What might indicate a faulty throttle body?

A delayed acceleration response is indicative of a faulty throttle body because the throttle body controls the air intake into the engine based on the driver's accelerator pedal input. When the throttle body malfunctions—due to issues such as carbon buildup, sensors failing, or mechanical binding—it can cause a lag or hesitation when the driver accelerates because the engine may not receive the appropriate amount of air or may not respond promptly to the commands from the accelerator pedal. This can lead to a noticeable delay in acceleration, making it a clear symptom of a throttle body issue.

In contrast, stable idle speed does not suggest a throttle body problem, as issues typically manifest under acceleration rather than at idle. Increased oil consumption and improved fuel efficiency are also not directly related to throttle body performance; these issues can stem from other engine problems, such as worn piston rings, leaks, or fuel system issues. Thus, the presence of a delayed response is the primary indicator that suggests the throttle body may be faulty.