Minor Problems:
* Rough idling: Your engine might idle roughly or stall, especially when starting cold.
* Hesitation or sputtering: The engine might hesitate or sputter when accelerating.
* Reduced fuel efficiency: You'll likely see a decrease in your gas mileage.
* Increased emissions: The engine will run less efficiently, leading to higher emissions of pollutants.
Major Problems:
* Misfires: A bad injector can cause a cylinder to misfire, leading to damage to the catalytic converter. This is an expensive part to replace.
* Engine damage: Prolonged misfires can cause damage to pistons, valves, and other engine components. This can lead to a costly engine rebuild or replacement.
* Catalyst damage: The catalytic converter is very sensitive to unburned fuel. A faulty injector supplying too much or too little fuel can overheat and damage the catalytic converter. This is a very expensive repair.
* Increased wear and tear: The uneven operation of the engine places added stress on other components, leading to premature wear and tear.
In short: Ignoring a bad fuel injector is a gamble with potentially severe and expensive consequences. It's far better to have it diagnosed and repaired promptly to avoid more extensive and costly damage down the line.
