How Injector Driver Modules Works

Injector driver modules, also known as IDMs, work with the central computer system and the fuel injection system in a vehicle. Only vehicles with fuel-injection systems will use an injector driver module. Engines that need high pressure fuel injection rely on injector driver modules to control the fuel injection system. The main purpose of an injector driver module is to control the amount and timing of fuel injection within the vehicle's system.

Newer model vehicles run off a central computer system that tells the different aspects of the engine system what to do and when. The computer operates through smaller modules and machines within the car to relay the necessary information. In the case of an injector driver module, when a driver starts the car and presses the gas pedal, the main computer system sends a signal to the injector drive module dictating the amount and timing of fuel. The module then sends that information to the fuel injection system.

Each engine operates the injection system differently. For example, a Power Stroke engine uses cylinders to supply fuel to the engine. When the central computer system of the vehicle senses that the fuel cylinder should unload, it sends a signal to the injector driver module. The IDM sends a modulated signal to an injector solenoid. The solenoid begins working and opens a valve to allow gas or oil through.

Diesel engines commonly use power train control modules to operate the injector driver module. An engine that fails to crank can be a module problem. If the control module does not send the injector drive module the signal to inject fuel, the engine will not turn over. An injector driver module can also lose power or receive damage, meaning the fuel injection system cannot function properly to operate the vehicle. Since the injector driver module runs off the main computer system, a mechanic can hook the vehicle up to a main repair computer to diagnose IDM failure.