Throttle valve Nissan Almera G15 - a key component of the injection system, the condition of which determines the stability of the engine. Over time, oil deposits, soot and dirt accumulate on its surface, leading to sticking, rough idling or even errors. P0171/P0507 on the dashboard. Many owners Almeri are faced with the need to clean it, but are afraid of damaging the electronic unit or disrupting the adaptation of the damper after installation.
In this article we will figure out how remove the throttle valve correctly on Nissan Almera G15 (1.6 l, HR16DE), what tools you will need, and how to avoid common mistakes. You will also find out why the engine may run worse after cleaning - and how to fix it without a trip to the service center. If you have never done this kind of work, don’t worry: with the right approach, the procedure will take no more than 1–1.5 hours.
Signs of a dirty throttle valve on Almera G15
How do you know when it’s time to clean the damper? B Nissan Almera G15 with motor HR16DE Symptoms appear gradually and can easily be confused with sensor or fuel system problems. Pay attention to the following “bells”:
- 🔥 Floating speed at idle (from 600 to 1200 rpm) - especially after the engine has warmed up.
- ⚡ Jerks during acceleration at low speeds (1500–2500 rpm), as if the car is “jerking”.
- 🚗 Slow response to the gas pedal — the car “stumbles” when pressed, then suddenly picks up.
- 🔧 Check engine with errors
P0171(lean mixture) orP0507(high revs XX). - 💨 Unpleasant burning smell from under the hood - a sign of burning of oil deposits on the damper.
If at least 2-3 items from the list are familiar to you, the probability of the valve being dirty is 80-90%. But before you remove it, check air filter condition And intake tract tightness - sometimes the problem lies in air leaks through cracked pipes.
⚠️ Attention: On Almera G15 after 2015 release the damper is equipped electronic drive (without throttle cable). Do not attempt to clean it “in situ” with liquids such as WD-40 — this will damage the position sensor!
- Every 30,000 km
- Every 50,000 km
- Only when symptoms appear
- Never cleaned
Tools and materials for work
To remove and clean the flap on Nissan Almera G15 you don't need expensive equipment. Here is a complete list of what you need to prepare:
| Tool/material | Purpose | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mm socket wrench | Unscrewing the throttle assembly fasteners | It is better to use a head with an extension |
| Phillips head screwdriver | Removing pipe clamps | Any medium size will fit |
| Throttle body cleaner (LIQUI MOLY Pro-Line or Abro CC-220) | Removing carbon and oil deposits | Do not use acetone or gasoline! |
| Lint-free rags | Wiping surfaces | Microfiber or cotton fabric |
| New throttle body gasket | Sealing after installation | Article: 16535-4M000 (original) |
Additionally, we recommend having on hand multimeter to check the damper position sensor (DPS) and scanner ELM327 (or smartphone with the program Torque) to reset adaptations after cleaning. If you don't have a scanner, you can get by disconnecting the battery terminal for 10–15 minutes, but this method is less efficient.
Before starting work, take a photograph of the location of all pipes and connectors on the throttle assembly - this will simplify reassembly and help avoid mistakes with connecting sensors.
Step-by-step instructions for removing the throttle body
The process of dismantling the damper Nissan Almera G15 does not require removal of the intake manifold, but will require some care. Follow the instructions strictly step by step:
Preparation. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to avoid short circuit. Remove the decorative engine cover (it is secured with 4 latches).
Disconnecting pipes. Loosen the clamps on air duct (from the air filter to the damper) and crankcase ventilation pipe (thin tube at the bottom). Remove them from the damper.
Electrical shutdown. Press the latch and disconnect the connector from damper position sensor (DPS). Be careful - the contacts are fragile!
Removing the damper. Unscrew the 4 bolts securing the throttle assembly (with a 10 mm socket wrench). Carefully remove the damper without damaging the gasket.
After removal, inspect the damper for mechanical damage (scratches, chips) and check the mobility of the plate manually - it should rotate smoothly, without jamming. If play in the axle or cracks are noticeable, the unit must be replaced.
Inspect the integrity of the throttle body gasket|
Check the movement of the damper manually|
Make sure there is no oil in the crankcase ventilation pipe|
Mark the position of the TPS sensor (photo) for correct installation-->
Cleaning the damper: do's and don'ts
This is the most critical stage. Main rule: do not use hard brushes or abrasive materials - they will damage the special molybdenum coating of the damper, which will accelerate re-contamination. Optimal cleaning algorithm:
Primary cleaning. Apply the cleaner to the outer surfaces of the damper and allow it to dissolve deposits (3-5 minutes). Wipe with a rag.
Cleaning the internal cavity. Open the damper manually and spray with cleaner channel and the plate itself. Pay special attention the gap between the damper and the body - This is where the most dirt accumulates.
Flushing the crankcase ventilation duct. This pipe often becomes clogged with oil deposits. Clean it with wire and blow it with compressed air.
Control check. After cleaning, the valve should shine and the plate should rotate without effort. If dark spots remain, repeat the treatment.
It is strictly prohibited:
- 🚫 Trying to “bleach” the damper to perfect condition will remove the protective coating.
- 🚫Use WD-40, kerosene or solvents - they destroy plastic and rubber seals.
- 🚫 Forcibly closing the damper after cleaning will disrupt the calibration of the TPS.
