Replacing Fuel Injectors In Your 2009 Lincoln Mkz

If you're experiencing issues with your 2009 Lincoln MKZ, you may need to replace its fuel injectors. Fuel injectors regulate the amount of pressurised fuel used for each engine cycle, and there is one injector per cylinder in an engine. A faulty fuel injector can cause engine power reduction, engine misfires, and the check engine light to turn on. It can also cause the engine to stall immediately after starting, fail to start, hesitate under throttle, or vibrate roughly. Replacing a fuel injector is not a DIY job and should be left to a professional. The average cost for a Lincoln MKZ Fuel Injector Replacement is between $398 and $586, with parts ranging from $188 to $370 and labour costing between $171 and $216.

When to replace fuel injectors

Fuel injectors should be replaced when there is a problem with the vehicle's performance or when the injectors are due to be serviced. Here are some signs that it may be time to replace your fuel injectors:

• Rough idle, loss of power, or misfiring: Poor engine operation can have many causes, but faults in the fuel injection system, including the fuel injectors, are often high on the list of possibilities.
• Odor of raw gas or visible leaks: Fuel injectors should not leak fuel into the intake manifold when the car is off. If you notice any fuel odour around your car, a leaking fuel injector could be the culprit. There should be no external leaks from a fuel injector. If an external leak is suspected, do not start your car due to the fire hazard.
• Check engine light: Some fuel injection failures, such as a faulty solenoid, may cause a trouble code to be set in the PCM (powertrain control module), which will illuminate the check engine light. The codes can be read, and the fuel injector is tested directly as needed.
• Major engine repairs, engine replacement, or lengthy storage: All fuel injectors will accumulate deposits over time and with mileage. These deposits can cause an imbalance in the performance of the injectors from cylinder to cylinder. When an engine is already disassembled, or if you are installing a new engine, it is an ideal time to service the injectors as a set. Injector servicing typically involves ultrasonic cleaning and replacement of the tiny internal filter baskets by a professional injector service facility.
• Scheduled maintenance: While fuel injectors require little maintenance, following the scheduled maintenance plan for cleaning the fuel delivery system and injectors can help prolong their life. On average, fuel injectors tend to fail after 80,000 miles.

Fuel injector replacement cost

The average cost for a Lincoln MKZ Fuel Injector Replacement is between $398 and $586. The cost of parts is estimated to be between $188 and $370, while labor costs are estimated to be between $171 and $216. Prices may vary depending on your location.

For a 2009 Lincoln MKZ V6-3.5L, the shop/dealer price is estimated to be between $1459.95 and $2197.84.

How to replace fuel injectors

Firstly, ensure the engine is cold. Then, relieve the pressure within the fuel rail 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 may restrict access.

After that, remove the supply and return lines from the fuel rail, and disconnect the electrical connectors from each fuel injector. Now, you can unbolt and remove the fuel rail from the intake manifold. Take out the injector(s) requiring replacement from the fuel rail, being careful not to let any debris enter the exposed openings. An O-ring seal usually holds the injector very firmly in a finely polished bore in the fuel rail.

Now for the installation of the new injector(s). Using a new O-ring, re-insert the serviced or replaced injector into the fuel rail, using engine oil on the O-ring to prevent any damage. Remember, O-rings in this application fit very tightly to prevent fuel leaks.

To finish up, reinstall the fuel rail and reconnect the supply and return lines. Reinstall the plenum, along with all cables, hoses, or wiring. Finally, run the engine, check carefully for leaks, and test the vehicle on a road drive.

Please note that this is a complex procedure and it is recommended that fuel injector replacement is carried out by a professional mechanic.

Fuel injector replacement safety

Fuel injectors are an essential component of a car's engine, but they can be dangerous if not handled properly. Here are some safety tips for fuel injector replacement:

Know When to Replace Fuel Injectors

Fuel injectors don't always need to be replaced; sometimes, a good cleaning can solve issues, at least temporarily. Signs that your fuel injectors may need to be replaced include:

• Check Engine Light flashing
• Engine misfires or hesitates, especially during acceleration
• Rough idling or inconsistent idle
• Changes in fuel economy (spending more or less on fuel)
• Fuel leaks or bad fuel odour
• Engine performance issues, such as reduced power or hard starts
• Failed emission tests

Safety Precautions During Replacement

When replacing fuel injectors, it is important to take the following safety measures:

• Always disconnect the battery when working with fuel to prevent the risk of fire.
• Conduct a risk assessment before carrying out routine engine maintenance.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacement, as they are designed with safety in mind.
• Consider using additional personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, long rubber gloves, and boots to protect yourself from potential hazards.
• Isolate the engine cooling systems that flow through the cylinder head to reduce the risk of high-temperature water escaping and causing scalding.
• Check the tolerances for the injector sleeve and cylinder head, and use the manufacturer's lapping tool for reconditioning sealing surfaces.

Other Considerations

• Fuel injectors should be replaced or cleaned as part of routine maintenance to prevent problems.
• Use high-quality, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts when replacing fuel injectors to ensure even power across the engine and a proper air-fuel mixture.
• Fuel injector replacement is not typically a DIY job due to the risk of fire and the complexity of the process. It is recommended to leave it to a professional mechanic.

Fuel injector replacement parts

When replacing the fuel injectors of a 2009 Lincoln MKZ, there are several parts that you will need to consider. Firstly, the fuel injector itself. There are several options available for fuel injectors, including:

• Duralast Fuel Injector MPDL2036N6
• Duralast Fuel Injector DL20075
• Motorcraft Fuel Injector CM-5165
• GP Sorensen Fuel Injector 800-2036N
• AUS Remanufactured Fuel Injector MP-56128
• Bosch Fuel Injector 62399

Each of these options may be suitable for your 2009 Lincoln MKZ, so it is important to check compatibility before purchasing. Additionally, some of these fuel injectors are sold individually, while others are sold in kits with multiple injectors, so it is essential to select the correct quantity required for your vehicle.

Beyond the fuel injectors themselves, there are several other parts that you may need to replace or work with when performing this repair. These include:

• Fuel injector O-rings
• Fuel filter
• Fuel pump
• Fuel tank
• Fuel tank filler neck
• Fuel pump gasket
• Fuel pump strainer
• Fuel injector wiring connector
• Fuel injector pressure sensor
• Fuel supply manifold
• Fuel supply manifold insulator
• Fuel supply manifold retainer
• Fuel injector bolt and washer assembly
• Fuel injector screw

It is important to note that not all of these parts may be required for your specific repair, and some may be sold as part of a fuel injector kit. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the parts required for your vehicle and the contents of any kits you purchase to avoid duplicates or missing items.

Frequently asked questions