Replacing Fuel Injectors In A Santa Fe: Step-By-Step Guide

If you're experiencing problems with your Hyundai Santa Fe, you may need to replace the fuel injectors. Fuel injectors regulate the amount of pressurised fuel used for each engine cycle and, when they fail or clog, engine power is reduced and misfires occur. This can cause the car to stall and accelerate unpredictably, creating a hazard. While it's not recommended that you replace fuel injectors yourself, there are a number of OEM and aftermarket replacement options available to buy online or in-store.

Symptoms of a bad fuel injector

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 a range of issues can occur. Here are some symptoms of a bad fuel injector:

• Engine misfires: A misfire occurs when there is a problem with the fuel-air mixture inside the combustion chamber of each cylinder. This causes the engine to stutter and judder as it misses revolutions. This can feel like the engine is sputtering and can send vibrations through the car.
• Rough idling: Rough idling is characterised by varying RPMs, even when your foot is off the gas pedal. The engine may sputter, shake, and stutter as it struggles to stay running.
• Poor gas mileage: Well-performing fuel injectors help your vehicle achieve optimal gas mileage. If you find yourself filling up more often than usual, it could be a sign that your fuel injectors are not performing properly.
• Unpredictable RPM needle movement: Dirty fuel injectors can cause the needle on the tachometer to move erratically, indicating changes in RPM when your car isn't switching gears.
• Engine won't start: In rare cases, fuel injector issues can lead to engine failure and prevent your car from starting. This occurs when the engine doesn't receive the necessary combination of air and fuel for combustion.
• Check engine light is on: The check engine light on your dashboard could be illuminated for various reasons, one of which is a dirty or malfunctioning fuel injector. This can lead to a decrease in overall engine performance and fuel economy.
• Fuel leak: Over time, heat and moisture can take a toll on fuel injectors, leading to cracks in the rubber seals or the injector itself. If you notice a fuel leak, it's important to check the condition of your fuel injector.

Diagnosing fuel injector issues

Fuel injectors are a crucial component of a car's engine, and issues with them can cause a range of problems. Fuel injectors can go the life of a modern vehicle with little to no trouble. However, bad fuel injectors are one of the more common issues that can happen to any vehicle, including the Hyundai Santa Fe. There are two main ways that your injectors can fail to do their job properly: they become clogged, dirty, or unresponsive, or they start leaking. When this happens, not enough fuel enters the combustion chamber, leading to issues such as misfiring cylinders, the check engine light coming on, or even a vibrating engine.

• Symptoms and Warning Signs: Pay attention to any warning signs that your vehicle may be experiencing fuel injector issues. This includes a rough idle, poor fuel economy, decreased power and acceleration, unusual exhaust smell, and difficulty starting the engine. These issues can indicate that your fuel injectors are not providing a consistent flow of fuel or are clogged or damaged.
• Visual Inspection: Start by performing a visual inspection of the fuel injectors. Look for any signs of leakage or damage. Check for any unusual odors that could indicate leaking fuel. A visual inspection can help determine if there are any obvious issues with the fuel injectors.
• Fuel Pressure Test: Conduct a fuel pressure test to determine if the issue is related to the fuel injectors, fuel pump, or fuel filter. Connect a fuel pressure gauge to the rail and check the pressure. If the pressure is within the specified range, you can rule out the fuel pump and filter as the cause and focus on the injectors.
• On-Board Diagnostics (OBD): Utilize your vehicle's on-board diagnostics system to identify any misfires or error codes related to the injectors. If the Check Engine light is on, use an OBD scanner to retrieve the codes. Misfire codes will help you pinpoint which cylinder or injector may be causing the problem.
• Multimeter or Injector Balance Test: You can use a multimeter or perform an injector balance test to test the fuel injectors for any electrical problems or clogs. It is important to diagnose and address fuel injector issues promptly to prevent further damage to the engine.
• Consult a Professional: If you are unsure or unable to diagnose the issue yourself, it is best to consult a qualified mechanic. They will have the tools and expertise to accurately diagnose and repair any fuel injector issues.

By following these diagnostic steps, you can confidently determine if your Hyundai Santa Fe is experiencing fuel injector issues and take the necessary steps to address them. Regular maintenance and inspection can also help prevent or identify fuel injector problems early on.

