i have a 2005 corolla CE in great condition with 46K miles. The last time i took it to the dealership for an oil change the mechanic told me that i need a fuel injector service (which is something like $120). From what i was able to understand, it sounded like it's just another one of those visual inspection type of services, where they don't really do work but rather charge you money for nothing...
The engine runs smooth, starts ok and is as peppy as when i bought it brand new. My question is, do i need this fuel injector service that the dealer recommended?
My dealer said around 30k, and that is for stop and go driving. On open hwy and if you use good gas it may be time, they do need cleaning. You say the car runs good and that is a healthy sign. There are 2 ways to clean them. One is with them in place (not sure if thats the best) but that is the cheaper way. The other is to take them apart and Im told +- about $30.00 per injector and then there is a few procedures to make sure they are set right. Remember the old saying "if it ain't broke..." Now answer me why your Corolla runs smooth? Mine is an 04 LE A/t and it has a bad idle viberation and it started 10 months ago when I told the dealer. They replaced a motor mt. but it still viberates any help here? I get good mileage, tires are good, balance good, just has this vibe from the floor to the seats and the S- wheel and it is bothering me.
mrsep48: what is your idle speed? Does it seem like it is lower than it was before? Might check the throttle body and see if it needs cleaning. Some times, even 50rpm can make a difference.
i have a 2005 corolla CE in great condition with 46K miles. The last time i took it to the dealership for an oil change the mechanic told me that i need a fuel injector service (which is something like $120). From what i was able to understand, it sounded like it's just another one of those visual inspection type of services, where they don't really do work but rather charge you money for nothing...
The engine runs smooth, starts ok and is as peppy as when i bought it brand new. My question is, do i need this fuel injector service that the dealer recommended?
Thanks,
batgele
Sounds like the dealer wants $$$. 46K miles is nothing on the 1zz-fe. Did the mechanic say why you needed the cleaning, as in did he inspect the injectors or feel something in the idle? Sounds like a classic case of the dealer trying to find money from other places to make up for money not coming in elsewhere. If you feel like you need to clean your fuel system, throw in a bottle of Gumout Regane or Redline Sl-1 before your next oil change. I would be wary of other "services" the mechanic recommends. I am pretty sure the manual does not say anything about getting the injectors cleaned at the dealership. Do you use discount gas?
To N.E.O. My idle is at 700 rpm warm, I have had it in the dealer 4 Times to check and re-check and they tell me the vibe is higher than normal. They had it checked with their computer gaget. I even had an appointment with the district service rep and he just blew me off giveing no hope to my problem. They never said anything about the throttle body or even the base idle speed. Up to 10 months ago the car ran smooth and at times I did not know if the motor was on or off as it was that quiet. What do I do next? Thanks...
If you want to get lied to and spend all your money please go there. Every toyota dealer in UTAH sucks not giving them another dime. You shouldnt either fuel injection cleaning lol.
Sounds like the dealer wants $$$. 46K miles is nothing on the 1zz-fe. Did the mechanic say why you needed the cleaning, as in did he inspect the injectors or feel something in the idle? Sounds like a classic case of the dealer trying to find money from other places to make up for money not coming in elsewhere. If you feel like you need to clean your fuel system, throw in a bottle of Gumout Regane or Redline Sl-1 before your next oil change. I would be wary of other "services" the mechanic recommends. I am pretty sure the manual does not say anything about getting the injectors cleaned at the dealership. Do you use discount gas?
He didn't look at it just said that it's has to be done at this mileage. you are right, it did sound like classic case of trying to find money. He also said that i need my timing belt replaced because it has cracks all over it (that was at 35K). I looked at it and saw nothing but a smooth belt in great shape. i took the car for 2nd opinion and was twice told that my belt is just fine. How could you not doubt these dealership people - no other industry has so many overpaid uneducated swindlers...
