Is Your Fuel Injector Bad?

Five Signs Your Fuel Injector Needs Service

Your vehicle’s fuel injection system is probably something you never think about, because you don’t realize what’s happening under the hood. It’s the rather complex system that allows the correct mixture of air and fuel into the combustion chamber, which causes the chemical reaction to start your engine. The following are five signs that your vehicle has a bad fuel injector. If you’re seeing these signs, bring your vehicle to Coopers Auto Repair Specialists in Tacoma, WA, for an inspection.

Trouble Starting Your Car

When you turn over the ignition and nothing happens, that may mean the fuel injectors aren’t delivering gas to the cylinders. Anytime the engine isn’t receiving the necessary fuel and air, there won’t be any combustion produced to power the engine. In the most severe cases, fuel injector issues can lead to complete engine breakdowns.

The Engine is Misfiring

If your vehicle’s engine is misfiring, you just may have a dirty fuel injector. If the balance of the fuel and air mixture that’s flowing through the engine is off, then the fuel injector could be the source of the problem. A sputtering motor and vibrations throughout the vehicle can mean the fuel injectors need repair.

The RPM Needle Seems Erratic

The movement of the dashboard’s RPM needle should generally be predictable, going up and down when you upshift or downshift in gears. Erratic movement of the needle is a clear indication that there may be a problem with the fuel injector. If you notice that the RPM needle is moving unpredictably on its own, you’ll need to have your fuel injector checked.

Poor Gas Mileage

When you find yourself pulling into the gas station more often than expected, and your wallet feels a little bit lighter, pay attention. It may not be inflation. It may be your fuel system. The fuel injector is designed to give you the most efficient gas-mileage, but you should consider having it checked out if you notice poor fuel efficiency.

Rough Idling

Whenever your car is in park, neutral, or idling, you expect there to be little engine commotion. However, sometimes when the fuel injector needs attention, your vehicle will experience rough idling. There may be several possible reasons for noisy, rough idling, even when your foot is off the pedal, and a bad fuel injector is one of them.

If you notice any of these warning signs, you should bring your vehicle to the service experts at Coopers Auto Repair Specialists in Tacoma, WA. Our certified technicians are ready to determine if your fuel injector is causing problems, and to perform repairs if needed.