Replacing Fuel Injector In Pontiac Vibe: Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing the fuel injector on a Pontiac Vibe can be a complex process. The procedure varies depending on the model year of the car, with some years requiring the use of specialised tools. It is important to relieve the fuel system pressure before beginning work and to take appropriate safety precautions, as fuel can be dangerous.

For 2003-2008 models, the fuel rail must be removed to access the injectors. This requires disconnecting the fuel pump or circuit open relay, as well as removing the rear seat bottom. The injectors can then be taken out of the fuel rail and replaced.

For 2009-2010 models, there are instructions available in PDF format from GM Parts Giant.

Removing the fuel injectors from a Pontiac Vibe

To remove the fuel injectors from a Pontiac Vibe, you will first need to park your car on a level surface, engage the parking brake, shut off the engine, and open the hood. Next, relieve the fuel system pressure by removing the instrument panel storage compartment, reaching through the opening, and removing the circuit opening relay from the fuse block. Then, crank the engine and allow it to stall. Repeat this process for an additional 3 seconds to ensure all pressure is relieved.

Now, you can disconnect the negative battery cable and remove the engine cover. This will give you access to the fuel injectors. Before removing the fuel injectors, it is important to catch any remaining fuel that may leak. Use a shop towel and place it in an approved container to catch any spills.

To remove the fuel injectors, you will need to disconnect the quick-connect coupling of the fuel feed hose from the fuel feed pipe of the fuel rail. There are tools available to assist with this, such as a fuel line disconnect tool. Be sure to cover the area with a rag to catch any spills.

Once the fuel feed hose is disconnected, you can carefully remove the fuel injectors. It is recommended to replace the O-rings and seals when removing and reinstalling fuel injectors. Additionally, some fuel injectors may require special tools to remove and reinstall, so it is important to have the correct tools before beginning the job.

When reinstalling the fuel injectors, be sure to lubricate any new O-rings and seals with engine oil or grease. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for torque specifications when tightening the fuel injector bolts.

Finally, reconnect the negative battery cable, turn on the ignition to pressurize the fuel system, and check for any fuel leaks.

Replacing the fuel injectors

Step 1: Prepare your Pontiac Vibe for fuel injector replacement

Before you begin, park your car on a level surface, engage the parking brake, shut off the engine, and pop the hood. If you have recently driven your car, allow the engine to cool down before proceeding.

Step 2: Access the fuel injectors

Remove the engine cover by unscrewing the fasteners that hold it in place. This will give you access to the fuel injectors, which are located on top of the engine.

Step 3: Disconnect the fuel injectors

Locate the fuel pump connector and disconnect it. You may need to remove the rear seat bottom to access it. Once the connector is disconnected, start the car and allow it to completely stall. This will relieve the fuel pressure in the system.

Step 4: Remove the fuel injectors

With the fuel pressure relieved, you can now remove the fuel injectors. Carefully detach the fuel injectors from the fuel rail, taking note of their orientation for proper installation of the new injectors. Place the old injectors in a safe container to avoid spills.

Step 5: Install the new fuel injectors

Clean the area around the fuel injector ports to remove any dirt or debris. Lubricate the new fuel injectors' O-rings with a small amount of engine oil and insert them into the fuel injector ports, making sure they are properly seated and oriented correctly. Reattach the fuel injectors to the fuel rail, ensuring they are secure and properly connected.

Step 6: Reassemble and test

Reinstall the engine cover and any other components that were removed during the process. Reconnect the negative battery cable and turn on the ignition to pressurize the fuel system. Check for any fuel leaks and ensure that the engine starts and runs smoothly.

Tips and considerations:

• It is recommended to replace the fuel filter and perform a fuel system cleaning in addition to replacing the fuel injectors for optimal performance.
• If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it is best to consult a qualified mechanic.
• Always refer to the Pontiac Vibe service manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.

Cleaning the fuel injectors

This guide will take you through the process of cleaning the fuel injectors on a Pontiac Vibe, using the OEM Toyota Fuel Injector kit and the Toyota proprietary fuel injector cleaner. This procedure works for all 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla, Matrix, and Pontiac Vibe models.

Tools and Parts Needed:

• Toyota Fuel Injector Kit: 00289–1PF00–01
• Toyota Fuel injector Adapter Pack (to connect to the fuel line): 00289–1PF00–03
• Pressurized EFI Cleaner: 00289-1PF07 (7 OZ) or 00289-1PF14 (14 OZ).
• Rag
• Drain pan (optional)
• 3/8 drive 8mm socket and 10mm socket (for the fuel pump cover, depending on the application)
• 3/8 drive ratchet

Step 1: Park your car on a level surface, apply the parking brake, shut off the engine, and pop the hood.

Step 2: Assemble your fuel injection kit. You will need to use the adapter from the adapter pack for these cars. Ensure you are using a line adapter and not a block-off adapter. Secure the line hand adapter hand-tight to the EFI kit.

Step 3: Hang your EFI kit on the hood of the car using the hook on the kit.

Step 4: Attach your EFI can to the EFI kit, making sure it is tightly secured so the valve will open for flow.

Step 5: Depending on your preferred method, you will either block off or unplug your fuel line. If you are disconnecting the fuel pump connector, follow step 5a. If using a block-off for the line, follow step 5b. If removing the Circuit Open Relay, follow step 5c.

Step 5a:

• Remove any car seats or items in the rear seats.
• Remove the rear seat bottom.
• Locate the Black cover for the fuel pump connector. Some of these are stuck to the car using FIPG-like sealant, and some are attached using screws. If you have screws, remove them (8mm or 10mm) and pry up the cover. If you have sealant, simply pry the cover away from the floor.
• Depress the connector release and unplug the connector.
• Start the car and allow it to completely stall.

