Replacing Fuel Injector In A Crv: Step-By-Step Guide

Fuel injectors regulate the amount of pressurised fuel used for each engine cycle. There is one injector per cylinder in an engine. 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.

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.

The average cost for a Honda CR-V fuel injector replacement is between $772 and $865. Labour costs are estimated between $166 and $209, while parts are priced between $607 and $656.

When to replace fuel injectors

Fuel injectors tend to fail after 80,000 miles and require little maintenance. However, there is no set interval for replacement, and it is more dependent on performance. If your car is running smoothly, not misfiring or running rough, there is no reason to replace them.

Some symptoms of a bad fuel injector include reduced engine power, misfires, the check engine light turning on, stalling immediately after starting, failure to start, hesitation under throttle, and rough vibrations. If you experience these issues, it is best to get your fuel injectors checked by a professional.

It is important to note that fuel injector replacement is not a DIY job due to the risk of fire and the complexity of the process. The average cost for a Honda CR-V Fuel Injector replacement is between $772 and $865, but prices may vary depending on location and labour costs.

Removing the intake manifold

To remove the intake manifold, start by relieving the pressure within the fuel rail. This can be done by briefly running the engine with the fuel pump fuse removed. Next, remove the upper plenum on the intake manifold, as well as any cables, hoses, or wiring that may restrict access. Disconnect the supply and return lines from the fuel rail, and unlock and remove the electrical connectors from each fuel injector.

Once this is done, the fuel rail can be unbolted and removed from the intake manifold. Take care not to allow any debris to enter the exposed openings, as an O-ring seal usually holds the injector firmly in place within a finely polished bore in the fuel rail.

At this point, the intake manifold should be accessible and can be carefully removed from the engine. It is important to note that this process may vary depending on the specific make and model of the CRV, and it is always recommended to refer to a service manual or seek the assistance of a qualified technician when performing any vehicle repairs or maintenance.

Disconnecting the fuel injector

First, ensure that the engine is cold. The pressure within the fuel rail is relieved by briefly running the engine with the fuel pump fuse removed.

Next, remove the upper plenum on the intake manifold, along with any cables, hoses, or wiring that restricts access. This will give you better access to the fuel injector and the surrounding components.

After that, remove the supply and return lines from the fuel rail. The fuel rail is the long metal tube that the injectors are connected to. Be careful not to spill any fuel during this step.

Once the supply and return lines are removed, you can then unlock and remove the electrical connectors to each fuel injector. These connectors provide power to the injectors, and it is important to disconnect them before removing the injectors themselves.

Now, you can remove the fuel injector. The injector is usually held in place by an O-ring seal within a finely polished bore in the fuel rail. Use a suitable tool to carefully remove the injector without damaging the O-ring or the surrounding components.

At this point, the fuel injector is disconnected and can be serviced or replaced. If you are replacing the injector, be sure to use a new O-ring when installing the new injector.

It is important to note that working with fuel can be dangerous, and proper safety precautions must be taken. Always disconnect the battery and take the necessary steps to prevent fires when working with fuel.

Re-inserting the fuel injector

Once you have removed the old fuel injector, you can begin the process of re-inserting the new one.

Firstly, take a new O-ring and place it onto the new fuel injector. Then, using engine oil, lubricate the O-ring to prevent any damage. Next, carefully insert the new fuel injector into the fuel rail. Ensure that the O-ring is not damaged during this process, as these seals are very tight to prevent fuel leaks.

Once the injector is in place, you can re-install the fuel rail. Re-connect the supply and return lines to the fuel rail. Then, re-attach the electrical connectors to each fuel injector. Finally, re-install the upper plenum on the intake manifold, along with any cables, hoses, or wiring that were removed earlier.

After completing the re-insertion, run the engine and carefully check for any leaks. A road test is also recommended to ensure the new fuel injector is functioning correctly.

Final checks

Once you've replaced the fuel injectors, there are a few final checks you need to perform to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

First, carefully inspect all the connections and components for any signs of fuel leaks. This includes checking the O-ring seals on the injectors and the fuel rail for any damage or debris that may cause leaks. Ensure that all electrical connectors are securely attached to the fuel injectors.

Next, start the engine and listen for any unusual noises. Pay attention to any warning lights on the dashboard, especially the check engine light. Let the engine run for a few minutes, and then carefully check for any signs of fuel leaks again.

If there are no leaks and the engine is running smoothly, take the car for a test drive. Pay attention to the car's performance, acceleration, and fuel efficiency. Make sure there are no unusual smells coming from the engine or exhaust.

Finally, if possible, use a computerized scanner to check for any trouble codes or misfires. This will help ensure that the fuel injectors are functioning correctly and that there are no remaining issues with the fuel injection system.

By performing these final checks, you can ensure that the fuel injectors have been installed correctly and that your Honda CR-V is safe to drive.

Frequently asked questions