[egates]

so another item the dealer wanted to sell me while the 2007 Outlook XR AWD with 57k miles was in for service was a throttle body cleaning and top end decarbonization for $220-$250. I thought that was strange since I had just had a throttle body and emission system cleaning done for $200 at another dealer at 50k miles. so I mentioned this and they said well maybe its because it was running rich while the check engine light was on for the timing chain and/or o2 sensor. Really? 7k miles and maybe 100 miles of running rich would require a the throttle body to be cleaned? why do I doubt this?

I'm not sure how "throttle body and top-end decarbonization" differs from the other dealer's "throttle body and emmision system cleaning" but I'm getting the feeling there is no difference. If there really is something that needs to be done beyond what I've done already, I'd appreciate hearing about it.

 

[rbarrios]

Ive posted a HOW TO clean your throttle body.
It will cost you $5 for the cleaner. and a little bit of your time. (either removing the throttle body comepletly) or doing what I do- and clean the TB flap every so often to keep trouble away.
As for the carbon removal.... this is an issue more apparent on the DI's.
But I have not seen too many posts about people complaining. (BIG issue with Audi DI's).
Using top tier gas can help with the carbon buildup on the DI's.
Since you dont have a DI- I would probably simply run a bottle of TECHRON every other oil change.
on my DI- im running Techron about every 10K. every other oil change.
Ill put a bottle in the tank- 1 tankful before the oil change. It helps with the fuel tank and injectors. Not so much with the valves- as theyre not sprayed with fuel on the top... gas is injected directly into the cylinder..
But since youve had the cleaning- just throw in a bottle of techron in 5 or 10K. or some nice number based on your oil change interval.
At the moment im not too concerned with carbon buildup in my 2010.

 

[rbarrios]

the HOW TO is actually on the Traverse and Acadia forum.

http://www.traverseforum.com/index.php?topic=1621.0

(the cleaners label says- use every 3000 miles).