How to Remove Fuel Injectors

by Dan Ferrell

Photo courtesy of Finavon at Wikipedia.org.

The injectors on the multiport fuel injection system of your vehicle feed the intake valves during engine operation. They accomplish this using several internal components like coils, springs, armatures, nozzles and other components. Any of these components inside the injector may eventually brake or fail to perform due to wear or impurities accumulated over time. In this case, replacing a failed injector may be the only option. If this is your case, follow these steps to replace the injector on your particular vehicle model.

Step 1

Relieve fuel system pressure by one of two methods: Look for the Schrader valve on the fuel rail along the top of the engine. Towards the start or end of the fuel rail, you should find a valve similar to an air valve on a bicycle tire. Wrap a shop rag around the valve and use a small screwdriver to depress the inside stem as you catch the squirt of fuel with the rag. If your particular model does not have this valve, go to the next step.

Step 2

Locate the fuel pump relay. You may find this relay under the dashboard, along the firewall or inside a power center box inside the engine compartment. Unplug the relay and start the engine. Then let it idle until it stalls. Plug the relay back in.

Step 3

Detach the negative battery cable using a wrench.

Step 1

Remove any accessories from the top of the engine that might interfere with the removal of the fuel injector like engine cover, accessory brackets or air cleaner assembly components. Use a wrench or ratchet and socket as needed.

Step 2

Unplug the wiring harness from the fuel injector you want to remove. Press the lock tab on the connector and pull the plastic connector off the injector.

Step 3

Locate the mounting screws of the fuel rail with the injector you need to remove and unfasten the bolts using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

Step 4

Carefully lift the fuel rail as you pull the injectors from the intake manifold. Place clean shop rags on top of the intake injector openings to prevent contamination or small objects from falling inside the manifold.

Step 5

Detach the injector you want to replace from the fuel rail. Depending on your particular model, the injector might be attached with a screw or pressed fit into the fuel rail. Use a wrench or ratchet and socket if necessary.

Step 6

Store any seals, washers, boots or collars that might come off after pulling the injector off the fuel rail.

Step 1

Mount the new fuel injector on the fuel rail along with any original seals, washers, boots or collars. Replace seals and boots with new ones if possible.

Step 2

Screw in the injector-mounting bolt using the wrench or ratchet and socket if equipped.

Step 3

Remove the shop rags from the intake manifold and carefully insert the fuel injectors. Make sure they seat properly on the manifold openings.

Step 4

Screw in the fuel rail in place using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

Step 5

Plug the fuel injector to the wiring harness.

Step 6

Install any accessories you removed to gain access to the fuel rail. Use the wrench or ratchet and socket as needed.

Step 7

Attach the ground, battery cable using the wrench.

Step 8

Turn the key to on, but do not start the engine. Listen for the fuel pump to activate for a couple of seconds to pressurize the system. Turn the key off and cycle it again. Check the fuel rail and all connections for leaks. Start the engine and check for leaks again.

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