Fuel Injectors Replacement Cost [DIY & Pro Install]
The repair time on a fuel injector replacement job varies depending on what’s wrong with the vehicle. Motorists have started putting off these types of repairs because they are worried about how much it will cost them.
Of course, injectors don’t last forever, and mechanics can tell you that. But just how expensive is it when one is damaged?
The average cost to replace all fuel injectors is $1,678. The cheapest option (DIY) would cost you around $357, while the more expensive injectors would get as high as $3000. Of course, the total cost will depend on several factors.
These factors include how many injectors you have and whether or not you are replacing all of them simultaneously, as well as the location of those injectors.
The more parts the mechanic needs to remove before getting to those injectors, the more costly the replacement. Finally, labor and installation fees will vary based on your location.
The injectors can cost anywhere from $68 to $448 individually. So the cost of only four injectors can cost you between $272 and $1,792 for the parts alone if you only have four cylinders.
If you have six cylinders, you are looking at over $600 for the most affordable option.
Then you will have to add labor and installation fees. But, again, these can vary depending on where you live, which mechanic you use, and what type of vehicle you drive.
Labor costs can cost between 50 to 150 an hour, with this job requiring a minimum of 3 hours and averaging about 5 hours total.
Each car has either four, six, or eight fuel injectors, one for each cylinder. So depending on your vehicle, you may be replacing up to eight fuel injectors at any given time.
While it is unlikely they all go wrong at the exact same time, it is always advised to replace them altogether. This way, you ensure your engine runs smoothly.
However, if you only replace one injector, it can be as affordable as $257. This cost difference appeals to most people, but again, if you find one injector is going bad, it is likely that they all start to act up around the same time.
Therefore, you could be saving money by doing the whole job at one time.
Cost of Fuel Injectors By Make and Model
Make/ Model | Price for one | Price for 8 |
---|---|---|
Acura/Audi/BMW | $63 | $570 |
Buick | $42 | $336 |
Chevrolet | $37 | $380 |
Dodge | $43 | $104 |
Chrysler | $104 | $800 |
Honda | $63 | $570 |
Ford | $63 | $1392 |
GMC | $147 | $742 |
Hyundai | $40 | $1082 |
Lexus | $72 | $576 |
Labor Cost to Replace Fuel Injectors
You can expect to pay between $150 to $750 for labor. Average labor costs span from $50 to $150 per hour. The most significant factor for labor cost is where you live and the cost of living in that area.
But other things that factor into labor costs include:
- The level of experience of the mechanic.
- The number of certifications of the mechanic.
- The type of shop you take your car to.
Also, shops willing to offer better warranties will often have higher labor costs. Plan on 3 to 5 hours of labor time built into your estimate. $150 to $450 in labor alone, then you add in the cost of your injectors.
What Happens When You Have a Clogged Fuel Injector
Owning a car can be costly, but buying a new car is way worse. Make sure you keep your vehicle in peak condition by replacing parts as needed and getting your vehicle serviced when required.
One of these parts that need to be replaced is your fuel injectors. Over time, fuel injectors can build up contaminants like carbon, water, dirt particles, or even rust.
The contaminants clog or partially clog your injectors, preventing them from closing all the way. If the injector cannot close completely, it will drip gasoline, which can cause a misfire.
One of the things that clogged fuel injectors cause is misfires. When your car misfires, the balance between air and fuel in the engine is messed up.
This makes the motor feel like it is sputtering, sending vibrations through the car. This is uncomfortable for the driver and passengers and can cause other problems too.
Driving with a faulty fuel injector can cause other problems, like increased fuel consumption or excess emissions. And even hesitation during acceleration, which can be dangerous while driving. a
A clogged fuel injector can cause a whole host of problems.
Diesel Fuel Injectors
Diesel fuel injectors require a more complex design that results in a higher price per part. Suppose you are unfortunately in the position to replace all of your diesel fuel injectors simultaneously.
In that case, you could expect to spend up to $700 for a refurbished set of eight. While factory new could cost over $1,350 for eight.
Maintaining your Fuel Injectors
One way to reduce the chance of needing to replace your fuel injectors is to properly maintain them. Fuel injectors should be cleaned every 36 months or 45,000 miles to reduce the need to replace them.
This can prolong the life of your fuel injectors and keep your engine healthy.
Getting a fuel injector cleaning service at a dealership can cost on average $64.99; however, this cost varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle and where you go.
Some places charge a flat rate of $80 to $99. To cut the costs of this, many people use fuel injector cleaner in their gas tanks. Some people add the cleaner to their gas tank every 1,000 to 3,000 miles; however, most use it every time they fill up.
Best fuel injector cleaners
- Chevron Techron Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner
- Red Line Complete SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner
- Royal Purple Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer
- Liqui Moly Jectron Fuel Injection Cleaner
- Sea Foam Motor Treatment
- Lucas Oil Deep Clean Fuel System Cleaner
- STP Ultra 5-in-1 Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer
- STA-BIL 360 Protection Ethanol Treatment and Fuel Stabilizer
- Gumout Fuel Injector Cleaner
- Marvel Mystery Oil Ultimate Fuel and Motor Treatment
How to Replace Your Fuel Injectors?
