I have this same question.

 

Either remove the tb to clean, or have a "trusted" friend depress the accelerator to open the butterfly.

 

Can you move the butterfly if you take it off the car? Sounds like plastic parts inside might get damaged? Do you have to reprogram when you put it back on? Check engine light?

 

I've cleaned them both ways I mentioned above. Never had an issue/problem. Yes, you can move the butterfly off the car if needed or use the gas pedal method if installed. Iirc, I just cleaned front/back with it removed w/o moving the butterfly. No need for reprogramming or cel. The problem with moving the butterfly with the tb installed/hooked up is you "could" conceivably damage the tps or lose/smash/break a finger(s).

 

Gotcha...makes sense. Thanks for the advice and info!

 

I ended up just pulling the throttle body off. Disconnected battery before I did so. Cleaned it up with crc throttle body cleaner. Opened the butterfly and everything. Put it back on with no problems. Started right up. No check engine light. Fingers crossed, no issues.

 

I ended up just pulling the throttle body off. Disconnected battery before I did so. Cleaned it up with crc throttle body cleaner. Opened the butterfly and everything. Put it back on with no problems. Started right up. No check engine light. Fingers crossed, no issues. Thank you all for all your help!