Fuel injection systems have been refined to such a degree that they typically last a long time without much hassle. That doesn’t mean they last forever, though. There’s a good chance you will need to replace them at least once or twice.

Fortunately, replacing your fuel injectors isn’t typically a huge expense, unless they are part of a larger engine issue. Taking proper care of your fuel injectors will help prevent bigger problems. So how much does it cost to replace fuel injectors?

How Much Is It to Replace Fuel Injectors?

On average, you can expect to pay between $350 and $850 to replace your fuel injectors. The range of costs depends on a number of factors.

  • Smaller vehicles with fewer cylinders requiring less expensive parts will come in at the lower end of the spectrum.
  • Larger, high-performance engines will command a higher price tag.
  • You can also expect your location to factor into labor costs.
  • If there are other issues with your fuel system, like problems with the fuel pump, you will have to pay more for the repair. Depending on the specific issues, you may end up paying well beyond the price range listed above.

What Are Fuel Injectors and How Do They Work?

To understand how much it costs to replace fuel injectors and why it’s important to get it done, it helps to know more about how your fuel injection system works. Fuel injectors play an important part in the function of your car’s engine. Here’s a quick rundown of what they do:

  • Fuel injectors spray fuel into the cylinders of your engine.
  • There is one fuel injector for each cylinder in the engine.
  • The fuel pump sends fuel from the gas tank, through the gas lines, to the injectors.
  • Your car’s computer system sends signals to the fuel injectors to tell them how much fuel to spray into the cylinders.
  • The nozzle at the end of each fuel injector partially atomizes the liquid fuel into a spray that then enters the cylinder.
  • The cylinders then fire to trigger the internal combustion process that powers your vehicle.
  • The fuel injectors will spray more fuel over a longer spray when you accelerate and will spray less when slowing down or idling.

Signs of Bad Fuel Injectors

When your fuel injection system has issues, your engine will not function properly. If the issue persists long enough, it can cause significant damage and can even disable your vehicle. Knowing the warning signs of bad fuel injectors will help you get it taken care of sooner rather than later. Here are some tips to test your fuel injectors and see if it’s time for new ones.

ROUGH IDLING OR LOW RPMS

Your engine will run more roughly than usual if there are issues with the fuel injectors. This is typically due to interference in the delivery of fuel to the cylinders. Clogged or damaged injectors will lead to the wrong amount of fuel sprayed into the cylinders at the wrong times. Your engine will also run at lower RPMs than usual if the injectors aren’t getting the right amount of fuel into the cylinders.

DIFFICULTY STARTING (OR NOT STARTING AT ALL)

If the fuel injectors are clogged or damaged enough, your engine might not start at all. If you try to start your engine and nothing happens, the fuel injection system could be the problem, especially if your car has been running rough recently. Less obstructed or partially functioning injectors can lead to slow starts that serve as a warning sign of a system that needs work.

FUEL SMELL

The smell of fuel around your car is another sign of problems with the fuel injectors. If the injectors are clogged or damaged, your vehicle’s computer will tell the fuel system to send more fuel to give the engine the power it needs to run. Other issues with the fuel system, from the fuel pump to the fuel lines, could also contribute to the smell.

POOR FUEL ECONOMY AND DIRTY EMISSIONS

A solid fuel injection system keeps your engine running as it should. On the flip side of that, injectors that need to be replaced will lead to poor engine performance. One thing you will likely notice if your fuel injectors need to be replaced is worsening fuel economy. If you notice your gas mileage getting worse, you should definitely ask your mechanic to take a look at the injectors.

How Often Do Fuel Injectors Need to Be Replaced?

Fuel injectors tend to be very reliable. On average, they last between 80,000 and 100,000 miles. With proper maintenance and a close eye, you can probably get yours to last toward the higher end of that spectrum. If your vehicle is nearing that mileage since it was built or since you had replacement injectors installed, it could be time to have them replaced. You definitely want them looked at if they are getting that far along.

What to Expect When You Get Your Fuel Injectors Replaced

Getting your fuel injectors replaced is part of maintaining your vehicle. The cost of a replacement includes parts and labor. The labor can cost between $200 and $300, while the cost of the parts will vary from $150 to $600.

Knowing how much it costs to replace fuel injectors when they need to be replaced, and the signs of bad injectors can help you prevent larger issues. Shop Dieselogic for the fuel injectors that will keep your engine running smoothly with the elite performance you expect from your engine.