Petrol fuel injection

Checking fuel injectors

~1min read
1.2 / 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 L engines

Leaking injectors cause hot-start problems. Defective fuel injectors can cause the engine to run on after switching off and lead to misfiring.

  • Run engine at idle.

  • With the engine running, use a stethoscope to check each injector for a clicking sound. The clicking is produced by the nozzle opening and closing.

  • If no stethoscope is available, you can also use a screwdriver or a finger to feel whether the injector is operating.

  • If no operating noise or an abnormal operating noise is detected, check the power supply, resistance and leak tightness of the fuel injector.

Check power supply and resistance
  • Check power supply. To do so, disconnect the injector connector and connect a LED test lamp between the two terminals of the supply lead. Have an assistant crank the engine. The LED must flicker.

  • If the LED does not flicker, the fault may be an open circuit in the wiring or in the control unit itself.

  • Switch off the ignition.

  • Connect an ohmmeter to the two terminals of each injector and measure resistance. If the resistance of an injector deviates, replace it.


  • If necessary, replace the defective fuel injector.

Check for leaks
  • Remove fuel injectors. Injectors and fuel lines remain connected to the fuel rail.

  • Fit electrical connectors to the fuel injectors.

  • Hold the fuel injectors in a suitable measuring container.

  • Have an assistant crank the engine for several seconds and compare the spray patterns of the injectors. The fuel must emerge in a cone shape and look the same at all injectors.

  • Switch off the ignition.

  • Disconnect connectors from fuel injectors.

  • Switch ignition on for approx. 5 seconds, do not crank the engine. Then check for leaks: no more than 1 drop of fuel per minute may escape from the injectors.

  • Install fuel injectors.

Test yourself

A quick Fiat Bravo quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.