Imagine this:
You’re out for a drive and suddenly hear unusual noises from under the hood, notice dark exhaust smoke, or feel a drop in acceleration.
These warning signs could mean the fuel injectors are clogged.
Addressing this problem could cost you between $100 and $2,000, depending on whether your car requires fuel injector cleaning or replacement.
In this guide, we’ll break down average fuel injector service costs, explore the factors that affect pricing, and discuss why this service matters.
This Article Contains:
- How Much Does a Fuel Injector Service Cost?
- 5 Factors Affecting the Fuel Injector Cleaning Service Cost
- Is the Fuel Injector Cleaning Service Worth It?
- 7 Common Signs Your Fuel Injectors Need Cleaning
- How Often Should You Clean the Fuel Injectors?
- Can You Clean the Fuel Injectors Yourself?
Let’s dive in!
How Much Does a Fuel Injector Service Cost?
The average cost of a professional fuel injector service ranges from $100 to $2,000, depending on the specific type of service required.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
1. On-Car Fuel Injector Cleaning: $100 to $250
This is performed while the injectors remain installed. During the process, a technician uses pressurized cleaning equipment and a solvent to flush out carbon deposits from the fuel line.
Here’s what you’ll pay:
- Parts and cleaning supplies: $20 to $50 (cleaning solvent)
- Labor: $80 to $200 (takes about 30 minutes)
2. Off-Car Fuel Injector Cleaning: $300 to $700
The mechanic removes the injectors and cleans them individually using ultrasonic equipment. This method is usually recommended when the fuel system is heavily clogged with carbon deposits.
Here’s what you’ll pay:
- Parts and cleaning supplies: $100 to $200 (ultrasonic cleaning chemicals and seals)
- Labor: $200 to $500 (takes 30 minutes to 1 hour)
3. Fuel Injector Testing and Replacement: $335 to $2,000
If cleaning the fuel system doesn’t help, the injectors may be damaged. In such cases, a professional mechanic will suggest performing a detailed fuel system test to check spray patterns, flow rates, and electronic responsiveness.
If the injectors are leaking, cracked, or electrically faulty, a replacement could be the best solution.
Here’s what you’ll pay:
- Parts: $35 to $1600 per injector
- Labor: $300 to $400 (takes 2 to 6 hours)
Want to learn more?
Check out our fuel injector replacement cost guide to explore the factors that affect this pricing and warning signs to watch for.
Now, while the type of fuel injector service plays a big role, other factors can also influence the final price.
5 Factors Affecting the Fuel Injector Cleaning Service Cost
When determining the fuel injector cleaning cost, professional mechanics consider elements such as:
- Vehicle make and model: Performance and luxury vehicles often use advanced fuel injection systems, like gasoline direct injection (GDI), that are complex and harder to clean. This can raise labor costs compared to standard vehicles.
- Engine size (number of cylinders): Each engine cylinder has its own fuel injector. Larger engines like V6 or V8 have more injectors to clean, which increases labor time and overall service cost.
- Cleaning method: On-car cleaning is more affordable, but it’s effective mainly for mild carbon buildup. Meanwhile, off-car ultrasonic cleaning provides a more thorough restoration but at a higher cost.
- Location: Labor rates are usually higher at shops in urban areas than in rural ones.
- Add-on services: Some auto shops may bundle fuel injector cleaning with other services to improve fuel efficiency and performance. For example, a mechanic might suggest cleaning the throttle body, which can add an extra $170 to $300 to the total cost.
By now, you’re probably wondering:
Is the Fuel Injector Cleaning Service Worth It?
Yes, absolutely.
Fuel injector cleaning helps restore engine power, smooth out rough idling, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce emissions.
Regular cleaning also prevents carbon buildup in injectors, valves, and combustion chambers, helping you avoid costly repairs down the line.
How can you tell when your fuel injectors are dirty or clogged?
7 Common Signs Your Fuel Injectors Need Cleaning
If you notice any of the symptoms below, then it’s time to get the fuel injectors checked:
- An illuminated check engine light: The vehicle’s onboard computer may trigger a dashboard warning light if it detects injector-related problems like clogging or inconsistent fuel delivery.
- Unusual noises while driving: Hissing, whistling, or clicking sounds from under the hood can occur when fuel injectors are clogged or not spraying fuel evenly. This disrupts the air-fuel mixture, causing the engine to work harder and produce abnormal noises.
- Strong fuel smell or dark exhaust smoke: Excess fuel from leaky or dirty injectors can create a noticeable gasoline smell and dark smoke from the exhaust.
- Rough idling or engine misfires: Dirty injectors can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, causing uneven combustion and a shaky or rough idle.
- Poor acceleration or reduced power: When injectors are clogged, the engine doesn’t get enough fuel under load, leading to sluggish acceleration or weak performance.
- Decreased fuel efficiency: Carbon and varnish deposits in the engine can build up inside the fuel injectors, disrupting fuel flow and decreasing your car’s fuel efficiency.
- Hard starting or stalling: A clogged injector can’t deliver enough fuel to the engine during ignition. This leads to an imbalanced air-fuel mixture, which can make the engine struggle to start and even stall.
To avoid costly repairs, make sure to get your fuel injectors cleaned regularly.
How Often Should You Clean the Fuel Injectors?
Clean the fuel injectors every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, or according to the schedule mentioned in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
However, vehicles with GDI engines may require more frequent cleaning because they tend to accumulate carbon deposits faster.
Next, let’s explore if DIY fuel injector cleaning is worth it.
Can You Clean the Fuel Injectors Yourself?
No, cleaning the fuel injectors yourself isn’t recommended. That’s because a simple mistake can damage the injectors or other sensitive parts of the fuel system.
Although some over-the-counter DIY fuel additives can help remove light deposits, they aren’t powerful enough to clear heavy carbon or varnish buildup inside the injectors.
In fact, some vehicle manufacturers specifically warn against using certain fuel system cleaning additives, as they can cause damage or void warranties.
For your peace of mind, leave the fuel injector cleaning job to a professional mechanic. They will use specialized tools to safely and effectively restore injector performance.
Maximize Your Fuel Injectors’ Performance with AutoNation Mobile Service
Clogged or dirty fuel injectors can reduce engine power and decrease fuel efficiency. They can even lead to expensive repairs if you don’t address them promptly.
Want a hassle-free way to clean or replace your fuel injectors?
The answer is AutoNation Mobile Service.
Our skilled technicians will come to you and perform a fuel injector service right from your driveway. The best part is that we back our services with a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty.
Book an appointment with us today and keep your fuel injectors performing at their best.