Most modern vehicles use some form of electronic fuel injection to deliver fuel to the engine. Fuel injection systems are very complex, but when the system is maintained correctly, the fuel economy is good, and the engine will run smoothly. Read on to learn how to tell your car has fuel system issues. 

Fuel Injection 

Electronic fuel injection systems come in several different configurations, and various auto manufacturers use different designs to get the most performance from the engine in the vehicle they are building. While the systems are different, the method of fuel delivery is similar in all of them. 

Fuel coming into the system is mixed with air and then sprayed into the cylinders to create the right amount of power for the engine. The amount of fuel and air in the mix is determined by a computer called the ECU or electronic control unit. 

Using information from the many sensors on your car's engine and exhaust system, the ECU determines the air and fuel requirements at any given time. It changes the fuel mix as needed to keep the car running correctly. If any of the sensors stop working, a fuel inject gets clogged, or the fuel pump is not producing enough pressure, the ECU will try and compensate for the problem, but often the car will begin to run poorly.

EFI Repair

If your car is not running correctly and you suspect it is a fuel system issue, taking your vehicle to a shop equipped to do electronic fuel injection work is essential. The technician can connect the car to a computer to diagnose the problem and determine the problem. 

Many times an injector will wear out or become clogged with dirt and will need to be replaced. Other times an oxygen sensor or one of the dedicated sensors like the mass airflow sensor or the throttle position sensor can wear out, and the only way to deal with them is to replace them with new ones. 

While the repair shop may not stock all the fuel injection system parts you need, most auto parts stores sell the sensors, injectors, and even the fuel pumps for newer cars. If the parts you need are dealer-specific items, the repair shop can order them from the dealer and then install them for you. 

It is vital to check the ECU with a diagnostic computer after the parts are installed. A technician should check to ensure that the sensors are reporting data correctly and the ECU can read them. The tech can make adjustments in the system if needed and restore the engine to the original running condition before any parts failed. To learn more, contact companies that sell fuel injection system parts.