How to Clean a Toyota Fuel Injector

As automobiles evolve into high-tech machines, there are more nuances to learn about when performing routine maintenance. Fuel injectors began replacing carburetors about 25 years ago and offer a more efficient way to deliver fuel to the engine. Though fuel injectors are an improvement over the carburetor, they can get clogged with dirt and other small debris found floating in the fuel or from deposits in the fuel tank. Toyota fuel injectors gained widespread use around 1990, and cleaning them from time to time will help keep your car running smoothly.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Plugs
• Device adapter hose
• EFI cleaner
• Non-pressurized fuel injector cleaner
• Towel

1. • 1

     Start the car and let it idle for several minutes so that the engine warms to normal operating temperature.

   • 2

     Turn the car off. Check the operator's manual or guide under the hood of the car to locate the fuel pump electrical connector. This component is typically located near the battery. You do not want to actually disconnect the fuel pump itself as it is located in the fuel tank and requires removing the back seats of the car. Disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector. Re-start the engine and allow the car to run until it stalls.

   • 3

     Insert a plug into the fuel return line to disable it. Attach a device adapter hose to the car's fuel line. Screw a swivel fitting onto the other end of the adapter hose.

   • 4

     Insert a can of EFI cleaner into the swivel fitting of the adapter hose. Turn the valve handle on the adapter hose to the "Open" position. Start the car and allow it run until it stalls again.

   • 5

     Shut the valve handle on the adapter hose to the "Off" position. Unscrew the can of EFI cleaner from the adapter hose.

   • 6

     Drape a towel over the adapter hose. Turn the valve handle to the "Open" position to release any remaining pressure in the fuel line.

   • 7

     Remove the device adapter hose from the fuel line. Remove the plug from the fuel return line. Reattach the fuel pump electrical connector.

   • 8

     Wait a few minutes, before starting the car, to allow the fuel line to return to normal pressure. Start the car and let it run for several minutes. Pop the throttle/accelerator a few times to help dislodge any remaining grime in the fuel line.

   • 9

     Turn off the car engine. Open the fuel tank door. Pour one can of non-pressurized fuel injector cleaner into the fuel tank. Close the fuel tank door.