Replacing Fuel Injector In 97 Town And Country: Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing a fuel injector on a 1997 Town and Country vehicle is a complex task that requires a good amount of automotive knowledge. It is not recommended as a DIY job due to the risk of fire and the potential for further damage to the vehicle. The process involves removing the intake manifold, disconnecting the fuel injector from the fuel rail and electrical connector, and then installing a new injector. It is important to use high-quality, OEM parts for the replacement to ensure even power across the engine and a proper air-fuel mixture. The average cost for this replacement is between $296 and $335, with labour costs estimated between $148 and $187.

Disconnect the negative battery cable

Disconnecting the negative battery cable is an important first step when replacing the fuel injector on your 1997 Chrysler Town and Country. This is a critical safety precaution to prevent the risk of fire when working with fuel. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Locate the negative battery terminal. It is usually marked with a "-" symbol and is often black, while the positive terminal is typically red. The negative terminal will also have a thick black cable connected to it.

Step 2: Before you begin, make sure you have the appropriate tools for the job. You will need a wrench or socket that fits the nut on the negative battery terminal.

Step 3: Once you have the correct tool, loosen the nut that secures the negative battery cable to the terminal. You do not need to completely remove the nut at this stage, just loosen it enough so that you can remove the cable.

Step 4: Now, carefully remove the cable from the battery terminal. It is important that you do not let the cable touch any metal parts of the vehicle, as this could cause a short circuit.

Step 5: With the cable disconnected, move it away from the battery. Ensure that it is secure and will not accidentally come into contact with the battery terminal.

Step 6: Check that the area around the battery is clear of any tools or other objects. It is important to keep the area clear while you are working on the fuel injector.

Step 7: You can now proceed with the rest of the fuel injector replacement process, following your chosen guide or instructions. Keep in mind that replacing a fuel injector is not a simple DIY task and is best left to a professional.

Step 8: When you have finished working on the vehicle, and before reconnecting the battery, ensure that all tools and objects are cleared away from the battery and surrounding area.

Step 9: To reconnect the negative battery cable, carefully place the cable back onto the negative terminal, ensuring that it does not touch any other metal parts of the vehicle.

Step 10: Tighten the nut securely with your wrench or socket to ensure that the cable is firmly attached to the battery terminal.

By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected and reconnected the negative battery cable on your 1997 Chrysler Town and Country, allowing you to work on the fuel injector safely. Remember to always take appropriate safety precautions when working with vehicle batteries and fuel systems.

Remove the air cleaner and intake duct

To remove the air cleaner and intake duct of your 1997 Chrysler Town and Country, you will need to first locate the air cleaner intake duct. This is the snaked input tube that connects to the filter box, held in place with two bolts on the top rail of the engine compartment.

Remove the two bolts that hold the duct in place. Then, pull up and forward while wiggling the duct to loosen it from the filter box. It may take a lot of force, especially if it's your first time removing it. Be careful not to break the plastic.

Once the duct is removed, you can proceed with the next steps of replacing the fuel injector.

Remove the throttle cable and bracket

To remove the throttle cable and bracket, first disconnect the negative battery cable. Then, remove the air cleaner and intake duct, followed by the weather shield. Next, disconnect the throttle cable at the ball stud and unfasten the canister purge hose from under the throttle body. Disconnect the wiring harness at the throttle position sensor, and then remove the retaining bolts. Finally, lift the throttle body assembly off the upper intake manifold.

Disconnect all vacuum lines attached to the manifold

To disconnect all vacuum lines attached to the manifold, follow these steps:

First, relieve the fuel system pressure. Next, disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the air cleaner and intake duct, and the weather shield. Disconnect the throttle cable and bracket. Tag and disconnect all electrical wires attached to the manifold assemblies. Remove the ignition coil and bracket. Remove the throttle body. Remove the six attaching nuts and lift off the upper manifold. Remove the air cleaner inlet tube and the snow shield. Disconnect the throttle cable at the ball stud. Unfasten the canister purge hose from under the throttle body. Disconnect the wiring harness at the throttle position sensor. Remove the retaining bolts, then lift the throttle body assembly off the upper intake manifold.

Disconnect all electrical wires attached to the manifold

Disconnecting all electrical wires attached to the manifold is a crucial step in replacing a fuel injector in a 97 Town and Country vehicle. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Relieve the fuel system pressure. This is an important safety precaution to prevent any accidental fuel spray or leakage during the repair process.

Step 2: Disconnect the negative battery cable. This will prevent any electrical shorts or accidents during the work.

Step 3: Remove the air cleaner and intake duct. This will give you better access to the engine components and the manifold.

Step 4: Remove the weather shield, if present. This will further improve access and visibility.

Step 5: Disconnect the throttle cable and bracket. Label the cable to ensure proper reconnection later.

Step 6: Tag and disconnect all vacuum lines attached to the manifold. Label or mark each vacuum line to remember their correct locations during reassembly.

Step 7: Tag and disconnect all electrical wires attached to the manifold assemblies. This is a critical step and should be done carefully. Label each wire or take pictures to ensure proper reconnection.

Step 8: Tag and remove the spark plug wires. Again, labelling or taking note of their positions is essential.

Step 9: Remove the ignition coil and bracket, if necessary. Some vehicles may have the coil mounted elsewhere.

By following these steps, you will have successfully disconnected all the electrical wires attached to the manifold, making it ready for the next steps in the fuel injector replacement process. Remember to work carefully and refer to vehicle-specific repair manuals or seek professional assistance if needed.

Frequently asked questions