Step 5b:

• Remove the fuel line quick disconnect retainer. Start at the quick disconnect and then remove it from the plastic portion of the line last.
• Depress the two tabs on the side of the quick disconnect and pull off the connector from the plastic fuel line.
• Attach your block-off to the plastic fuel line and tighten it securely, being careful not to overtighten and damage the line if using a hose and clamp.
• Attach the EFI kit to the quick disconnect using the adapter.

Step 5c:

• Locate the Circuit Open Relay. On a Corolla, Matrix, and Vibe, it is nearly impossible to remove and is located inside the dash on the left side of the steering column, facing upward. It is hidden in a cluster of blue relays and is usually stuck in the socket.
• Start the car and allow it to completely stall.

Step 6: Attach your EFI kit to the fuel rail line. If you did not use a block-off, remove the fuel line quick disconnect retainer. Start at the quick disconnect portion of the line and then remove the rest of the plastic line last. Attach the EFI kit to the quick disconnect using the adapter until it clicks. Pull to ensure it is secure.

Step 7: Slowly open the valve to allow the fuel rail line to be pressurized.

Step 8: Check for leaks at the line. If small bubbling occurs without any drops, that is okay—they will be sucked in when running. If leaking or dripping occurs, close the valve and ensure you are using the correct adapter and that it is seated correctly in the quick disconnect.

Step 9: Start the car and check for leaks. Allow the car to run until it stalls. This can take up to 20 minutes or so (less if you rev the engine).

Step 10: Once the car stalls, disconnect the fuel rail line by first moving the EFI kit valve handle to the closed position. Using your rag, cover the area where the kit and quick disconnect meet. Depress the two tabs while looking away from the line and disconnect the quick disconnect.

Step 11: Move the hose out of the way and reattach your fuel line. If you used a block-off, remove it, then attach the quick disconnect to the fuel line. If you removed the pump power, reconnect the fuel line and reinstall the retainer bracket.

Step 12: If you disconnected the pump power, either reattach the fuel pump connector or reinstall the Circuit Open Relay. Reinstall the rear seat bottom or Circuit Open Relay, depending on your chosen method.

Step 13: Start the car and check for leaks while also verifying it idles normally. To get the most out of your can, keep running and starting the car after it initially stalls so it is dry.

Step 14: Remove your EFI kit, clean up any spills, depressurize the kit, and you are done.

Reattaching the fuel injectors

To reattach the fuel injectors, first ensure that the injectors are clean and free of any debris. Check the injectors for any damage, such as cracks or chips, and replace them if necessary.

Next, lubricate the new O-rings with clean engine oil and slide them onto the injectors, followed by the plastic spacer. Make sure that the plastic spacer is oriented correctly, with the wider end facing the O-ring sealing area. Then, install the isolator cup and retainer onto the injector.

After that, compress the seal on the injector with your fingers and resize it using a specialised tool. You can also use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully open up the space between the rail and the spring clip to release the injector. This will help separate the rail and injector.

Once all the injectors are prepared, carefully lift and position the fuel rail so that the injectors are pointing upwards. Place the fuel rail onto a clean, flat surface, such as a workbench or the engine block. Ensure that the fuel rail is securely supported to avoid any accidental spills or damage.

Now, you can begin reattaching the injectors to the fuel rail. Carefully insert each injector into the corresponding port on the fuel rail, ensuring that they are seated properly and securely attached. You may need to apply some force to fully insert the injectors, but be careful not to damage the injectors or the fuel rail.

Once all the injectors are attached to the fuel rail, you can proceed to reinstall the fuel rail back into the engine. Make sure to follow the correct procedure for your specific vehicle and torque the fuel rail bolts to the specified values.

Finally, reconnect the fuel lines and electrical connectors to the fuel rail and injectors. Ensure that all connections are secure and tight to prevent any fuel leaks. Start the engine and check for any leaks or unusual noises. If everything looks and sounds normal, your fuel injectors have been successfully reattached and your vehicle is ready to hit the road again!

Checking for leaks

To check for leaks in your Pontiac Vibe's fuel injector, there are several methods you can use. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:

Visual Inspection:

• Pop the hood and carefully examine each fuel injector.
• Look for any wet spots or signs of residual gasoline near the injectors.
• Pay attention to any dirt or grime accumulation around an injector, as fuel leaks can attract dust and debris.

Listening for Unusual Noises:

• Start the engine and let it run as usual.
• Move close to the area around the injectors and fuel rail.
• Listen carefully for any faint hissing sounds, which could indicate air or fuel escaping through small leaks.

Checking Spark Plugs:

• Remove the spark plugs from the engine and inspect them closely.
• If a fuel injector is leaking, the spark plugs may be wet with fuel or coated with carbon buildup.
• Compare the spark plugs to identify which cylinder has a leaking injector.

Smell Test:

• Run the engine for several minutes and then turn it off.
• Carefully sniff around the fuel injectors and the engine bay for any noticeable fuel odours.
• Be cautious not to lean too close to any hot or running engine parts.

Monitoring Engine Performance:

• Check your fuel economy; if your gas mileage has decreased unexpectedly, it could indicate a leaking injector.
• Pay attention to rough idling or misfires; a leaky injector can cause these issues, especially during cold starts.

Using an OBD2 Scanner:

• If you have access to an OBD2 scanner, you can use it to diagnose fuel-related trouble codes.
• Look for codes like P0172 (System Too Rich) or P030X (Cylinder Misfire), which suggest that too much fuel is entering the combustion chamber.
• Monitor fuel trim data: A leaky injector will cause the ECU to adjust for excess fuel, which will be reflected in the short-term or long-term fuel trim values.

Frequently asked questions