BG Products 406 Throttle Body & Intake Cleaner
Priced as of May 25, 2026
5.0(1 ratings)Buy on AmazonSaved to your guest loadout. Sign up to also save to your Cabinet (consumables) or Kit (tools you own).
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Prices may varySerious hazard — read before use
The manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet classifies this product with one or more GHS Category 1 health hazards — the most severe tier. The hazard statements in quotes below are the verbatim GHS language from the SDS, as required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. The line under each statement translates the GHS classification into plain language.
- H304 “May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.”
GHS Category 1 aspiration toxicity — thin, oily liquids can slip into the lungs if swallowed, causing chemical pneumonia.
If swallowed, inhaled, or splashed in eyes:
Call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 (US, 24/7, free) and have the product container with you. Poison Control's standing guidance is to not induce vomiting after chemical exposure; they will direct first-aid steps based on the specific product.
About this product's hazards. This product's Safety Data Sheet uses signal word danger. Read the manufacturer's SDS and follow all safety instructions before use. CarCareTruth ratings translate the manufacturer's safety sheet. They do not replace the SDS or substitute for a hazard assessment specific to your task.
Health score is for adult use as intended, per the manufacturer's SDS. It does not model child ingestion, accidental spill cleanup, or off-label use. See the safety panel below for full hazard classification, and /disclaimer for the full editorial scope.
From the Safety Data Sheet
Full SDS ↗ (rev. 2024-09-13)GHS hazard codes are quoted from the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet. PPE tiers below translate those codes and the listed ingredient chemistry; they are not CarCareTruth recommendations.
EyesSituationalMfr. SDS §8 · 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1) · GHS H319SkinRecommendedMfr. SDS §8 · 29 CFR 1910.138(a) · GHS H315LungsRequiredMfr. SDS §8 · 29 CFR 1910.134(a) · GHS H332Ventilation—No PPE in published sourcesShow details for all categories ▾Hide details ▴
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“H319 (eye irritation Cat 2A) confirmed in SDS §2 classification. Aerosol mist in engine-bay use or close-range spray creates contact exposure risk. No H318 (serious eye damage) present — situational is the correct tier per carb-cleaner rubric.”
— BG Products
U.S. regulatory standard
29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1)
“The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from… liquid chemicals…”
ANSI Z87.1 (incorporated via §1910.6)
OSHA standards apply to workplaces. Cited here as the U.S. reference threshold for the underlying hazard class.
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“H315 (skin irritation Cat 2) and H312 (harmful in contact with skin, acute tox Cat 4) confirmed in SDS §2. Xylene-heavy solvent formula is a dermal irritant at normal application concentrations. Nitrile gloves per SDS §8 hand protection guidance.”
— BG Products
U.S. regulatory standard
29 CFR 1910.138(a)
“appropriate hand protection when employees' hands are exposed to hazards such as those from… chemicals which produce an adverse effect on the skin or eyes…”
OSHA standards apply to workplaces. Cited here as the U.S. reference threshold for the underlying hazard class.
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“DANGER signal word driven by health H-codes. H332 (harmful if inhaled, acute tox Cat 4) confirmed in SDS §2 classification. Xylene ≥50–75% aerosolized directly into the engine bay is a substantive inhalation hazard. SDS §8 directs 'Do not breathe dust or mist' with engineering controls or appropriate respirator when ventilation is inadequate. NIOSH-approved organic-vapor respirator warranted for confined engine-bay use.”
— BG Products
U.S. regulatory standard
29 CFR 1910.134(a); 1910.1200(f)
“The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment.”
OSHA standards apply to workplaces. Cited here as the U.S. reference threshold for the underlying hazard class.
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
No PPE specified in published sources for ventilation. Absence does not imply “not needed” — consult the full Safety Data Sheet.
PPE tiers translate the manufacturer’s SDS and U.S. regulatory standards. Not professional safety advice. How we report safety.
The Podium · Top 3 in Carburetor Cleaner
See the full ranking →This product ranks #8 of 11 in Carburetor Cleaner.Three above it ↓
CarCareTruth's Analysis
Last reviewed May 26, 2026
TL;DR Clears carbon, varnish, and intake gunk from throttle body bores in one pass — BG Products is a professional brand whose formulas are trusted by dealerships and service shops, and the 406 lives up to that reputation for cleaning power. The chemistry earns it: an aggressive high-aromatic solvent system that makes this one of the most powerful aerosol cleaners in this category. That power comes with real hazard — DANGER signal word, Prop 65 warning (multiple listed chemicals), and an estimated VOC well above 800 g/L. H304 aspiration hazard means do not induce vomiting if ingested. Organic-vapor respirator and eye protection are the chemistry-forced minimum for engine-bay use; nitrile gloves for skin contact.
