Services
Insurance
Repairs
Advice
About

Throttle Body Replacement Cost Estimate

Worried you might overpay for your throttle body replacement? Use Jerry’s GarageGuard to get fair cost estimate for your throttle body replacement.
background
Get Fair Repair Cost Estimate
√
No spam
√
Compare shops near you
√
Always know how much you should pay
background
avatar
John Davis
Expert Automotive Writer
icon
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content
icon
Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

How much does it cost to replace a throttle body?

You can expect an average total replacement cost of $592 for a throttle body replacement, with $466 for parts and $127 for mechanic labor. The exact price will depend on your vehicle.
How long does it take to replace a throttle body? In general, it takes around 1.1 hours hours for a certified mechanic to complete the job. Your mechanic will perform a preliminary inspection to determine if a replacement is necessary, then follow through with the full replacement. 
Here’s an overview of throttle body costs for different vehicles:
Throttle body replacement cost for various vehicles
Estimate DateCustomerCarFair Cost EstimateParts CostLabor CostLabor Time
October 2, 2024
Geo Metro
$647
$577
$69
0.6 Hours
September 29, 2024
Chevrolet GMT 400
$655
$577
$77
0.6 Hours
September 29, 2024
Isuzu NPR
$375
$308
$67
0.6 Hours
September 28, 2024
Kia Rio
$1,259
$1,186
$73
0.6 Hours
September 27, 2024
Pontiac Grand Am
$701
$627
$74
0.6 Hours
Highlighticon

How did we estimate these prices?

Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

What parts do I need for my throttle body replacement and how much do those parts cost?

You can check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for precise parts, but here’s a general rundown:
  1. Throttle body: The throttle body is the primary component in the replacement. It is responsible for regulating the flow of air and fuel into your car's cylinders. On its own, a new throttle body can cost anywhere from $100 to $1000.
  2. Throttle body gasket: The throttle body gasket is made of paper or aluminum and sits between the throttle body and intake manifold. It ensures an airtight seal to prevent air bypass and is often replaced during throttle body service. Intake manifold gaskets typically cost $5 to $25.
  3. Air intake hose: Since you’ll be working on the throttle body (which is connected to the air intake hose), it’s a good idea to check if there’s any wear and tear on the air intake hose. If so, a new one costs an average of $15 to $30.
When it comes to your throttle body, there are advantages and disadvantages to choosing either the OEM or aftermarket option. While it can be cheaper to opt for an aftermarket throttle cable, OEM throttle cables can be more reliable and last longer. 
Some drivers opt for an aftermarket option when they want to modify and optimize the performance of their engines.
You can find throttle bodies at body shops and auto parts shops like AutoZone. You can also purchase them on Amazon. 
Before searching for any parts, it’s important to consult your vehicle’s owner manual for lists of all of the specs for replacements you need and warranty information.

Throttle body replacement near me

With the rundown on 2,500+ vetted repair shops nationwide,
GarageGuard™
can make the search for a mechanic to replace your throttle body a lot easier.
GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from local shops using actual hourly rates. You’ll be able to budget for diagnostic fees and see reviews from previous customers to make sure you’ll be happy with your service.
Here’s a look at some of our partner shops below—and you can download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.
177 Reviews
54th Street Auto Center
address
415 W 54th St, New York, NY
Throttle Body Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$679
(Parts - $510, Labor - $169)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$191
195 Reviews
Lakewood Tire Pros & Auto Service
address
13740 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH
Throttle Body Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$615
(Parts - $510, Labor - $105)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$39.99
195 Reviews
Tune Up Plus - Virginia Beach
address
5225-A, Indian River Rd, Virginia Beach, VA
Throttle Body Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$641
(Parts - $510, Labor - $131)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$125
105 Reviews
Velasquez Auto Care - Palatine
address
1450 N Rand Rd, Palatine, IL
Throttle Body Replacement Cost
Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop
$620
(Parts - $510, Labor - $110)
Shop Diagnostic Fee
(Included in service charges)
$120
Highlighticon

How did we vet these shops?

Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my throttle body?

When replacing your throttle body, the mechanic will do the following: 
  • Remove the defective throttle body by disconnecting the rubber hose which connects the throttle body to the air filter and air intake
  • Remove any electrical connections
  • Undo the bolts that attach the throttle body to the plenum and gasket
  • Attach a new throttle body by reattaching the bolts, putting in all electrical connections, and reattaching the rubber hose

What happens if I don’t replace a bad throttle body?

If your car’s throttle body is broken, a replacement is essential for the vehicle’s proper functioning and safety. A faulty throttle body can cause:
  • Poor engine performance: A bad throttle body can cause irregular airflow, leading to poor engine performance and issues like rough idling, stalling, or lack of power during acceleration.
  • Bad fuel economy: When the throttle body doesn't function correctly, it may disrupt the proper air-to-fuel ratio, which means your car may increase in fuel consumption, leading to raised costs. 
  • Unresponsive throttle: A faulty throttle body can lead to an unresponsive throttle pedal, making it challenging to control the vehicle's speed.
  • Emissions issues: A bad throttle body can impact exhaust emissions, causing your car to produce higher levels of pollutants. This can lead to failing emissions tests or contribute to environmental pollution.
  • Potential damage to other components: In some cases, a faulty throttle body causes additional strain on other engine components like sensors and actuators, resulting in more repair costs. 

What is a throttle body?

The throttle body is an air metering device, or an internal combustion engine, that keeps air and fuel flowing within your vehicle’s cylinders. 
Placed between the intake manifold and the air filter, the throttle body uses a butterfly valve to let in the correct amount of air to the engine. This prepares the mixture of fuel and air that your engine will combust to produce energy.

When should I replace the throttle body on my car?

Here are a few common symptoms that your throttle body may be failing:
  • The check engine light is on
  • Your idle speed is too high or too low
  • The transmission is shifting poorly
While it’s not technically unsafe to drive with a dysfunctional throttle body, you probably won’t get much use out of your vehicle. The car will likely have limited power and noticeably lack in engine performance.

How often do you need to replace a throttle body?

While there’s no exact timeline or set mileage when it comes to the lifespan of your throttle body, you should consider replacing it every 100,000 to 150,000 miles. 
This is a wear-and-tear part. With time and regular use, throttle bodies get dirty from oil residue and carbon buildup. To prevent throttle body problems, make sure to clean your throttle body approximately every 75,000 miles.

Is replacing a throttle body yourself easy?

Unless you’re experienced in mechanical DIY projects and auto repair, replacing a throttle body isn’t an easy job. It requires technical knowledge and access to various tools, including screwdrivers, a socket set, and needle nose pliers. 
For the average driver, it’s a good idea to let a professional mechanic handle this replacement.

FAQs

The throttle body replacement procedure usually takes around an hour to complete.
If your throttle body is malfunctioning, it’s worth replacing. Your car’s throttle system works to connect your acceleration (gas pedal) to your engine. If a component is damaged, your car will have difficulty registering speed and delivering the necessary mixture of air and fuel to the engine.
The different types of throttle bodies include the single throttle body, twin throttle bodies, electronic throttle body, port throttle body, and butterfly-type throttle body. You’ll most likely be dealing with a single throttle body, but ask your mechanic which one you should get.

Meet Our Experts

avatar
John Davis
badge icon
Car Expert
badge icon
Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience
John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.
Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.
avatar
Jessica Barrett
badge icon
Car Expert
Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.
Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.
avatar
Kathleen Flear
badge icon
Car Expert
Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through  best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.
*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.