I am not a mechanic type but have often cleaned the throttle valves on my cars when they get sticky. So, when our recently aquired 2000 SLE'* valve got sticky I thought little of it. I unhooked the hose leading to the valve body and was suprised by some kind of additional mesh filter in the way that I'm not sure how to get around. I'd appreciate someone'* knowhow on this. Thanks.

that is the MAF screen. it directs the air to flow straight over the MAF sensor for a better reading. to remove it, use a snap ring pliers or something similar to remove the snap ring that holds it in.



once you have the ring out, use a bend paper clip and insert one end into the MAF screen to try to pull it out. BE CAREFUL, it bends VERY easy.

HOWEVER, you will probably have to remove the throttle body entirely to clean it. Most of the dirt is on the inner part. Your throttle body will probably look very clean on the other side.

Whatever you do, do not remove the throttle plate to help clean it. I did that to mine and I could never get it aligned exactly right afterwards.
It would stick closed after sitting a little while. I ended up buying a used throttle body to fix my mistake

Mine only sticks after the car has warmed up and you shut it off. When you start the car back up and push the peddal it sticks so you have to force it... anything you can do without pulling it all apart?

With engine running Clean the area inside and out of the throttle body with CRC MAF Cleaner. Get the return spring and throttle cable as well. Then put the TB coupler back on and hit all moving parts on the outside plus the spring with WD 40. DO NOT in any way allow WD40 to hit or go inside the throttle body. Sure fire way to damage the MAF. Get someone to pump the gas pedal up and down and hit the throttle cable, with the WD40 as well. Should free it up.

Mechanics' two favorite tools:

WD40 - if its stuck and you want it to move
duct tape - if it moves and you want it stuck

LOL!! well said.