ABOUT FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM CLEANING

All modern vehicles use what is called ‘fuel injection’ to deliver the proper amount of fuel to the cylinders of the engine. This system needs proper care and maintenance at regular intervals just as any other operating system of the vehicle.

While these systems vary somewhat, they all use the same basic principal. How it works – Fuel, under pressure, is forced through a very small hole in the end of an injector. The length of time this ‘hole’ allows fuel to pass through is regulated by the vehicles computer.

The computer has no way of detecting if this passage is clean and clear of obstructions. If dirty, you will notice a lack of performance when you accelerate, surging at cruise, rough idle, and stumbles and/or stalls. The computer assumes the injectors are clean due to proper maintenance and will try to compensate for loss of performance by lengthening the injector pulse width. Depending on how ‘clogged’ the injectors are, other problems arise and the check engine lamp will illuminate with false codes (blaming other components for the performance failure).

Many times unnecessary parts are replaced in search of the root problem, a dirty/clogged injector, and/or dirty throttle plate.

A complete ‘fuel injection system cleaning’ addresses these issues and should be preformed at least once a year. Adding a fuel injection cleaner to the gas tank is only half of the entire process. Having the system cleaned will restore lost performance, increase mileage, smooth the idle and save money at the pump!