Fuel injector replacement cost

The cost of replacing a fuel injector on a Hyundai Santa Fe varies depending on the year of the car and where the replacement is carried out. The average cost is between $410 and $483, but prices can range from $816.50 to $4554.09.

Labor costs are estimated to be between $106 and $140, while parts are priced between $267 and $432. The final cost will also depend on your location and whether any related repairs are needed.

It is not recommended to replace a fuel injector yourself due to the risk of fire and the complexity of the process.

OEM and aftermarket fuel injectors

When replacing fuel injectors, it is recommended to use high-quality, OEM parts. This is because OEM fuel injectors are made to fit your specific vehicle, taking into account the engine size, fuel pressure, and fuel flow rate. Aftermarket fuel injectors, on the other hand, tend to be more of a "one size fits all" option and may not provide optimal performance. They may not atomize fuel as well as OEM injectors, potentially leading to a drop in fuel economy or a sluggish engine.

OEM fuel injectors are also covered by the manufacturer's warranty, which is typically 12 months with unlimited miles. This means that if you encounter any problems with your fuel injectors due to normal usage during the warranty period, the manufacturer will replace the parts at no additional cost. Aftermarket parts usually have shorter or more limited warranties, and it may be more difficult to get a replacement or refund if an issue arises.

Additionally, OEM fuel injectors are built to last and made with high-quality materials. They undergo rigorous quality inspection and testing to ensure they meet the manufacturer's specifications. Aftermarket fuel injectors may not meet the same standards and are often 'reverse-engineered', which can result in reduced performance and longevity.

For these reasons, it is generally recommended to use OEM fuel injectors when replacing the fuel injectors in your Hyundai Santa Fe. While they may be more expensive upfront, OEM fuel injectors can save you money in the long run by providing better performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability.

Fuel injector maintenance

Fuel injectors regulate the amount of pressurised fuel used for each engine cycle. There is one injector per cylinder in an engine. They are responsible for pressurising and pumping fuel through an electronically controlled opening that sprays the fuel into the cylinder. This allows the fuel to burn more efficiently and evenly.

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. It is recommended to get fuel injector cleaning done after every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. If you notice a sharp decline in your fuel economy, a lack of power in your car, or experience a sluggish feeling when you accelerate, it could mean you need a fuel injection cleaning service.

Burning fuel leaves carbon deposits over time, which tend to create a layer of build-up on the fuel injectors. A fuel injector cleaning service flushes out all the build-up and cleans the injector. By removing all the build-up of carbon deposits and flushing them out of the fuel system, your car engine will run smoother and become more fuel-efficient.

To remove carbon and other types of build-up from your vehicle's fuel injectors, you must use a high-quality injector cleaner. There are hundreds of cleaners on the market today. While there is a difference in fuel system cleaners, any cleaner that you use at 100% strength is likely to do a good job.

Clogged fuel injectors are likely to make your vehicle's engine idle roughly or stall altogether. If carbon accumulates on the diffusing tip of your car's fuel injectors, you may also burn more gas and get worse fuel economy. Fortunately, before you get to either point, your vehicle's check engine light will probably turn on.

You can also use a gasoline additive that cleans fuel injectors. However, these cleaners dilute into a full tank of gas, weakening their potency and effectiveness. They also only flow through injectors in one direction, making them less effective at removing carbon and other types of build-up.

A better approach is to invest in a fuel injector cleaning kit. These kits come with a canister that holds the cleaner and a hose that attaches to your vehicle's fuel injectors. While the design of these kits varies, most have a lid that screws off the canister. After unscrewing the lid, pour the fuel injector cleaner into the container. Next, hang the canister on the underside of the hood to ensure a steady flow of cleaner into your vehicle's fuel injectors.

Then, screw the hose end onto the vehicle's fuel rail at the test port. To locate the fuel rail, find the fuel injectors under your hood or read through your car's owner's manual. If these approaches do not work, an online search can help you locate the fuel rail.

Finally, start the vehicle's engine. Note that after attaching the cleaning kit and removing the fuel pump fuse, the car may be difficult to start. When all the cleaner empties from the canister, you have successfully cleaned your car's fuel injectors without removing them. Of course, you must remove the cleaning kit and re-insert the fuel pump fuse to finish the process.

Frequently asked questions