Do you know the signs of a failing fuel injector? At Dakota Ridge Automotive in Littleton, we help our customers get to know their vehicles. This enables them to spot a minor problem right away so they can bring it in before it turns into a major problem. Today, let’s talk fuel injectors.
These key components act as the nozzles that spray the right amount of fuel into the engine. They are controlled by the vehicle computer and operated by spraying the fuel in specific patterns and at timed intervals. Since fuel injectors are a major part of the fuel system, a failing fuel injector can cause all sorts of engine performance issues, even make your car undrivable.
Does your check engine light come on?
One of the unmissable signs of a failing fuel injector is your check engine light coming on. If the fuel injectors get clogged, it can cause a misfire or an electrical issue and your vehicle’s computer will set off the check engine light. If you bring it to our certified experts, we can find the computer trouble codes and determine if it is the fuel injectors or some other issue.
Do you smell the odor of fuel?
Another warning of a bad fuel injector is that you smell gas. Here’s why. The fuel injectors keep high pressures which over a period of time can cause them to leak at the nozzle or at the seal that is located at the tip of the injector. If that happens, a leaky fuel injector will allow excess fuel into the combustion chamber of the engine and may be leaking fuel at the base of the injector. If either of these things happen, it can affect the engine’s performance, most often with its fuel efficiency. But it will definitely give off a very obvious gas smell.
Is the engine misfiring or is there a decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency?
If you are having engine performance problems, that is definitely one of the signs of a failing fuel injector that is upsetting the air/fuel ratio of the engine. This can cause engine performance issues. In addition to misfiring and a decrease in acceleration, power, and fuel efficiency, a bad fuel injector could cause your car to stall or stop running altogether.
Remember fuel injectors are important because they are an integral component of the vehicle’s fuel system. A bad fuel injector can create many engine performance issues, even a complete breakdown. Your best bet is to always take care of it before it gets to that point.
If you notice your car having any of these signs of a failing fuel injector, it’s important that you don’t ignore it. Bring it to our ASE-certified technicians at Dakota Ridge Automotive in Littleton. We can determine if the fuel injectors are the problem and replace them for you if necessary. It’s important to fix any vehicle issues that deal with fuel right away, so call or stop by today.
