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Toyota Fortuner Bad Fuel Injector: Symptoms,

Diagnosis, How to Fix
July 6, 2023 by Jason

Fuel injectors can go the life of a modern vehicle with little to no trouble at all. That
being said, bad fuel injectors are one of the more common issues that happen to
any vehicle (Toyota Fortuner included).

There’s always more than one fuel injector, and even one going bad is enough to
make a noticeable impact on the drivability of your vehicle.

There are two main ways that your injectors can fail to do their job properly.

The first is for them to become clogged, dirty, or unresponsive. When this
happens, not enough fuel enters your Fortuner’s combustion chamber.
The other way is if the injectors are leaking. When they leak, they can really
cause some issues

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When a fuel injector isn’t functioning properly, it can cause problems such as
misfiring cylinders, the check engine light, or even a vibrating engine. In some cases,
you may notice a bad fuel odor at idle or experience engine stalling.

Detecting these symptoms early and addressing the issue can prevent further
damage to your engine and keep your Fortuner running smoothly.

Symptoms of Bad Fuel Injectors

1. Rough Idle
When your Toyota Fortuner has bad fuel injectors, you may notice a rough idle. This
occurs because the injectors are not providing a consistent flow of fuel, causing the
engine to operate unevenly.

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With a fuel injector that is not properly atomizing fuel properly, your Fortuner is
going to have a difficult time idling.

It’ll feel almost exactly the same as if it had a bad spark plug. That is to say; there will
be a sudden drop in idle speed. It may feel like the engine is about to die as the PCM
(powertrain control module) struggles to maintain idle speed.

2. Poor Fuel Economy

Your Fortuner’s PCM is constantly adjusting the air/fuel ratio and timing to get
optimal combustion. When one or more of the fuel injectors aren’t functioning
properly, the ratio will be off and fuel mileage suffers.

3. Misfires and Loss of Power

Bad fuel injectors can cause misfires in your engine due to an incorrect air-fuel ratio.
This can lead to a loss in power and acceleration, making it difficult for your vehicle to
perform at its best.

Typically, as the engine RPM increases, you won’t be able to “feel” the engine misfire
as much. But, you’ll definitely notice the lack of power.

4. Difficulty Starting
If your fuel injectors are clogged or damaged, they may not provide the necessary
fuel to start your vehicle’s engine. This can make it more challenging to start your
vehicle, especially if the problem persists.

5. Engine Stalling
A faulty fuel injector can cause your engine to stall, particularly when idling. In severe
cases, this can prevent your engine from running altogether, leaving you stranded.

6. Poor Acceleration
Your Toyota Fortuner may experience poor acceleration if the fuel injectors are not
providing the proper amount of fuel for combustion. This can result in sluggish
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performance and a lack of responsiveness when pressing the accelerator.

7. Unusual Exhaust Smell

A bad fuel injector can cause an unusual smell from your exhaust, as excess fuel or
unburned fuel may be released through the exhaust system. This odor can be a sign
of a damaged fuel injector that needs to be addressed.

Causes of Bad Fuel Injectors

Clogged Injectors
Clogged fuel injectors can lead to imprecise fuel distribution, subsequently affecting
your Toyota Fortuner’s performance.

Debris, dust, or contaminants in the fuel can settle and accumulate in the injectors.
This buildup can eventually restrict the flow of fuel, leading to a reduction in engine
power and acceleration.

Leaking Injectors

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A leaking fuel injector can cause an array of problems for your Toyota Fortuner. When
the injector doesn’t close properly, excess fuel may enter the combustion chamber,
creating a strong fuel odor and potentially wasting fuel.

Electrical Issues
Electrical issues with the fuel injectors can also hinder your Toyota Fortuner’s
performance. Faulty wiring or damaged electrical components can cause the injector
to send an incorrect signal to the engine control module (ECM), leading to a poor
fuel-to-air ratio.

