What is the main function of a throttle body in a fuel-injected engine?

The primary function of a throttle body in a fuel-injected engine is to control the air intake, which is crucial for regulating the engine's power output. When the driver presses the accelerator pedal, it opens the throttle body, allowing more air to enter the engine. This increase in airflow enables the engine management system to inject the appropriate amount of fuel, creating a balanced air-fuel mixture essential for combustion.

This process directly influences the performance of the engine, affecting acceleration, power delivery, and efficiency. The throttle body, therefore, acts as a gatekeeper for air, helping to manage engine response in correlation with the driver’s commands.

Other options carry functions that are important but do not pertain to the throttle body's duties. Maintaining oil pressure is critical for engine lubrication but involves different components, while filtering fuel and managing exhaust emissions are tasks handled by the fuel filter and exhaust system components, respectively. Understanding the specific role of the throttle body emphasizes its importance in both the efficiency and performance of fuel-injected engines.