What happens if you don't clean the damper?
Ignoring the problem for a long time leads to:
- Increased fuel consumption by 10–15% (due to incorrect air/fuel ratio).
- Damage to the catalyst (unburned fuel burns out in the outlet, overheating the cells).
- Scoring on the cylinder walls (oil from the crankcase ventilation enters the combustion chamber).
In critical cases, it may be necessary to replace the throttle assembly (cost ~12,000 rubles).
Installation and adaptation of the throttle valve
After cleaning, reassemble the assembly in the reverse order, but keep in mind a few nuances:
Gasket. Always install new gasket (even if the old one looks intact). Repeated use will result in air leaks.
Tightening the bolts. Tighten the throttle body fasteners criss-cross with a force of 10–12 Nm to avoid distortion.
Connecting sensors. Make sure that the TPS connector is seated until it clicks. Incorrect connection will cause an error
P2135.
The most important stage is damper adaptation. On Almera G15 this can be done in two ways:
Through a scanner. Connect ELM327, open the program Torque or Nissan DataScan, select function
Throttle Valve Relearn. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually 3 cycles of ignition on/off are required).Manual method. If you don't have a scanner:
- Turn on the ignition for 3 seconds (without starting the engine).
- Turn off the ignition for 10 seconds.
- Repeat the cycle 3 times.
- Start the engine and let it idle for 5 minutes.
⚠️ Attention: If after adaptation the idle speed remains above 1000 rpm, check intake tract tightness (air leak) or condition of the mass air flow sensor (mass air flow sensor). On Almera G15 these problems are often disguised as a “dirty damper.”
After cleaning the valve, the engine may run unstably for the first 50–100 km - this is normal. The ECU “learns” new parameters. If after 200 km the symptoms have not disappeared, look for another cause (for example, a TPS malfunction).
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes when cleaning the throttle body. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
| Error | Consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning without removing the damper | The cleaner gets into the mass air flow sensor, disabling it | Always remove the knot completely |
| Using metal brushes | Scratches on the damper → accelerated contamination | Only soft cloths and special cleaners |
| Failure to follow the adaptation sequence | Floating speed, error P0507 |
Follow the training instructions strictly |
| Installing the old gasket | Air leak → lean mixture, jerking | Always use a new gasket |
Another common problem is damage to the damper position sensor (DPS) when cleaning. If, after assembly, the dashboard lights up Check Engine with an error P2135, check:
- 🔌 The connector is connected correctly (the contacts should not be bent).
- 📊 Sensor resistance with a multimeter (between 1 and 2 contacts should be ~2–5 kOhm).
- 🔧 Integrity of the plastic case of the DPDZ (cracks are unacceptable).
If the sensor is faulty, it will have to be replaced (original article number: 22680-4M000, price ~2500 rub.). Analogues from Bosch or VDO will cost less, but may require additional adaptation.
How to prolong the effect after cleansing
To keep the throttle valve on Nissan Almera G15 stayed clean longer, follow these tips:
- 🛢️ Check the oil level. Exceeding the maximum leads to oil entering the intake tract through the crankcase ventilation system.
- 🔄 Change the air filter every 15,000 km. A clogged filter increases the vacuum in the intake, accelerating contamination of the damper.
- 🚗 Avoid short trips with a cold engine. This mode produces more carbon deposits.
- ⚡ Use quality fuel. Additives in cheap gasoline do not burn completely, settling on the valve.
If you often drive in traffic jams or short distances, it is recommended to clean the damper every 40,000–50,000 km. For cars with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, the interval is reduced to 30,000 km.
After cleaning the valve, add injection cleaner (for example, LIQUI MOLY Injection Reiniger). This will help remove deposits from the injectors and synchronize the operation of the entire fuel system.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cleaning the throttle body
Is it possible to clean the damper without removing it from the car?
Technically possible, but highly not recommended. The cleaner will get into mass air flow sensor (MAF), which will disable it. In addition, you will not be able to properly clean crankcase ventilation duct and the back of the damper.
What should I do if after cleaning the speed jumps more than before?
This is a sign of one of three problems:
- Incorrect damper adaptation (repeat learning procedure).
- Air leakage through a damaged gasket or pipes.
- Malfunction idle air regulator (on Almera G15 it is built into the throttle assembly and is non-removable).
Start by checking the intake tract for leaks (you can use smoke generator or soap solution).
Which cleaner is best to use for Almera G15?
Optimal options:
- LIQUI MOLY Pro-Line Drosselklappen-Reiniger (article 1900) - gently cleanses without damaging the coating.
- Abro CC-220 - a budget analogue, but requires more thorough rinsing.
- Wynns Throttle Body Cleaner - removes stubborn deposits well.
Do I need to remove the battery before cleaning?
No, that's enough disconnect the negative terminal. Complete dismantling of the battery is only required if you plan reset ECU adaptations long power outage (more than 30 minutes). In other cases it is unnecessary.
Is it possible to drive with P0507 after cleaning?
Short term (1-2 days) - yes, but not recommended. Error P0507 (high idle speed) indicates that the ECU was unable to adapt the throttle correctly. Long-term driving in this mode leads to:
- Increased fuel consumption (up to +2 l/100 km).
- Catalyst overheating.
- Incorrect operation of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.
Repeat the adaptation procedure or contact the service for diagnostics.