Inside most of the cars’ fuel system, there is something called the fuel injector. This component's functions to provide fuel for the car engine. The injector basically injects the fuel into the engine’s cylinder via a nozzle, starting the internal combustion process.

Like other important parts of the engine, the injectors are managed by a computer dubbed the Engine Control Unit (ECU). The ECU ensures fuel injection at the right intervals so that the engine can deliver the best possible performance.

And to achieve that possibility, the injectors should be in a good condition to guarantee the engine’s operation. If there is a problem with the fuel injector, the engine will not perform its functions as it should do. A bad fuel injector will prevent the fuel from injecting it into the engine or will mess up the intervals it is supposed to spray. Either way, it will make your car engine fail to start.

But how do we know our car’s injectors are well-functioning or not? Keep calm, Naijauto shall share 7 visible symptoms to realize a bad fuel injector.

1. Fuel leak
If you see the gasoline is leaked out of the injector's body, it could be a definite sign of a broken or damaged injector. As the injector is cracked, the fuel can’t reach the nozzle and then, it will be leaked out. So if you see this symptom, check your car’s fuel injector and replace a new one.

If you see the gasoline is leaked out of the injector's body, it could be a definite sign of a broken or damaged injector

2. Bad fuel economy
If the engine does not receive enough fuel that it needs for combustion, it will put additional demands on the injector to provide more fuel. This could be caused by a damaged injector as it can’t supply enough fuel for the motor. As such, your fuel economy will decrease and you are going to pay extra money for gas.

3. Engine surge
If the cylinder is sprayed with too much fuel, it will lead to a surge in the engine and significantly slower your acceleration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDJoKIoSd-w
Fuel injector test - bad fuel injector symptoms

4. Fuel Odor
If the fuel injector is not absolutely closed, the fuel can't get burned and gives off an odor that can be easily smelled.

5. Engine light turns on
The most visible sign of this problem is when the "Check Engine" lights up on your dashboard. Although this may led by different reasons a damaged fuel injector might be one of them.

6. Engine Misfires
If there is not enough fuel sprayed into the engine, it will repeatedly misfire when you try to start it up. Or even when it is able to start, it is hard to take off or take pauses after you step on the gas pedal. And running for a long distance seems to be impossible.

If there is not enough fuel sprayed into the engine, it will repeatedly misfire when you try to start it up

7. Engine vibrates
When there is not enough fuel sprayed into the cylinder, the engine will cause vibration after it completes each cycle without fuel.
Fuel injector will have a longer lifespan than average if you take appropriate maintenance. According to car experts, the fuel injector should be cleaned every 30,000 miles. If not, it could be clogged and can’t deliver the fuel to the cylinder. That said, the injectors will get worn over time and show the same symptoms as a clogged one does. Once you know your injection is bad, you will have to spent around N100,000 for a replacement.
https://naijauto.com/car-maintenance/7-obvious-symptoms-to-know-a-damaged-fuel-injector-174