Can electric parts of fuel injector fail?

[Wiley Toyote]

Hello all - newb to the forum - thanks in advance for any help

I've got a "new to me" high mileage 300k '96. There's a misfire code for cylinder #1. After checking the plugs, wires, coil swapping - then compression test (looks good) AND sticking a screwdriver in my ear, I suspect the fuel injector.

I tested the #1 plug and power is present. Resistance test of #2 is within spec at 13.9 ohms. However, ohm testing the #1 injector won't move/change my digital multimeter at all. I tried cleaning up the pins with a little sandpaper but nothing. So my question is - besides getting dirty and clogged, can the electrical part of the injector fail? Could that be why I am getting no reading? like the circuit is "open?"

Second question, with a rig with 300k - should I replace all 6? just the one? Thanks again.

 

[nissanh]

If the coil is open then, yes, the injector has to be replaced. Just replace the faulty injector. Install all new O-rings:

 

[crawlingjunk]

Anytime the injector is out of the specified resistance range it is considered faulty. I would replace all at the same time. To save the headache later on


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[phattyduck]

Anytime the injector is out of the specified resistance range it is considered faulty. I would replace all at the same time. To save the headache later on

The big challenge is then finding a quality set of injectors...

-Charlie

 

[Wiley Toyote]

Thanks! I'm using the youtube vids for reference (e.g., Timmy the Toolman).

If replacing just the #1 injector, do the plenums still have to be removed to access the passenger side fuel rail? Am I asking for a headache and skinned knuckles? Or is it just better to take them off and have the more open access?

If I decide to send out the remaining 5 injectors for pro cleaning - is there anything I should do to protect the engine for the week or two while the injectors are being serviced?

 

[JZiggy]

I have had fantastic luck with upgraded injectors from Osidetiger. I am running their injectors on 3 of my vehicles, two Yotas and one Honda. A set for the V6 is ~$225. These are stock flowrate so they are completely plug & play and are either Denso or Aisin. The tips provide better fuel atomization since they are a more modern injector design. I expect that sending out for a rebuild of your injectors will cost about the same and if you have one with an electrical fault it may not even be repairable.

 

[FD7683]

I have the upgraded Denso ones from MotorWest Performance out in Cali and they are fantastic. They were around $250 at the time when I purchased them a couple months ago. The job wasn't too hard but make sure you don't drop a socket in the engine when the plentum is out. Also replace the fuel rail gaskets with Toyota ones (strongly recommend a crows foot or an open end wrench to loosen the banjo bolt).

At 300k it is worth the investment replacing all 6 especially if you plan to keep it long term. Wouldn't recommend those "rebuilt" eBay fuel injectors.

 

[spartacus]

Replace the one that is bad. Have them refurbished by this guy Home. It's worth it.

 

[LittleCaesar]

+1 here for the MotorWest injectors. Great service and the 4runner has never run better in my sixteen years of ownership.

 

[Wiley Toyote]

Thanks all for your replies. This forum is really helpful.

fwiw - I went with MotorWest Performance replacements so I could have parts on hand as soon as I could find free time (needed it for a visiting relative to use). I also decided at 304k to replace all 6 injectors since they're all the same mileage/age, and like JZiggy said, the rebuild was about the cost of cleaning/refurbishing. Started this morning, found remnants of a nest between the plenums. Took a little more than 3 hours for this beginner. No leaks, no gas smells, no parts left over. Thanks again.

 

[Jakeepoo3]

Replace the one that is bad. Have them refurbished by this guy Home. It's worth it.

Listen to Spartacus. But instead of needing a guy, be the guy. Invest in a $60 tool no dealership wants the public to know about. Non dismantle injector cleaner. Hooks directly to your service port and compressed air. With a reservoir for the cleaner to be blown through while running engine. They come with pressure regulator attached to run the proper pressure. It's compatible with pretty much any vehicle I use it on all mine. Never had injector issue even on my 94 xj. Still spraying in perfect form.. if you have other cars I'd recommend it!

 

[Wiley Toyote]

Listen to Spartacus. But instead of needing a guy, be the guy. Invest in a $60 tool no dealership wants the public to know about. Non dismantle injector cleaner. Hooks directly to your service port and compressed air. With a reservoir for the cleaner to be blown through while running engine. They come with pressure regulator attached to run the proper pressure. It's compatible with pretty much any vehicle I use it on all mine. Never had injector issue even on my 94 xj. Still spraying in perfect form.. if you have other cars I'd recommend it!

