Replacing Fuel Injectors In Ford Fiesta: Step-By-Step Guide

Changing a fuel injector on a Ford Fiesta can be done at home or by a mechanic. The average cost for a Ford Fiesta Fuel Injector Replacement is $352, with $212 for parts and $140 for labor. However, prices may vary depending on your location. Before attempting to change the fuel injector, it is important to identify signs that the fuel injector needs to be replaced. These signs include a rough idle, loss of power, misfiring, an odor of raw gas or visible leaks, and the check engine light being illuminated. When replacing the fuel injector, it is recommended to use high-quality (Tier One) gasoline to reduce deposits on the fuel injectors and prolong their life. Additionally, if one injector is removed for repair or replacement, it is considered best practice to remove and service all of the injectors at the same time to ensure balanced performance.

When to replace fuel injectors: rough idle, loss of power, or misfiring

If you're experiencing a rough idle, loss of power, or misfiring in your Ford Fiesta, it may be time to replace the fuel injectors. These issues can indicate problems with the fuel injection system, which is crucial for supplying fuel to the engine and ensuring proper engine operation.

A rough idle is characterised by varying revolutions per minute (RPMs), even when your foot is off the gas pedal. It may be accompanied by engine stalling, which is a sudden stop in RPMs and engine noise that feels like running out of gas. A loss of power can also be a result of a misfiring engine, which can interfere with acceleration and reduce fuel efficiency.

Other signs that it may be time to replace your fuel injectors include an illuminated check engine light, an odor of raw gas or visible leaks around the car, and increased fuel consumption. If you notice any of these issues, it's important to have your car inspected by a professional to diagnose the problem accurately.

To replace the fuel injectors in your Ford Fiesta, you can either do it yourself or seek the services of a certified mechanic. The process involves relieving the pressure within the fuel rail, removing the upper plenum and any components restricting access, disconnecting supply and return lines, and carefully removing and replacing the faulty injector. The average cost for parts and labour is around $352, but prices may vary depending on your location and the model year of your Ford Fiesta.

Fuel injector leaks: do not start your car if you suspect an injector leak

Fuel injector leaks are a serious issue and can lead to severe engine damage. If you suspect a fuel injector leak, do not start your car. Fuel injector leaks are a fire hazard and can cause engine damage. Here are some common signs that indicate a leaking fuel injector:

• Fuel odours inside or around the car: If you smell fuel around your car, it could be a sign of a leaking fuel injector.
• Increased fuel consumption: Leaking injectors can cause fuel consumption to increase.
• Hard starting when the engine is hot: This could be due to fuel leaking into the intake manifold and causing the spark plugs to become flooded.
• Oil thinning: Fuel leaks into the intake manifold can cause oil thinning, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
• Hydro-lock: A leaking injector can cause hydro-lock, which can lead to severe engine damage, including bent connecting rods, broken pistons, and blown head gaskets.
• Visible fuel leaks: If you notice any visible fuel leaks from the fuel injection components, do not drive the vehicle. Get it checked by a professional immediately.

If you suspect a fuel injector leak, it is important to get it checked and repaired as soon as possible to avoid further complications and potential safety hazards.

Check engine light: a faulty solenoid may cause a trouble code to be set in the PCM

The powertrain control module (PCM) is the main computer that controls some of the major functions of a car's engine and transmission. It controls the solenoid's "on" time to keep the air-fuel ratio optimised while the engine load and operating conditions constantly change. A faulty solenoid may cause a trouble code to be set in the PCM, which will cause the check engine light to illuminate.

The check engine light is a car's catch-all light. It can stand for just about anything that isn't covered by one of the other warning lights. There's no reason to panic when it comes on, but it does mean that something is wrong. If the check engine light is on, it's a good idea to have the engine codes read to ensure that nothing serious is going on. Most states won't allow a car to pass an inspection if the check engine light is lit.

A faulty PCM can cause a wide variety of problems related to vehicle performance and normal operation. For example, a faulty PCM will send the wrong signals to the powertrain, affecting engine timing, fuel injection, and overall engine management. This could result in misfires, rough idling, stalling, and lacklustre acceleration.

A failing PCM can also cause issues with starting the car. In some cases, a faulty PCM can render your car hard to start or even prevent it from starting at all. If you have eliminated more straightforward problems, such as a dead battery, poor ground connection, or a bad starter relay, then a failing PCM could be the culprit.

Additionally, a bad PCM can lead to a failed emissions test. Since the PCM controls important functions related to fuel combustion and exhaust emissions, a malfunction can cause the engine to run inefficiently, resulting in higher emissions than allowed by regulations.

Major engine repairs: when the engine is disassembled, it's a good time to service the injectors

Major engine repairs, such as engine replacement or overhaul, are an ideal time to service the fuel injectors. When the engine is disassembled, it is much easier to access and remove the injectors for cleaning or replacement. All fuel injectors will accumulate deposits over time, which can cause imbalances in their performance.

A professional injector service facility will use specialised equipment to clean each injector ultrasonically and replace the tiny internal filter baskets at a relatively low cost. This process ensures the injectors are free of any residue or debris that may have built up over time, which can affect the amount of fuel delivered to the engine.

Additionally, if you are performing a major engine repair, it is worth considering replacing the fuel injectors with new ones, especially if they are older and have not been serviced regularly. This will help ensure optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Servicing or replacing the fuel injectors during a major engine repair is a preventative measure that can save time and money in the long run. It is a good opportunity to address any potential issues with the fuel injection system and ensure the engine runs smoothly.

It is important to note that attempting to clean fuel injectors yourself can be dangerous and may not achieve the desired results. It is always best to consult a professional mechanic or a specialised injector service facility for this type of work.

Removing the injector: relieve pressure within the fuel rail by briefly running the engine with the fuel pump fuse out

To remove the injector, you must first relieve the pressure within the fuel rail. This can be done by briefly running the engine with the fuel pump fuse removed. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Wait for the engine to be completely cold. This is important for safety reasons, as a hot engine can pose a fire hazard.

Locate the fuel pump fuse. The fuse box is usually located in the engine bay, but it can also be found in the passenger compartment or even in the trunk. Refer to your Ford Fiesta's manual to find the exact location of the fuse box and the fuel pump fuse.

Remove the fuel pump fuse. The fuse may be of the blade-type, which can be removed by pulling it straight out with a fuse puller or a pair of pliers. If your vehicle uses a glass tube fuse, unscrew the fuse holder cap and remove the fuse with the puller or pliers.

With the fuel pump fuse removed, briefly run the engine. Turn the key in the ignition to the "On" position, but do not start the engine. Fully depress the accelerator pedal and hold it for about 10 seconds. This will relieve the pressure in the fuel rail by allowing the fuel injectors to release any residual fuel and pressure.

Release the accelerator pedal and turn off the ignition. Reinstall the fuel pump fuse. You are now ready to proceed with removing the injector.

It is important to relieve the pressure in the fuel rail before removing the injector to avoid fuel spray and spillage, which can be hazardous. Always exercise caution when working with the fuel system and refer to a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about any steps in the process.

Frequently asked questions