A system and method for cleaning deposits, such as carbon build-up, from an air induction path of a motor vehicle engine. A reservoir mounted onboard the vehicle is in fluid communication with the induction path and contains a cleaning solution. A control module activates a valve to meters a flow of the solution into an air intake plenum in response to a signal indicating a parameter related to operation of the engine. The solvent may be delivered in a quantity calculated to collect at sump of the intake plenum and be drawn into the engine when intake air flow exceeds a threshold rate. The engine-related parameter may be distance travelled by the vehicle.