I'll deffo check that out! This time, my problem injector was shorted out so I think cleaning wouldn't have fixed it, but next time for sure

 

[Jakeepoo3]

I'll deffo check that out! This time, my problem injector was shorted out so I think cleaning wouldn't have fixed it, but next time for sure

No definitely not that one! My 2010 only has 100,000 miles on it. Original owner. I use it as a preventative measure like every 25,000 miles to avoid any issues from ever happening in the first place there and the additional wear and tear involved in that situation. Also maintaining optimal engine performance protecting so much more than your injectors from more carnage. Good work on the repair!

 

[3bears]

Listen to Spartacus. But instead of needing a guy, be the guy. Invest in a $60 tool no dealership wants the public to know about. Non dismantle injector cleaner. Hooks directly to your service port and compressed air. With a reservoir for the cleaner to be blown through while running engine. They come with pressure regulator attached to run the proper pressure. It's compatible with pretty much any vehicle I use it on all mine. Never had injector issue even on my 94 xj. Still spraying in perfect form.. if you have other cars I'd recommend it!

have not heard of this tool. got a link ? used it on a 3rd gen 4runner ?

 

[Bad Luck]

have not heard of this tool. got a link ? used it on a 3rd gen 4runner ?

I use something similar to this at work: Car Fuel Injector Cleaner Tool,Non-Dismantle Fuel Injector Cleaner Kit with 600ML Tank,140PSI Fuel Injector System Cleaning Machine with Portable Case For Petrol Cars https://a.co/d/adtUZIu

Keep in mind you will need to disable the fuel pump by pulling the fuse, tap into the fuel rail, plug the fuel rail return line, and then run fuel injector cleaner designed to be ran through the fuel rail directly while the engine is running. We use MOC fuel injector cleaner kits at my work (gm dealership).

It’s worth pointing out that fuel injector cleaners usually only cover the cost of the cleaner if an injector fails during or after cleaning (it’s happened to me and possible) and that you are only cleaning the internals that touch fuel. It will not fix a bad fuel injector solenoid/driver. If the fuel injector is too clogged then the cleaner can’t flow to clear the blockage either.

Considering our fuel system I would recommend using fuel injector cleaner additive that gets added to the tank vs using a fuel injector cleaner tool at the fuel rail. Newer vehicles are manufactured with fittings on or right before the fuel rails which make it a lot easier to use the fuel injector cleaner tool.

 

[Jakeepoo3]

have not heard of this tool. got a link ? used it on a 3rd gen 4runner ?

That's the whole idea. The auto repair industry would lose trillions in business. Dirty injectors are the root of a large web of common mechanical problems. They are universal pretty much all the same just look it up. I don't have a 3rd gen but yes you can!

 

[Bad Luck]

That's the whole idea. The auto repair industry would lose trillions in business. Dirty injectors are the root of a large web of common mechanical problems. They are universal pretty much all the same just look it up. I don't have a 3rd gen but yes you can!

They are a commonly used tool at every gm dealership and most every other dealership that I’ve been in contact with. It’s used in what’s called a complete fuel system service. That includes cleaning the throttle body, a fuel tank additive, a fuel injector cleaner run through the fuel rail directly, and resetting throttle body air flow compensation values if applicable. You sound like a conspiracy nut job right now lol

 

[Jakeepoo3]

They are a commonly used tool at every gm dealership and most every other dealership that I’ve been in contact with. It’s used in what’s called a complete fuel system service. That includes cleaning the throttle body, a fuel tank additive, a fuel injector cleaner run through the fuel rail directly, and resetting throttle body air flow compensation values if applicable. You sound like a conspiracy nut job right now lol

You're right I am one of those conspiracy theorists!! I have lots of good ones. "It's commonly used in the dealerships". That's my point the average human doesn't work there and has no clue it exists. I've never had a dealership even mention "complete fuel system service" this in my life. So no one would know to request such a service in the first place until it's too late and their vehicle is already f_cked, and most people don't use a dealership for mechanical issues. You know you're my favorite member bad luck!

 

[Bad Luck]

You're right I am one of those conspiracy theorists!! I have lots of good ones. "It's commonly used in the dealerships". That's my point the average human doesn't work there and has no clue it exists. I've never had a dealership even mention "complete fuel system service" this in my life. So no one would know to request such a service in the first place until it's too late and their vehicle is already f_cked, and most people don't use a dealership for mechanical issues. You know you're my favorite member bad luck!

