Signs of a Bad Fuel Injector

If you have a car built since the 80’s it has a fuel injector. Although their fail rate is fairly low, they can have problems. When they do, your car doesn’t perform as it should. The signs that your fuel injector is clogged, dirty or has failed are fairly easy to recognize:

• MPGs suddenly drops
• Car jerks or takes a moment to react when you accelerate
• RPMs fluctuate even at a set speed on a level road
• It idles roughly or even stalls when idling
• Doesn’t start like it once did

Of course, if your check engine light is on, you should always head to your mechanic for an evaluation.

Fixes

Depending on the severity of the issue, you may just have a dirty or clogged fuel injector. If that’s the case, there are many products available at auto supply stores that you can add to your gas tank to remedy the problem. The key is following the directions on the bottle and understanding that it may take more than one application. If you do get it fixed with a good additive, try to use quality fuel which will help prevent future clogs.

A bad fuel injector often leaks. Two signs of a leak are gas under your car when it’s been parked for a while and the smell of gasoline when you open your hood. You’ll likely need a mechanic to diagnose that the issue is your fuel injector and not something else.

If your mechanic says that it’s just clogged but you’ve already tried fuel injector cleaners without resolution, they may need to professionally clean it. It’s one of the more affordable car repairs that will make a big difference in fuel economy and how your car performs so don’t put this one off.

Replacement

Sometimes the clog or problem can’t be solved with a cleaning, either by you or professionally. If that’s the case, you’ll need yours replaced. This is an expensive repair because you don’t have just one fuel injector in your car and all will need to be replaced for optimal performance. Each cylinder in your car has its own fuel injector so the price varies based on how many cylinders and the make and model.

Oldsmar Automotive Can Help

Whether you need to know why your check engine light is on or know you need an estimate for new fuel injectors or something in between, Oldsmar Automotive can help. You can schedule an appointment by calling (727) 784-3501 or come by our facility at 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar.