A car is a lot like a human body: there are so many parts that one small issue could cause a chain reaction of problems. The same goes for a vehicle’s fuel injector. This component helps to get a vehicle moving, but a complication can lead to failures. Learning about the symptoms of a clogged injector helps you identify these problems before components are beyond repair.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Misfire Your Engine

We all expect our vehicles to start when we turn the key or press the engine button, so it can be surprising when the vehicle misfires. Even if the engine does start, it may not sound like normal. Misfired engines produce sputtering sounds when accelerating, and they vibrate when idling.

If you find yourself in this situation, the most likely culprit is a leaky or clogged injector. Your engine should return to normal once you fix the issue.

Dead as a Doornail

You might accept a misfiring engine if you know that a dead engine can result from a clogged injector. The primary purpose of a fuel injector is to start the engine by delivering fuel through the appropriate channels. If a blockage disrupts things, the engine won’t start because it lacks the ideal combination of fuel and air for combustion.

A Dancing RPM Needle

The gauges on your dashboard should move based on your actions. The speedometer increases when you accelerate, while the gas tank lowers the more you drive. You might not pay as close attention to other areas on the dashboard as the RPM needle, but it can be difficult to miss when it’s juking and jiving like it’s dancing to a song.

A clogged injector will cause the RPM to move abnormally. If you’re not switching gears and the needle still shifts, that’s your first hint that the injector is having issues.

Inconsistent Idling

Rollercoasters are a blast to ride, but their herky-jerky movements are problematic for many people. Similarly, a vehicle that makes you feel like you’re ascending to the peak of a roller coaster can be annoying and concerning. A clogged injector can turn your vehicle into a ride you don’t want to take.

No one wants a thrill ride every time they stop at a red light. A clogged injector causes your vehicle to shake and sputter as if you’re riding a mechanic bull. Funky idling happens because the RPMs are out of whack. Its revolutions can change at a moment’s notice, potentially stalling the engine.

Poor Fuel Economy

Clean and efficient fuel injectors maximize your vehicle’s gas mileage. Anything short of your expectations is a strong indicator of something wrong. While your fuel economy could be off for many reasons, a blocked or leaky injector is a common culprit. A clogged injector makes the engine work overtime, burning more fuel to get you where you need to go.

Knowing the symptoms of a clogged injector ensures you are aware of the issues related to this problem. Don’t want to wait too long to fix things because you’ll end up paying more down the line.

You’re not throwing money away when you buy from Blessed Performance. We are proud to be one of the most trusted diesel performance shops in the country. Whether you need to upgrade or replace parts in your vehicle, you can count on us to supply the best of the best!