You can save money by replacing your fuel injectors yourself.
Replacing four to eight injectors with new seals can cost you between $124 to $1392, depending on the cost of the individual injector you purchase and how many you need to buy at a time. Although the average price for replacing your injectors yourself is $330.
Changing a hose injector can be done in about an hour if you have all the right tools and know what you are doing. But make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly before replacing them.
If a mistake is made while replacing your fuel injectors, it could mess up other parts of your engine.
Tiny holes get clogged, or the internal parts get old and worn out…
How to Change Your Fuel Injectors Yourself
Step 1: Start with a cold car. Always use a cold car when working on an engine. Especially when you will have gasoline dripping around.
It evaporates quickly but can cause fires if spilled on a hot engine.
Step 2: To ensure safety expel as much of the gasoline as possible. To do this, you need to unplug the fuel pump relay. A diagram in your manual or under your car shows you which relay is the correct relay to disconnect.
Once disconnected, crank the car a few times to pump out the gas from the fuel pump and fuel rail. (note: this will not empty it, but it will release the pressure, so it will not spray all over the place.)
Step 3: Disconnect the battery and plug the fuel pump relay back in. Make sure to plug it into the correct area. When disconnecting the battery, always disconnect the negative side first.
Step 4: Locate the fuel rail. Look for parts that will hinder your ability to entirely remove this rail. You will need to disconnect and remove them before disconnecting the fuel rail.
Keep track of your removed parts and their bolts so you can replace them correctly. Parts that typically get in the way include the throttle body linkage and intake hose.
Step 5: Unplug all the fuel injectors from the engine. Use a pair of pliers to pull off the connectors without damaging them.
Step 6: Take a good look, or even a picture, of how the fuel rail is seated in your engine. They are often positioned slightly up, which can look like it is not seated at all.
Noting this, or taking a picture, can help you when putting everything back. Next, use a socket wrench to disconnect the fuel rail. Then take the fuel rail off. You may have to pull firmly to remove it.
Step 7: Flip the rail over. You will see your injectors. At this point, you can pull them off. Wiggle a little bit and pull firmly. When they pop off, gas will pour out. Use a rag to wipe up the mess.
Step 8: Get your new injectors ready for installment. Always use new seals when replacing your fuel injectors. You might have to buy these separately if you did not buy a kit.
The best way to ensure your seals are fully seated on the injector is to use a cup of gas to dip the new injector in after putting the seals on. Then, while the injector and seals are still wet with gas, insert them into the fuel rail.
This process will also make sure the new injectors do not leak.
Step 9: Reinsert the fuel rail back into place. (this is when that picture you took before may come in handy!)
Step 10: Bolt the fuel rail back in place.
Step 11: Plug your fuel injectors back into the connectors. Make sure the connection is tight.
Step 12: Replace all parts you had to remove to get to the rail. Make sure all parts are back in the proper place. Again, pictures or diagrams are great to ensure proper reinstalment.
Step 13: Reconnect your battery. Remember to connect the positive side first and then the negative side.
Step 14: At this point, you have new fuel injectors, but they are empty; there is no gas in the line, so you will have to prime the pump. To do this:
- Insert your key into the ignition and have to turn it.
- Let the car sit like this for 10 to 20 seconds, then crank the ignition.
- If nothing happens, repeat this process.
It should crank 2nd time.
Step 15: Let the car run for another 20 seconds and turn off. Check for leaks.
Once you make sure there are no leaks, you have successfully replaced the fuel injectors in your car!
Should You Replace Your Fuel Pump Too?
Some people may want to replace multiple components of the fuel system simultaneously to decrease the chance of other issues.
This may be necessary, but this is not always the case. Talk to a mechanic if you have concerns about multiple problems with your system.
Replacing the fuel pump can be as costly as your injectors, so make sure it is necessary. The parts alone can cost between $80 and $200, and labor would add another $100 to $300.
How to Replace Your Fuel Pump
You can save money by replacing the fuel pump yourself. However, the fuel pump is inside the gas tank, so to replace it, you will need to have access from your trunk or drop the fuel tank to access the fuel pump assembly.
When replacing the pump, you need to replace the filter too.
Step 1: Disconnect the battery. Always disconnect the negative side first.
Step 2: How to drop your fuel tank
- Jack the rear of the car up. Make sure it is secure before moving on.
- Remove as much gas as you can
- Loosen the fuel lines and disconnect the fuel filter so you can lower the tank.
- Use a jack or strap to hold the tank in place before you unbolt it.
- Unbolt the tank and then lower it slowly. There will be one more fuel line on the inside, which will need to be disconnected before you can drop the tank all the way.
Step 3: Unbolt the fuel pump assembly. and pull out of the tank
Step 4: Disconnect the wiring harness and remove the bolts
Step 5: remove the lid to the assembly, and pull out the old fuel pump.
Step 6: Add new seals and fuel sock to the new fuel pump.
Step 7: drop the pump into the assembly.
Step 8: reattach the screws using your hand only! not super tight
Step 9: attach the new wiring harness (which comes with the new fuel pump)
Then reconnect the fuel lines and fuel tank if you had to drop your tank.