Looking for a damaged wiring harness is the first and easiest step to take if you
suspect your Fortuner’s fuel injectors are failing.

Inaccurate signals to the fuel injectors can result in engine misfires, decreased power,
and reduced fuel efficiency. Keeping an eye on your vehicle’s check engine light and
addressing any potential electrical issues promptly can help maintain optimal
performance.

Diagnosing Bad Fuel Injectors

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How To Clean Your Dirty Or Clogged Fuel Injectors

Fuel Pressure Test

To diagnose bad fuel injectors in your Toyota Fortuner, start by performing a fuel
pressure test. This test helps you determine if the issue is related to fuel injectors, a
fuel pump, or a fuel filter.

Connect a fuel pressure gauge to the rail and check the pressure. If the pressure is
within the specified range, you can rule out the fuel pump and filter as possible
causes and focus on the injectors.

Visual Inspection
Another step in diagnosing bad fuel injectors is a visual inspection. Look for any signs
of leakage or damage to the injectors.

Pay attention to any unusual odors, which could indicate leaking fuel. If you notice
any problems with the injectors during the inspection, it’s likely that they need to be
cleaned or replaced to resolve the issue.

On-Board Diagnostics

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Finally, utilize your vehicle’s on-board diagnostics (OBD) system to identify any
misfires or error codes related to the injectors.

If the Check Engine light is on, connect an OBD scanner to retrieve the codes. Misfire
codes related to the affected cylinder will help you pinpoint which injector may be
causing the problem.

By following these diagnostic steps, you can confidently determine if your Toyota
Fortuner has bad fuel injectors and address the issue accordingly.

Conclusion
When dealing with a Toyota Fortuner, it is essential to be aware of the symptoms of
bad fuel injectors. Some common symptoms include misfiring cylinders, a check
engine warning light on your dashboard, a vibrating engine, and a bad fuel odor at
idle.

These issues can lead to decreased performance and potentially more severe engine
damage if left unaddressed.

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It is crucial to diagnose the problem correctly, as many symptoms of bad fuel

injectors can be similar to those of a failing fuel pump or clogged fuel filter. To do
this, consider checking the fuel pressure at the rail before replacing the injectors, as
this can help you determine the root cause of the problem and avoid unnecessary
expenses.

If you notice dark gray smoke upon starting your Fortuner, unusually high oil levels,
or a strong gasoline smell in the oil, these can also be indications of fuel injector
issues. Stalling on idle is another potential sign of a bad fuel injector, which should
not be ignored.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Toyota Fortuner behave when a fuel injector is
going out?
When a fuel injector is going out in your Toyota Fortuner, you may experience
symptoms such as rough cold starts, surging cold idle, poor throttle response, and
stumbling during acceleration when cold. Additionally, your fuel economy may
worsen, and you may notice diesel-level soot buildup. These symptoms can be similar
to those of a bad fuel pump or fuel filter, so it’s important to check the fuel pressure
at the rail before replacing injectors.

Will a malfunctioning fuel injector trigger a diagnostic code

in a Toyota Fortuner?
Yes, a malfunctioning fuel injector can trigger a diagnostic code in your Toyota
Fortuner. A misfiring cylinder and a check engine warning light on your dashboard
are common signs of a bad fuel injector. If you suspect a faulty fuel injector, it’s wise
to use a scanner that reads misfire data to confirm which cylinder is affected, and to
avoid replacing components unnecessarily.

What occurs when a single fuel injector fails in a Toyota

Fortuner?
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When a single fuel injector fails in your Toyota Fortuner, the engine may misfire and
cause a noticeable decrease in performance. This is because the affected cylinder is
not receiving the appropriate amount of fuel, which can lead to issues such as
vibration at idle, roughness in acceleration, and poor overall performance. If left
unaddressed, a failed fuel injector can lead to damage in other parts of the engine.
Replacing the faulty injector and ensuring the fuel system is functioning properly can
help restore optimal performance for your vehicle.

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