a bigger engine can cause the price to almost double:
| Part | Engine | Price ($) |
|---|---|---|
TB2 (AT4Z9E926B) | F-150, 3.5L Cyclone V6 Petrol TIVCT | 199.64 |
TB34 (FR3Z9E926A) | 5.0L-4V DOHC SEFI NA | 382.91 |
TB9 (GB8Z9E926A) | 2.7L DOHC 4V DI GT V6 GAS/FFV | 299.46 |
This is just one example, as these prices were taken from Ford Parts, or “the only parts designed and built to the specific standards of Ford Motor Company and the only parts recommended for use in your Ford.” What about the cost of a throttle body replacement for other brands?
| Cars | Price ($) | Source |
|---|---|---|
Various BMW models, including the BMW 550i GT | 218.99 | FCP Euro |
2015 Volkswagen GTI | 248.99 | FCP Euro |
2018 Toyota RAV4 | 409.72 MSRP | Toyota Parts Center Online |
You might be able to reduce your costs by buying an aftermarket throttle body. For example, a throttle body that fits a 2015 Ford F-150’s five-liter engine costs $382.91 from Ford Parts but an aftermarket TechSmart Fuel Injection Throttle Body from AutoZone only costs $256.99.
These are just prices for the throttle body—you might also need to consider the costs of parts related to the throttle body like gaskets and bolts. For example, a gasket for a 2015 F-150 with a 2.7-liter engine costs $14.22 at Ford Parts.
Labor
In terms of labor, expect the job to take one to two hours billed at your shop’s rate. Mechanics’ per-hour rates across the United States now range from $110 to $175. This means that the labor cost for a throttle body replacement would be $110 for one hour at the lowest rate and $350 for two hours at the highest rate.
What happens when a throttle body goes bad?
Your throttle body represents one of the many components that can affect your engine. As such, the symptoms of a fault tend to be:
- Hissing, whistling, humming, or other unusual sounds coming from the engine
- Rough idling, stalling, and sluggish acceleration
- Poor fuel economy compared to what you’re normally getting from a tank of gas
- An illuminated check engine light
Can I replace the throttle body myself?
You can, however, it can get a little complicated depending on your make and model. So unless you’re familiar with the process and have the right tools, replacing the throttle body yourself might be inadvisable.
Many modern throttle bodies might require you to reprogram them after installation, which implies that you will need specialist tools and might need to hire a mechanic.
Xuyun Zeng is a content strategist with a wide-ranging content background including tech, journalism, cars and health care. After graduating with highest honors in journalism, Xuyun led a newspaper to win eight awards, helped start an award-winning film industry podcast and has written over a hundred articles about cars repair, state laws and insurance. Prior to joining Jerry, Xuyun worked as a freelance SEO consultant with a mission to create the best content that will help readers and grow organic traffic.
