There are two different ways your fuel injectors can go bad. First, they can get clogged with carbon deposits from your engine combustion. Second, they can start leaking once they get too old. Either way, you’re going to have engine performance problems if the injectors are not what they should be. Willoughby Hills Auto Repair can help. We can professionally clean any fuel injectors that are clogged or replace them if they have cracked and started leaking. Here are signs that your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s fuel injectors are in trouble.
Dancing RPM Needle
Oddly, the tachometer needle will start to dance around if your vehicle has clogged fuel injectors. The reason why is that the engine is getting the fuel in spurts. This will affect the engine’s RPMs and you will see this effect in the needle. Your tachometer needle should change steadily as your vehicle shifts gears. If the needle is dancing around, you may have an injector problem.
Misfiring Engine
Of course, if the engine is getting fuel in spurts it will misfire. Consequently, you may notice that your engine starts to sputter and your acceleration begins to lag. Unfortunately, you will continue to have these engine performance issues until you get the fuel injectors cleaned or replaced. If the injectors are leaking, your engine may also pick up speed in spurts.
Poor Fuel Economy
Anytime your engine does not run efficiently your fuel economy takes a hit. This includes the engine performance issues just discussed. Unfortunately, you will notice that your vehicle does not get the gas mileage it normally gets if there is a problem with the fuel injectors. You may find yourself heading to the service station more often to fill your tank.
Rough Idling
An engine that idles roughly is also a sign that the injectors are clogged. Clogged injectors cannot get enough fuel to the engine to maintain its smooth operation. You will feel your engine stuttering while you sit at an idle. The idle will not smooth out until you have the underlying problem addressed.
Dead Engine
Finally, as you can imagine, fuel injectors that are completely clogged will prevent your engine from starting. This is because there is no fuel in the combustion chamber to be ignited with the air. A professional cleaning may resolve the problem.
Call Willoughby Hills Auto Repair in Willoughby Hills, OH, today if you suspect your fuel injectors are going bad. We’d be happy to take a look and resolve the issue.