What component is associated with the air cleaner assembly?

The air cleaner assembly is primarily responsible for filtering the air entering the engine, ensuring that dirt and debris do not compromise engine performance and longevity. The correct answer as listed, which relates to the function of the air cleaner assembly, is not the fuel injector, but rather components like the throttle body are directly involved in the airflow and air-fuel mixture entering the combustion chamber.

The throttle body regulates the amount of air that enters the engine based on driver input. This regulation is critical for maintaining the correct air-fuel ratio necessary for efficient combustion. A clean air supply, as maintained by the air cleaner assembly, is essential for the throttle body to function optimally, promoting efficient engine performance and preventing issues related to air-fuel mixture in the combustion process.

In contrast, the fuel injector is part of the fuel system and delivers fuel into the engine's combustion chamber, while the spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture. The crankshaft, on the other hand, converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion, which powers the vehicle. None of these components directly relate to the air cleaner assembly's function of managing and filtering air intake.