Replacing Fuel Injectors In Acura Tl Type S: Step-By-Step Guide

The fuel injector is a device in the Acura TL that delivers fuel electronically, spraying atomized droplets of fuel into the engine's intake manifold or directly into the combustion chamber. Fuel injectors are prone to clogging, leakage, or malfunction, leading to poor idle, low power, and compromised fuel economy. When replacing fuel injectors, it is recommended to use high-quality, OEM parts to ensure even power distribution across the engine. The average cost for an Acura TL Fuel Injector replacement ranges from $502 to $793, with parts priced between $362 and $619, and labor costs between $140 and $174.

Symptoms of a faulty fuel injector

A faulty or dirty fuel injector will starve your engine of fuel, and you will notice several symptoms as a result. Here are some common symptoms of a faulty fuel injector:

• Poor Performance: You may experience a loss of power and find it challenging to accelerate or climb uphill.
• Engine Misfires: The fuel-air mixture in the cylinders becomes imbalanced, causing the engine to stutter, judder, and vibrate.
• Rough Idling: Instead of a smooth purr or rumble, the engine sputters and shakes when idling, indicating a potential issue with the fuel injectors.
• Regular Stalling: If your engine stalls frequently when you slow down or pause in idle, it suggests a problem with the combustion process, which could be due to faulty injectors.
• Black Smoke from Exhaust: When injectors leak too much fuel into the combustion chamber, unburned fuel may escape through the tailpipe as black smoke.
• Erratic RPM Needle: The needle on the RPM gauge may move unpredictably or show changes in RPM when your car is not switching gears, indicating a potential issue with the fuel-air mixture.
• Check Engine Light: The "check engine" light on your dashboard illuminates, indicating potential issues with the fuel injector or other engine problems.
• Poor Fuel Economy: You may notice a decrease in your vehicle's gas mileage, which could be a sign that the fuel injectors are not functioning optimally.
• Engine Won't Start: In rare cases, a faulty fuel injector may lead to engine failure, preventing your car from starting.
• Fuel Leak: If you notice a fuel leak, check the condition of your fuel injector as it could be cracked or damaged.

When to replace a fuel injector

The following issues may indicate that it's time to replace your fuel injector:

• Rough idle, loss of power, or misfiring
• Odor of raw gas or visible leaks
• Check engine light
• Major engine repairs, engine replacement, or lengthy storage

It's also worth noting that all fuel injectors will develop deposits over time, which can cause an imbalance in the performance of the injectors from cylinder to cylinder. Therefore, when an engine is already disassembled, or if you are installing a new engine, that is a perfect time to service the injectors as a set.

How to replace a fuel injector

Firstly, it is important to note that replacing a fuel injector is not a DIY job and should be left to a professional. Fuel injectors regulate the amount of pressurised fuel used for each engine cycle and there is one injector per cylinder in an engine. Faulty fuel injectors can cause the car to stall and accelerate unpredictably, so it is not safe to drive with a fuel injector problem.

Now, to replace a fuel injector, the following procedure is typical:

• Ensure the engine is cold, then briefly run the engine with the fuel pump fuse out to relieve the pressure within the fuel rail.
• Remove the upper plenum on the intake manifold, along with any cables, hoses, or wiring that restricts access.
• Remove the supply and return lines from the fuel rail. Unlock and remove the electrical connectors to each fuel injector. Then, unbolt and remove the fuel rail from the intake manifold.
• Remove the injector(s) requiring replacement from the fuel rail, taking care to not let any debris enter the exposed openings. An O-ring seal usually holds the injector in place.
• Using a new O-ring, re-insert the new or serviced injector into the fuel rail, using engine oil on the O-ring to prevent damage.
• Re-install the fuel rail and reconnect the supply and return lines. Re-install the plenum, along with all cables, hoses, or wiring.
• Run the engine and check for leaks. Finally, road test the vehicle.

When replacing fuel injectors, it is recommended to use high-quality, OEM parts to ensure even power across the engine and a proper air-fuel mixture for all cylinders.

Fuel injector replacement cost

The cost of replacing a fuel injector on an Acura TL Type S varies depending on the year of the car and the location of the replacement. On average, the cost is $502, with $362 for parts and $140 for labor.

For a 2011 Acura TL V6-3.5L, the shop/dealer price is $1849.59 - $2793.65. For a 2001 Acura TL V6-3.2L, the price is $2390.17 - $3606.49. The price for a 2009 Acura TL V6-3.7L is $1836.91 - $2782.27, while for a 2014 Acura TL V6-3.7L, it is $1796.96 - $2718.34. A 2008 Acura TL V6-3.2L will cost $1088.33 - $1637.27 to replace the fuel injector, and a 1997 Acura TL L5-2.5L will cost $1811.26 - $2810.95.

The average cost for an Acura TL Fuel Injector Replacement is between $751 and $793, with labor costs estimated between $138 and $174, and parts priced between $613 and $619. This range does not include taxes and fees and does not factor in your unique location.

Fuel injector function

The function of a fuel injector is to spray atomized fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. Fuel injectors are an essential part of a car's engine, delivering fuel at the right time to ensure clean and efficient combustion.

The fuel injector is a small nozzle into which liquid fuel is injected at high pressure. It works like a spray nozzle on a pressure washer. The placement of the injector depends on the type of fuel injection system being used. High pressure from the fuel pump feeds the fuel to the fuel injector. The fuel injector meters the fuel more precisely than a carburettor, ensuring no fuel is wasted. The result of such precise metering is increased power, lower emissions, and lower fuel consumption.

The fuel pump pushes petrol or diesel through the fuel lines to the injectors. The ECU (engine control unit) uses sensors to determine the right time to activate the injectors and spray fuel into the combustion chamber. When the ECU activates the injector, pressurised fuel is sprayed into the combustion chamber through the nozzles. Because the nozzles are so small, the fuel is atomised, which makes it burn more efficiently.

There are two main types of fuel injection systems: single-point and multi-point. Single-point fuel injectors are the most basic type. They are inexpensive and easy to service but lack the precision and efficiency of other injection systems. Multi-point fuel injectors, on the other hand, are positioned in each cylinder next to the intake port, delivering vapourised fuel directly into the combustion chamber. They are more accurate and precise than single-point injectors, making it easier to achieve the correct fuel-air ratio in the engine.

Additionally, there are two types of fuel injection modes: continuous and intermittent. The fuel injector of a continuous fuel injection system sprays fuel into the intake port continuously, and this type has been commonly used in passenger cars. On the other hand, the intermittent fuel injection system has the fuel injector spray fuel at specific intervals, and this mode has been the basis for diesel engines.

Frequently asked questions