Changing the fuel injector on a PT Cruiser is not a simple task and is best left to a professional. However, if you are determined to do it yourself, there are a number of steps you need to follow. First, relieve any pressure inside the fuel tank by removing the filler cap. Next, disconnect the battery and drain the engine coolant. You will then need to remove the upper intake manifold, the upper radiator hose, and the fuel supply line from the fuel rail. Disconnect the fuel injector electrical connectors and remove the fuel rail bolts. Carefully pull up on the fuel rail to disengage the injectors from their bores, and then remove the injector retaining clips and O-rings. Install the new injectors, making sure to apply a thin film of clean engine oil to the new O-rings, and reassemble the engine in the reverse order.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Symptoms of a bad fuel injector | Engine power is reduced, misfires occur, the check engine light turns on, the engine may stall immediately after starting, fail to start, hesitate under throttle or vibrate roughly |
Causes of a bad fuel injector | Fuel injector failure or clogging |
Fuel injector replacement cost | Between $248 and $274 |
Labor cost | Between $97 and $122 |
Parts cost | Around $152 |
Fuel injector replacement | Not a DIY job, should be left to a professional |
Fuel injector replacement process | Typically, the intake manifold must be removed to access and replace the fuel injectors |
Fuel injector function | Regulate the amount of pressurized fuel used for each engine cycle |
What You'll Learn
Disconnect the fuel supply line from the fuel rail
Disconnecting the fuel supply line from the fuel rail is a crucial step in changing a fuel injector on a PT Cruiser. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this safely and effectively:
Firstly, locate the fuel supply line. It is connected to the fuel rail, which is a metal tube that runs parallel to the fuel injectors. The fuel rail's purpose is to deliver fuel to the injectors, which then spray it into the engine's cylinders. Before beginning any work, it is essential to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. This can be done by removing the filler cap from the fuel tank and starting the engine, allowing it to run until it stops. Once the engine has stopped, turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Now, you can proceed to disconnect the fuel supply line from the fuel rail. This is achieved by squeezing the two tabs on the quick-disconnect fitting together and then pulling up on the fitting. It is important to be gentle but firm during this process to avoid damaging any components. Once the fuel supply line is disconnected, set it aside, ensuring it does not come into contact with any flammable materials.
With the fuel supply line disconnected, you will have access to the fuel injector electrical connectors. To disconnect these, push up on the lock and then squeeze the tab on the same side of the lock before pulling up to disconnect.
At this point, the fuel rail can be removed by unscrewing the two fuel rail bolts. It is important to note that when reinstalling the fuel rail, the bolts should be torqued to 170-230 inch-pounds, not foot-pounds.
By carefully following these steps, you will successfully disconnect the fuel supply line from the fuel rail, allowing you to access and replace the fuel injectors on your PT Cruiser. Remember always to take appropriate safety precautions when working with fuel systems, and if you feel uncomfortable with any of the steps, it is best to consult a professional mechanic.
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Disconnect the fuel injector electrical connectors
Disconnecting the fuel injector electrical connectors is a crucial step when changing the fuel injector on a PT Cruiser. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this safely and effectively:
Firstly, ensure that you have relieved any pressure inside the fuel tank by removing the filler cap. This is an important safety precaution as it helps prevent fuel spray and reduces the risk of fire. Next, remove the cover from the air filter housing and the fuel pump relay in the PDC. These are located on the left side of the engine compartment, right behind and below the air filter housing.
Now, you can start the engine and let it run until it stops by itself. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Before proceeding further, it is crucial to disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. This step is essential for safety when working on the fuel system, as it ensures that the fuel system pressure is relieved.
At this point, you are ready to begin disconnecting the fuel injector electrical connectors. To do this, follow these steps carefully:
- Locate the lock on the connector: Using an appropriate tool, push up on the lock to unlock the connector.
- Squeeze the tab: With the lock pushed up, locate the tab on the same side as the lock. Squeeze this tab gently but firmly.
- Pull up on the connector: With the lock pushed up and the tab squeezed, you can now gently pull up on the connector. This should release the fuel injector electrical connector from its housing.
By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected the fuel injector electrical connectors on your PT Cruiser. Remember to work carefully and methodically, ensuring that the battery is disconnected before proceeding, to ensure your safety and avoid any potential damage to the vehicle.
