Common Symptoms:
* Rough Idle/Stalling: A misfire caused by a bad injector will often lead to a rough idle, especially noticeable at low RPMs. The engine may even stall, particularly when starting or idling.
* Decreased Fuel Economy: A malfunctioning injector can lead to either too much or too little fuel being injected, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency.
* Lack of Power/Acceleration Problems: The engine may struggle to accelerate or feel sluggish, lacking the usual power.
* Engine Misfires: This is a classic symptom. A misfire occurs when a cylinder doesn't ignite properly because of insufficient fuel. Your car's computer might detect this and trigger a check engine light.
* Check Engine Light: This is a very common symptom, often accompanied by a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) related to misfires or fuel system problems. A mechanic can read the code to pinpoint the problem.
* Black or Excessive Exhaust Smoke: If the injector is constantly spraying too much fuel, you might see black smoke coming from the exhaust.
* Hesitation or Surging: The engine might hesitate or surge while driving, especially under acceleration.
* Fuel Smell: You may notice a strong smell of raw fuel, indicating that fuel is not being properly burned.
* Unusual Engine Noises: While not always the case, a very severely clogged or failing injector might produce unusual ticking or clicking noises.
Less Common Symptoms (often indicating a more serious or specific problem):
* Overheating: A severely rich mixture (too much fuel) can lead to overheating.
Important Note: Many of these symptoms can be caused by other issues, such as a faulty spark plug, ignition coil, or problems with the air intake system. A proper diagnosis by a mechanic using diagnostic tools is crucial to pinpoint the exact cause. Don't rely solely on symptoms; a diagnostic scan is necessary for accurate identification and repair.
