The engine under the hood of your vehicle relies on various systems, with the fuel system naturally being integral to its functioning. Adding fuel at exactly the right angle is the job of the fuel injectors, and the role these play in generating, containing, and exploiting small explosions has its risks. Knowing how to spot the signs of a problem, like a fuel injector not working, could save you a lot of trouble as well as some hefty repair bills. Luckily, there are a number of symptoms of a bad fuel injector to help you identify and solve the problem before things get to that point.
How Does A Fuel Injector Work?
Knowing the basics of how fuel injection fits into the gasoline direct injections system (GDI system), will help you identify any irregularities. The system works as follows: gasoline is pumped from the fuel tank to the injectors via the fuel pump, where the injectors spray the fuel into the intake manifold at a precise angle. This is where the fuel is combined with air, and the air-fuel mixture is then compressed into the combustion chamber and ignited. The injector specifically controls when and how much fuel is added to the equation, as well as the angle and spray pattern. This is all calculated by the engine control unit (ECU) using a number of sensors.
The Signs of a Bad Fuel Injector
A bad or broken fuel injector is no laughing matter, and it can lead to much more severe damage if left unattended. To help prevent this, here are some symptoms of fuel injector problems to look out for:
- The car won't start. One of the most obvious symptoms of a failing fuel injector is when the car won't even start at all. While it's rare, and there are any number of reasons why this might happen, if the engine isn't getting enough fuel to combust and create energy, the problem could lie with the injectors.
- Engine misfires: Even if there is enough gas to get the system started, a clogged or dirty fuel injector can mess up the balance of air and fuel, resulting in an inconsistent reaction. This leads to misfires in the engine or stuttering.
Read more - What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Fuel Injector?
Author: MORGAN CARTER
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