In this article: We'll review how to reset your throttle body position sensor on a 2008 – 2012 Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Honda RAV4 or other Honda vehicle with an electronic throttle body via the Foxwell NT510 Elite OBD2 Scanner.
*Note that before you attempt this procedure to check the service manual for your Honda. Particularly the ‘relearn' process. This article was not written by a licensed mechanic and is purely documenting the steps taken on my own Honda Accord.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Spent: 15 minutes
I recently cleaned the throttle body on my 2009 Honda Accord, and come time to start the car up after the cleaning I started experiencing significantly higher RPMs at idle, surging and rough shifting. I knew I needed to reset the throttle body position sensor but none of the sequences that I found online (e.g. put the key in start for 2 seconds, start, run at 3000 rpm for 5 min, etc) worked for me to bring the idle back down into a normal range and make it run properly. I finally succumbed to purchasing a Foxwell NT510 Elite OBDII scanner in order to leverage the Throttle Body Position & Learning Reset functionality to restore the idle on my Honda Accord.
If you've recently, or plan on cleaning your Honda's electronic throttle body, I suggest you take a look through this How To in order to prevent rough/high idle, shifting and surging after cleaning it. The process is easy with the Foxwell and only took a few minutes. Using one of the OBD2 scanners will guarantee that your Throttle Body Position has been reset and the learning process will initiate again.
Parts/Tools Required for this How To:
Foxwell NT510 Elite (Honda/Acura) – Be SURE to get the Honda/Acura version of the Foxwell.
Step 1: Plug Your Scanner Into the OBD2 Port
The first step is to take your Foxwell NT510 Elite and plug it into your Honda while your vehicle is turned OFF and the key is removed. You can find your OBD2 port underneath the steering wheel. On my Honda Accord, it was located along the top of the left kick panel on the drivers side.
Plug your Foxwell into the port, then turn your key to the ‘On' position without starting your vehicle.
Step 2: Navigate to the “TP POSITION CHECK” on Foxwell
Once you've turned your key to the “On” position (vehicle not started), your Foxwell Scanner will power on to the home screen and you'll need to navigate through the menus to find the Throttle Control Position Reset. To do this, there are a series of menus that you'll need to get through, a quick load/read, and then you'll find your “TP POSITION CHECK” selection. *NOTE that this selection process might be different between a standard NT510 and an NT510 elite.
To navigate through the menus to find your “TP POSITION CHECK” to reset the position sensor on your throttle body, follow the steps below in the images.
Step 3: Reset the “TP Learning Value”
Now that you've finally found the throttle body position sensor reset in your Foxwell through seven different menus, you're ready to reset it. Select the “TP POSITION CHECK” option and go through the sequence. Follow the instructions below in the images to reset the position sensor value.
Step 4: Relearn Process
Now that you've reset your Throttle Position Sensor, you need to let the vehicle relearn the position. I searched and found a series of different ways to do this. My recommendation is to find your service manual for your year make and model of Honda and to follow it. Again, the process I did below worked for ME and MY Honda but may not work with yours.
To start the relearn process, turn your vehicle off after you've reset the position sensor (if it's still on). Turn all of your accessories off – your stereo, lights, AC, heat. Everything must be off. Turn the key to the “ON” position for two seconds then start your vehicle. Let the vehicle sit without touching the throttle or anything until it comes up to operating temperature. You'll know it's at operating temperature once the fans cycle two times. Once at operating temperature, let the vehicle sit at idle for an additional 5-7 minutes. This was the procedure I used and once it was completed, my Honda idled perfect again and all of the issues I was experiencing after cleaning the throttle body were gone!
If this helped you out, leave us a comment!
please then when if your throttle plate does not open ? Does it need a relearning too?
Yes Sir worked perfectly. I had not ordered the correct Honda version of the Foxwell 510 Elite and was able to cancel my order and get the correct one. It worked like a charm on my 2007 Honda Civic Sedan Si.
Thanks a lot,
Aaron