A Guide To Replacing The Fuel Injector In Your Pt Cruiser

Fuel injectors are an essential component of a car's internal combustion engine. They regulate the amount of pressurised fuel used for each engine cycle. 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.

If you're looking to replace the fuel injectors in a Chrysler PT Cruiser, you can buy them online or from a parts store. The average cost for a Chrysler PT Cruiser Fuel Injector replacement is between $248 and $274. However, this is not a DIY job and should be left to a professional.

How to Replace PT Cruiser Fuel Injector

Disconnect the battery and relieve fuel system pressure

Disconnecting the battery and relieving the fuel system pressure is an important step when replacing the fuel injector on your PT Cruiser. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Disconnect the Battery:

Before starting any work on the fuel system, it is crucial to disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. This is a safety precaution to prevent any accidental electrical discharge or sparks, which could be dangerous when working with flammable fuel.

Relieve Fuel System Pressure:

• Start by removing the filler cap from the fuel tank. This will relieve any initial pressure inside the tank.
• Next, locate the fuel pump relay in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). It is usually found in the engine compartment, on the left side, behind and below the air filter housing.
• Remove the fuel pump relay.
• Now, start the engine and let it run until it stops by itself. This will help relieve the remaining pressure in the fuel system.
• Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.

At this point, you have successfully relieved the fuel system pressure, and it is safe to proceed with the fuel injector replacement. Remember to exercise extreme caution when working with fuel, as it is highly flammable. Always refer to your vehicle's repair manual for model-specific instructions and take the necessary safety precautions.

Additionally, some sources recommend letting the vehicle sit for 12+ hours to allow the pressure to bleed off through the fuel pump back into the tank. Alternatively, you can locate the fuel filter and slowly release the line from it to release the pressure, but this method requires eye protection and rags to absorb the escaping fuel.

Drain the engine coolant

Before you begin to replace the fuel injectors of your PT Cruiser, it is important to relieve the pressure inside the fuel tank. Remove the filler cap and the cover from the air filter housing. Remove the fuel pump relay in the PDC, which is located on the left side of the engine compartment, right behind and below the air filter housing. Start the engine and let it run until it stops. Turn off the ignition switch and disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery.

Now, to drain the engine coolant, first remove the throttle body air intake plenum cover, the upper intake manifold, and the upper radiator hose. Disconnect the fuel supply line from the fuel rail by squeezing the two tabs on the quick-disconnect fitting together and then pulling up on the fitting.

Pulling up on the lock and squeezing the tab on the same side, disconnect the fuel injector electrical connectors. Remove the two fuel rail bolts. When reinstalling the rail, torque them to 170-230 inch-pounds. Pull up on the fuel rail to disengage the injectors from their respective bores in the intake manifold, and then remove the rail and injectors.

The injectors may initially stick in their bores, but they will come free with enough force. Once removed, pull out the injector retaining clips and detach the injectors from the rail. Again, the injectors may stick, but they can be removed with some force and wiggling.

Disconnect the fuel supply line from the fuel rail

Disconnecting the fuel supply line from the fuel rail is a crucial step in replacing a PT Cruiser fuel injector. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

To begin, locate the fuel supply line connected to the fuel rail. The fuel rail is a metal tube that runs parallel to the engine's cylinder head and supplies fuel to the injectors. Once you have located the fuel supply line, you will need to squeeze the two tabs on the quick-disconnect fitting together. This fitting is usually located near the fuel rail. By squeezing these tabs, you will be able to release the connection between the fuel supply line and the fuel rail.

After squeezing the tabs, gently pull up on the fitting to separate the fuel supply line from the fuel rail. Be cautious and gentle during this step to avoid any damage to the surrounding components. It is also important to note that fuel may still be present in the line, so have a rag or container ready to catch any spills.

Once the fuel supply line is disconnected, set it aside and ensure that it is securely placed to prevent any accidental reconnection or damage. With the fuel supply line disconnected, you will now have access to the fuel injectors and can proceed with the replacement process. Remember to work cautiously and refer to appropriate safety guidelines when working with automotive fuel systems.

At this stage, with the fuel supply line disconnected and the fuel rail exposed, you can continue with the next steps in the PT Cruiser fuel injector replacement procedure. It is important to follow a systematic approach and consult manufacturer guidelines or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any part of the process.

Disconnect the fuel injector electrical connectors

Disconnecting the fuel injector electrical connectors is a crucial step in replacing the fuel injectors in your PT Cruiser. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this safely and effectively:

Step 1: Before beginning any work on the fuel system, it is essential to relieve the pressure inside the fuel tank. Start by removing the filler cap. Next, remove the cover from the air filter housing, followed by the fuel pump relay in the PDC. You can locate the fuse and relay on the left side of the engine compartment, right behind and below the air filter housing.

Step 2: Now, start the engine and let it run until it stops by itself. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. It is important to ensure the engine is not running when disconnecting the fuel injectors to avoid any potential hazards.

Step 3: For safety, disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. By doing this, you will relieve the fuel system pressure.

Step 4: Locate the fuel injector electrical connectors. You will need to push up on the lock and then squeeze the tab on the same side as the lock.

Step 5: While continuing to apply pressure on the tab, gently pull up on the connector to detach it from the fuel injector. Be careful not to damage the connector or the injector itself during this process.

Step 6: Repeat this process for each fuel injector electrical connector. Depending on your vehicle's configuration, there may be one injector per cylinder, so ensure you disconnect all the necessary connectors.

Remember to work carefully and methodically when performing these steps. Working on the fuel system can be hazardous, so ensure you take the necessary precautions and refer to a professional mechanic if you are unsure about any part of the process.

Remove the fuel rail bolts

To remove the fuel rail bolts, first relieve the fuel system pressure. Next, remove the air cleaner lid, disconnect the inlet air temperature sensor and makeup air hose. Then, remove the negative battery cable, followed by the engine cover or throttle control shield. Wrap shop towels around the hose to catch any gasoline spillage. Now, disconnect the fuel supply tube from the rail.

After this, remove the intake manifold, disconnect the electrical connectors from the fuel injectors, and finally, remove the bolts holding the fuel rail.

Frequently asked questions