What Are the Symptoms of a Clogged Fuel Injector?

[DiBrandon]

Symptoms of a minor clog include slight shaking when starting in first gear, which disappears when accelerating in higher gears. Below is relevant information: 1. Cause Identification: If all sensors in the car are functioning normally, the throttle body has been cleaned, and the circuitry is in good condition, it is highly likely that the fuel injector is slightly clogged. The clogging occurs due to carbon deposits in the engine accumulating on the injector or impurities in the fuel blocking the injector's pathways. 2. Hazards of a Clogged Fuel Injector: Even a minor clog can affect the vehicle's performance. For cars in poor condition or those driven for extended periods, neglecting injector cleaning can worsen the clog over time. This leads to poor fuel injection, improper spray angles, and inadequate atomization, resulting in rough idling, poor acceleration, or performance issues under full load. Consequently, engine power decreases, fuel consumption rises, emissions increase, and in severe cases, the engine may fail to operate.