How long does it take to replace fuel injector

Replacing a fuel injector is not one of the most difficult repair jobs, but it is not easy either. If a trained mechanic replaces a fuel injector, it should take no more than 1 to 2 hours. A mechanic can replace your fuel injector as you shop for groceries. If an untrained person is trying to replace it on their own, they can take up to 4 hours if they do it successfully. 

How long does it take to change a fuel injector?

The time it takes to replace a fuel injector depends on its placement and the expertise of the mechanic replacing it. If the vehicle’s approved fuel injector replacement is available at the mechanic’s shop. 

If the mechanic has good training and the injector’s placement is accessible and available, then the replacement job shouldn’t take more than 1 to 2 hours.

In an effort to save money on labor, there are some people who are willing to replace a fuel injector by themselves. This might be a good idea depending on the cost of the mechanic’s labor and the handiness of the vehicle owner.

How much do fuel injectors cost?

The cost of a fuel injector greatly depends on the make, model, and age of the vehicle it is in. Some fuel injectors cost $150 while others can cost as much as $300. And these prices are just the cost of the injector all by itself. 

The total cost of replacing a fuel injector can be anywhere from $200 to 700. With prices like these, it is no wonder why some people try to change a fuel injector by themselves. 

Depending on a person’s abilities and the position of the fuel injector, it is possible for a vehicle owner to change a fuel injector by themselves.

When should a fuel injector be replaced?

There are many other parts of a vehicle’s internal combustion system that will wear out faster than a fuel injector. But in certain situations, fuel injectors can gust, stop working, or become clogged. 

When a fuel injector is not working as it should, a vehicle will give us several noticeable signs that something is not working as it should. Here are a few signs that can tell a vehicle owner or mechanic that there is something wrong with the fuel injector:

  • A vehicle will consume more gasoline to go the same distance
  • When a vehicle is idling, the engine will be louder and rougher
  • The driver will have to ignite the engine 3 or 4 times to finally turn it on
  • Any smoke coming from the tailpipe will become darker and thicker
  • The engine will work harder and anyone in the carriage of the vehicle will feel stronger vibration coming from the engine
  • If a fuel injector is extremely damaged, the vehicle’s engine will not be able to start at all

All of these signs and a few others not mentioned here indicate that there is something wrong with a part of the engine. But these signs can also be symptoms of a different part of the engine. 

The only way to truly know if the issue is with the fuel injector is to connect the engine’s diagnostic system with a scanner tool. 

A mechanic will be able to do this, but a vehicle owner can buy this tool as well and use it at their home whenever there is an issue with their vehicle. 

How long should a fuel injector last? 

How long a fuel injector lasts depends on how often the owner drives their vehicle and how far they drive it. Depending on the make and model of the car, SUV, or truck, the average fuel injector will last anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 miles. 

So if a person drives their vehicle 1000 miles a month, the fuel injector will need replacing in 5 to 10 years. But if they are super commuters and they drive 2500 miles a month, then their vehicle may need a new fuel injector in 3 to 5 years.

How to know if a fuel injector just needs cleaning?

There are certain situations where fuel injectors do not need replacing. Like other parts of the engine, fuel injectors can become dirty, damaged, or disconnected from their position. 

Cleaning a fuel injector can fix a few of the issues that would cause a mechanic to replace the part. Parts becoming clogged with motor oil is a problem all vehicle owners need to watch out for. 

How would you know if a fuel injector is not working correctly because it is too dirty? 

The most common sign the issue is a dirty fuel injector is engine misfiring. If the fuel injector is dirty, it will clog with oil, and fuel will not be able to get through the opening to reach the combustion part of the engine. 

So the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders will be off and cause the engine to sputter and misfire.

Have your trusted mechanic look over your vehicle’s fuel injector and determine if there is oil clogging the part. The diagnostic system inside a car may not be able to tell if the fuel injector has been damaged or just clogged.

If there is clogging, then there is no need to replace the fuel injectors. Just ask your mechanic to clean it.

Conclusion

Replacing a fuel injector should take 1 to 2 hours for a mechanic to remove and 4 to 5 hours for a non-mechanic to remove. The average fuel injector costs $150 to $600. The total cost of replacing the fuel injector can go up to $1100. 

There are several signs that show a fuel injector causing a problem in the engine, including consuming more gasoline to go the same distance. There may also be thick dark smoke coming from the tailpipe, and the engine completely refusing to start upon ignition. 

If the engine misfires, it could be because the fuel injector is actually dirty and it needs cleaning.

    by
  • Eric Williams

    I'm the founder of Daily Car Tips. I wrote articles in the automotive industry for more than 10 years, published in USA and Europe. I love sharing my knowledge and insights with fellow enthusiasts. Join me on this journey as we explore the exciting world of cars together!