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Remove the fuel rail bolts
To remove the fuel rail bolts, you will need to first relieve any pressure inside the fuel tank. Remove the filler cap to do this. Next, remove the cover from the air filter housing. Then, remove the fuel pump relay in the PDC. You can locate the fuse and relay on the left side of the engine compartment, right behind and below the air filter housing.
Now, start the engine and let it run until it stops. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery before working on the fuel system. The fuel system pressure is now relieved.
Drain the engine coolant and remove the throttle body air intake plenum cover. Remove the upper intake manifold and the upper radiator hose. Disconnect the fuel supply line from the fuel rail by squeezing the two tabs on the quick-disconnect fitting together and then pulling up on the fitting.
Now, you are ready to remove the two fuel rail bolts. Note that when reinstalling the rail, you should torque them to 170-230 inch-pounds, not foot-pounds.
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Pull up on the fuel rail to disengage the injectors
To disengage the injectors, you will need to pull up on the fuel rail. This step is part of the process of changing the fuel injectors on a PT Cruiser.
First, relieve any pressure inside the fuel tank by removing the filler cap. Remove the cover from the air filter housing and the fuel pump relay in the PDC. The fuse and relay are located on the left side of the engine compartment, right behind and below the air filter housing. Start the engine and let it run until it stops. Turn the ignition switch off and disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. Drain the engine coolant and remove the throttle body air intake plenum cover, the upper intake manifold, and the upper radiator hose.
Next, disconnect the fuel supply line from the fuel rail by squeezing the two tabs on the quick-disconnect fitting together and then pulling up on the fitting. Disconnect the fuel injector electrical connectors by pushing up on the lock, squeezing the tab on the same side, and then pulling up. Remove the two fuel rail bolts. Note that when reinstalling the rail, you should torque them to 170-230 inch-pounds, not foot-pounds.
Now, carefully pull up on the fuel rail to disengage the injectors from their respective bores in the intake manifold. The injectors might initially stick in their bores, but they will pull free with enough force. Once the fuel rail is removed, you can then remove the injector retaining clips and detach the injectors from the rail. Again, the injectors may stick in their bores, but they can be removed with some pulling and wiggling.
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Remove the injector retaining clips
To remove the injector retaining clips, you will need to carefully pull up on the fuel rail to disengage the injectors from their respective bores in the intake manifold. The injectors might initially stick in their bores, but they will pull free once enough force is applied.
Once the fuel rail has been removed, you can then remove the injector retaining clips. These clips hold the injectors in place on the fuel rail. They may also be stuck, so you will need to use a small amount of force to remove them. It is important to be careful during this process, as the injectors and fuel rail are delicate and can be damaged if too much force is applied.
When removing the injector retaining clips, it is also important to be aware of the surrounding components and to work in a well-ventilated area. The fuel system is a delicate and complex system, and it is important to take your time and be careful during the removal process.
After the injector retaining clips have been removed, you can then detach the injectors from the fuel rail. Again, be careful during this process, as the injectors may stick in the bores and will require a small amount of force to remove. It is also important to note that there may be residual fuel or pressure in the system, so be sure to relieve any pressure and drain the fuel before beginning the removal process.
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Frequently asked questions
When a fuel injector fails or clogs, engine power is reduced and misfires will occur. The check engine light will turn on and, as the issue progresses, the engine may stall immediately after starting, fail to start, hesitate under throttle or vibrate roughly.
It is not recommended to drive a vehicle with a fuel injector problem. These issues can cause the car to stall every few moments and accelerate unpredictably, creating a hazard. If the problem is bad enough, the vehicle may not even start, making it impossible to drive.
On average, fuel injectors tend to fail after 80,000 miles and require little maintenance. To prolong the life of the fuel injectors, follow the scheduled maintenance schedule for cleaning the fuel delivery system and injectors.
Typically, the intake manifold must be removed to access and replace the fuel injectors. This can be a large job that may involve draining the coolant and oil, removing many engine components, and replacing the intake manifold gasket. Once access is available, the fuel injector is disconnected from the fuel rail and electrical connector and removed. The new one is then installed in its place.