What it is and how it performs
BG 406 is an aromatic-solvent-heavy aerosol that dissolves carbon buildup, varnish, and oily PCV film from throttle plates, TB bores, and idle air control valve passages. The spray-in-place workflow is straightforward: remove the air intake duct, open the throttle plate by hand, spray in short bursts, wipe, and allow to air-dry before reinstalling. The formula includes lubricants and anti-corrosion additives per the product description — an unusual addition for a solvent cleaner that may reduce post-cleaning friction on the plate shaft. BG Products is distributed through automotive dealerships and independent shops rather than retail shelves, which is consistent with the formula's professional-grade intensity. Amazon verified-purchase reviewers (5★ across 1 review via Rainforest API) are too few to draw conclusions, but forum users on Toyota Nation, TTORA, and Range Rovers consistently report positive cleaning results with BG's throttle body service products. No documented sensor-code or coating-damage reports were found in available community threads.
Who should buy this — and who should skip it
The right buy for a mechanic, shop tech, or experienced home wrench-turner doing a scheduled throttle body service on a vehicle that's running rough — BG 406's professional pedigree and high active-solvent load mean it delivers on cleaning performance where lighter formulas fall short. Skip it if you're doing a first-time TB cleaning on a new vehicle and want the most conservative chemical option — the xylene-heavy formula is more aggressive than dedicated "throttle body safe" aerosols, and BG does not affirmatively confirm coating compatibility for modern drive-by-wire plates. For GDI-engine owners, a throttle body spray won't reach the intake valve deposits that are the actual problem; a GDI-specific intake service or walnut-blast procedure is the right tool.
Safety and environmental impact
DANGER signal word, driven by the aromatic solvent system: H332 (harmful if inhaled), H315 (skin irritation), H319 (eye irritation), H361 (suspected reproductive toxin — toluene, benzene traces per Prop 65), H373 (STOT-RE Cat 2 via aromatic exposure — CNS and kidney, repeated use), and H304 (aspiration hazard — do not induce vomiting if ingested; seek medical attention). The Prop 65 warning is substantive: benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, naphthalene, and several combustion-related trace chemicals are listed in SDS §15. An organic-vapor cartridge respirator is what SDS §8 directs when ventilation is inadequate — in a partially closed engine bay that is real guidance, not boilerplate. H304 aspiration hazard: do not induce vomiting if ingested — seek medical attention immediately. Flash point −104°C makes this one of the most flammable aerosol cleaners in any garage; no ignition sources, no smoking. No mixture-level aquatic toxicity classification in SDS §2; xylene, ethylbenzene, and toluene are CWA Section 311 hazardous substances — do not dispose down storm drains. VOC is estimated above 800 g/L (xylene-dominant formula); CARB compliance status is not claimed by the manufacturer.
Frequently asked questions
Does BG 406 require removing the throttle body?▾
No — BG 406 is designed for in-place cleaning with the air intake duct removed and the engine off. Spray in short bursts while manually opening the throttle plate, wipe clean, and allow to air dry before reconnecting the intake.
Is BG 406 safe for oxygen sensors and catalytic converters?▾
BG Products markets PN 406 as safe for oxygen sensors and catalytic converters. However, the SDS §3 shows xylene at 50–75% — a significantly higher aromatic content than the <5% threshold that typically defines sensor-safe formulas. The claim appears on the brand website, but no SDS chemistry corroboration was found. Users comfortable with BG's professional track record generally report no sensor issues with spray-and-wipe application.
What is the Prop 65 warning for BG 406?▾
SDS §15 lists California Prop 65 chemicals including Benzene (cancer, reproductive harm), Ethylbenzene, Naphthalene, Toluene, and several others. The Prop 65 warning reflects trace carcinogens and reproductive toxins present in the aromatic solvent system.
Can BG 406 be used on modern drive-by-wire throttle bodies with coated plates?▾
The product is not explicitly marketed as safe for coated throttle-body plates (the anti-coking Teflon/molybdenum coating on modern drive-by-wire units). The xylene-heavy formula is more aggressive than dedicated throttle-body-specific formulations. For modern vehicles with coated plates, shorter dwell times and a spray-wipe-immediately approach reduce risk.
From the manufacturer
Marketing copy from BG Products, via Amazon. Not editorial.
- •Generous Size with Continuous Spray: 14.7 OZ. aerosol can with continuous spray feature for easy and efficient application
- •Throttle Body Cleaning: Effectively removes accumulated deposits from the butterfly and throttle valve assemblies
- •Air Intake System Maintenance: Cleans air throttle body assembly and idle air control valves for optimal performance
- •Deposit Removal Formula: Specially formulated to dissolve and remove carbon buildup and grime from air induction system components
- •Professional Grade Cleaner: BG PN 406 provides thorough cleaning to help restore proper airflow and engine efficiency
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Manufacturer specifications
- Date First Available
- April 21, 2025
- Manufacturer
- BG Products
- ASIN
- B0F5SKLFK7
- Best Sellers Rank
- See Top 100 in Automotive
- Item Form
- Liquid
- Specific Uses For Product
- Cleaning Fuel System Components
- Surface Recommendation
- Metal
- Special Features
- Cleans Grime and Buildup
- Contains Liquid Contents?
- Yes
- Cleaning Agent Formulation
- Degreaser, Solvent
- Item Volume
- 14.7 Fluid Ounces
- Unit Count
- 14.7 Fluid Ounces
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