Are you related to Scotty Kilmer by chance? If you read my response earlier you would know that it doesn’t fix electrical problems with fuel injectors, doesn’t work on fully clogged injectors, and won’t fix a stuck open injector. You’d also know that 3rd gens don’t have a port for fuel injector cleaners to connect to. Your 5th gen may have that, but I wouldn’t know because I’m not in the 5th gen section because I don’t own a 5th gen.

I specifically said dealerships because that’s where I work. I don’t work at a mom and pop mechanic shop or anything along those lines. The point of that statement is they are a common tool and a common service that is commonly unsold to customers. Your mileage may vary and dealership experience may vary as well. I have a lot of specialty tools that I wouldn’t expect anyone to need let alone know about. Most mechanic shops are going to have transmission/coolant/power steering/brake flush machines too. Feel free to go buy your own. We’re not intentionally keeping that a secret from you or the general public.

I also (personally) don’t recommend using a fuel injector cleaner through the fuel rail. Most of those products only cover the cost of the product if an injector fails after using it and are not recommended/approved by manufacturers.

There’s a lot of handy tools that I wouldn’t expect anyone that’s not a mechanic to know about. I’ve got a sheet metal skin wedge tool that is the perfect tool for interior trim work. Semi deep/swivel/impact 13mm and 15mm 3/8 drive sockets make transmission bell housing bolt removal a breeze. I have a few tools that I have only used once for very specific repairs like a chopped down T15 for an ignition switch on a 2005 HHR with a steering column that would unlock to move up/down.

TLDR; just because you aren’t aware of a tool that most dealerships and mechanic shops have doesn’t mean the automotive repair industry is hiding it from you. I really have no clue where you got the “trillions in business” figure from either. Pulling that one out from where the sun doesn’t shine I guess. Go forth and preach the good word of the massive automotive conspiracy to keep people in the dark about fuel injector cleaner tools.

Edit: the global auto repair industry was estimated to be worth 700 billion usd in 2020. GLOBAL… That includes all auto repairs not just fuel injectors.

 

[Jakeepoo3]

Are you related to Scotty Kilmer by chance? If you read my response earlier you would know that it doesn’t fix electrical problems with fuel injectors, doesn’t work on fully clogged injectors, and won’t fix a stuck open injector. You’d also know that 3rd gens don’t have a port for fuel injector cleaners to connect to. Your 5th gen may have that, but I wouldn’t know because I’m not in the 5th gen section because I don’t own a 5th gen.

I specifically said dealerships because that’s where I work. I don’t work at a mom and pop mechanic shop or anything along those lines. The point of that statement is they are a common tool and a common service that is commonly unsold to customers. Your mileage may vary and dealership experience may vary as well. I have a lot of specialty tools that I wouldn’t expect anyone to need let alone know about. Most mechanic shops are going to have transmission/coolant/power steering/brake flush machines too. Feel free to go buy your own. We’re not intentionally keeping that a secret from you or the general public.

I also (personally) don’t recommend using a fuel injector cleaner through the fuel rail. Most of those products only cover the cost of the product if an injector fails after using it and are not recommended/approved by manufacturers.

There’s a lot of handy tools that I wouldn’t expect anyone that’s not a mechanic to know about. I’ve got a sheet metal skin wedge tool that is the perfect tool for interior trim work. Semi deep/swivel/impact 13mm and 15mm 3/8 drive sockets make transmission bell housing bolt removal a breeze. I have a few tools that I have only used once for very specific repairs like a chopped down T15 for an ignition switch on a 2005 HHR with a steering column that would unlock to move up/down.

TLDR; just because you aren’t aware of a tool that most dealerships and mechanic shops have doesn’t mean the automotive repair industry is hiding it from you. I really have no clue where you got the “trillions in business” figure from either. Pulling that one out from where the sun doesn’t shine I guess. Go forth and preach the good word of the massive automotive conspiracy to keep people in the dark about fuel injector cleaner tools.

Edit: the global auto repair industry was estimated to be worth 700 billion usd in 2020. GLOBAL… That includes all auto repairs not just fuel injectors.

You can do it easily without a service port there are adapters for older vehicles. I never mentioned an electrical problem.. I recommended it as preventative maintenance before any issues ever occur. That kilmer guy is half retarded why you getting crazy on me luckers. Relax