can dirty fuel injectors cause car not to start

[DeMolly]

Yes, severely dirty fuel injectors can absolutely cause a car not to start. While a no-start condition is often the final stage of a problem that builds over time, it's a definite possibility. The issue stems from the injectors' inability to deliver the precise amount of atomized fuel required for combustion. When clogged, they may not open at all, or they might deliver a weak, poorly atomized "dribble" of fuel instead of a fine mist. This disrupts the critical air-fuel ratio, making the mixture too lean (too much air, not enough fuel) to ignite properly inside the cylinders. You'll likely hear the engine cranking normally, but it will fail to "catch" and run.

Before this complete failure, you'd usually notice symptoms like a rough idle, engine misfires, hesitation during acceleration, and a significant drop in fuel economy. The engine control unit (ECU) tries to compensate for a lean condition by adjusting the fuel trim, but there's a limit to its corrective ability. If the injectors are too clogged, even the ECU can't add enough fuel to achieve ignition.

It's important to note that a no-start issue has other common culprits. A dead battery, faulty starter motor, or a broken fuel pump are often the first things to check. However, if those are ruled out and the car has been exhibiting the warning signs mentioned, dirty injectors become a prime suspect. The solution ranges from using a high-quality fuel injector cleaner additive for mild cases to professional ultrasonic cleaning or replacement for severe blockages.

Potential Cause of No-Start	Typical Symptoms	Common Fixes	Approximate Cost Range (USD)
Severely Dirty Fuel Injectors	Cranks but won't start, prior rough idle, misfires	Professional cleaning or replacement	$50 - $600+
Dead Battery	Clicking sound, no electrical power	Jump-start, battery replacement	$150 - $300
Faulty Starter Motor	Single loud click, no cranking	Starter replacement	$400 - $800
Failed Fuel Pump	Whining noise from tank, no start	Fuel pump replacement	$500 - $1000
Ignition System Failure (e.g., crank sensor)	No spark, cranks but won't start	Sensor/component replacement	$200 - $500

[DanielaLynn]

Yep, it can. Think of it like a clogged showerhead. If the injector is too gummed up, it can't spray the fine mist of gas the engine needs to start. The engine might crank and crank but never actually fire up. It's usually not the first thing I'd check—I’d look at the battery and fuel pump first—but if the car has been running rough for a while, dirty injectors could be the final straw.