So I went in for my 3rd free oil change at the dealer today.

As the service writer is putting in the info into his computer, he starts to tell me about their EFI/Throttle body service/cleaning ($118) and that it's something they recommend be done as part of the 15,000 mile service.

After declining (because I was in a hurry), he starts to tell me that I should get my cabin air filter changed out too. For $86 :nuts: (Intermediate Service), they would:

- change out the cabin air filter
- adjust fluid levels
- set tire pressure and inspect for wear
- inspect, service, and adjust brakes
- rotate tires
- inspect emission control system
- chassis service = check nuts and bolts
- change differential(s) oil

Again, I declined his offer and told him that I already had a cabin air filter at home and that I would take care of that myself, as well as rotate the tires. (Thanks to DA, I know how to change the cabin air filter (http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1347) myself. :thmsup:)


My question is (and I think I already know the answer): Is the EFI/Throttle body service necessary at 15,000 miles? And if not, when?

As for the EFI cleaning, would their service be any better than pouring a bottle of fuel injector cleaner in the tank when I fill up?

Keep the cash and go forward.
1. NO Many have never done it with 200K on the clock. At 20K I used a throttle body cleaner but it looked like new metal before I ever did it.
2. NO Use Techron (the size for 20 gallons of fuel) every 6 months to one year. Put it in the tank and go on with life.

It is just the service writers way of meeting his spiff quota, by selling unneeded services. Also it gets him/her in good with the service manager. Stealerships :headbash: :rant: :censored:

Keep the cash and go forward.
1. NO Many have never done it with 200K on the clock. At 20K I used a throttle body cleaner but it looked like new metal before I ever did it.
2. NO Use Techron (the size for 20 gallons of fuel) every 6 months to one year. Put it in the tank and go on with life.

I figured as much. I might do the throttle body down the road though (100K?) if it looks like it needs it, but I almost laughed at their idea of it being needed at 15K..... car's still a baby.

Will do the Techron at next fill up.

Thanks.

I had to clean my throttle body at ~50K miles. Here's how you know you need it - when you first press your gas pedal on a cold morning it kind of sticks. Gunk builds up in the throttle body, so you have to give a little extra push and then it's good for the day. Cleaning it at 15K is nuts. My guess is they would inspect it (maybe) and then charge you for the full service.

15k is way to soon to worry about it. you could always just check yourself for gum/black deposits at throttle body with the rubber intake hose off.

On what the Honda dealer does in this EFI/throttle body cleaning, i would guess they use some 3way cleaner kit that's sold. Most have spay cleaner for throttle body plate area, then they run some cleaner into intake manifold while it runs and last some cleaner in the tank.

I agree with RTexasF on using Techron injector cleaner, i have used it for yrs and works well .

I talked to the service mgr at the honda dealer I go to and he said the fuel system cleaning that charges around $100 is a waste of money. They just use the Chevron Techron. Be sure to get the "fuel system cleaner"(cleans more) and not the fuel injector cleaner(cheaper).

If the trottle body need cleaning the car will throw a Code. Mine did and I used a cleaner ($5) and did it in 10 minutes.

But for every one person that accepts this offer, it's money in the bank for them.