There is no timing belt on 9th gen corollas there chain baby! The serp belt is easy for the do it yourselfer. DIY is found on internet or 9thgencor forum
He didn't look at it just said that it's has to be done at this mileage. you are right, it did sound like classic case of trying to find money. He also said that i need my timing belt replaced because it has cracks all over it (that was at 35K). I looked at it and saw nothing but a smooth belt in great shape. i took the car for 2nd opinion and was twice told that my belt is just fine. How could you not doubt these dealership people - no other industry has so many overpaid uneducated swindlers...
If the serp belt is missing ribs or is deflecting, it is time for a new belt. Minor surface cracks are OK. The tensioners on the corolla are crap. Your tensioner may go bad before the belt goes bad.
The engine runs smooth, starts ok and is as peppy as when i bought it brand new. My question is, do i need this fuel injector service that the dealer recommended?
No, you don't. Gasoline is one of the best solvents in there. If your injectors are dirty, you've either got a hole in your fuel filter, or let the car sit for one and a half years and they varnished up. Seriously, with normal use, you should never have to have a professional injector cleaning. I've never had one done...and never even use those injector cleaners (which are often harmful to fuel pump windings). Just fill the car with gas from a reputable gas station with good turnover and you'll be just fine.
Fuel injector cleaner? Ask them if they do a pressurized job where they hook a bottle to the fuel rail or just dump something in the gas tank and charge you big bucks. Turn it down. Dump your own stuff in the gas tank.
Cooling system flush? Ask them is they have a pressurized system to blow gunk out of the cooling system. They won't. Turn it down, drain and refill the anti freeze yourself.
To N.E.O. My idle is at 700 rpm warm, I have had it in the dealer 4 Times to check and re-check and they tell me the vibe is higher than normal. They had it checked with their computer gaget. I even had an appointment with the district service rep and he just blew me off giveing no hope to my problem. They never said anything about the throttle body or even the base idle speed. Up to 10 months ago the car ran smooth and at times I did not know if the motor was on or off as it was that quiet. What do I do next? Thanks...
Bring the rpm up slightly to see if the vibration improves; even though the rpm is within the spec range of 650 to 750, sometimes it helps to be at the top end of the spec range.
I'm not too sure of Toyota, but I have a Kia Rio and was recently recommended by Meineke to get a Fuel inJUCTION Service done on my vehicle. I did some research, checked some prices, and they were locally, the cheapest, so I might consider it, for 65bucks, 70with tax I'm sure. Other places around here charged between 150 and 200....I asked the dealer about it, since it's nowhere listed in my "maintenance schedule" and they said the Fuel inJUCTION (emphasis on the "duction" rather than "INJECTION" referred to in this post).
Anyways.....the price(s) you all reference, 100+ seem a bit far fetched....I'd ask the mechanic if he is referring to Fuel INJECTION or Fuel INDUCTION Cleaning....
They are different.
Fuel INDUCTION is done by putting some additive in the tank, and running another additive through the engine through an IV type thing, while running the car at high RPMs, what it does is "depletes" the carbon deposits within the engine and fuel system, which results in a white smoke emitted from the muffler.
They said the primary cause/reasoning for needing this done is city driving....in city, you aren't pushing the engine too fast, and it's maybe only maxing out at 3k RPMs (less of course depending on traffic)....which may not be enough to break down the deposits.
I know walmart by me, offers a Gumout Fuel INJECTION service for 20-30 bucks in the Tire and Lube area.....
Seems to lay it out and describe the process the best.
In fact, if you search "fuel induction" - you will find many "confused" users, questioning the service, wondering how good it is, etc....if it's recommended, etc.
Honestly, I don't really see the difference between the fuel "injuction" and "injector" cleaning....I guess, injector cleaning makes it so the "injectors" themselves spray better...? But the "injuction" will clear out the "inside" of the system as a whole?
I was reading some reviews regarding Walmarts "fuel injection" and from the third party bystander "watching it" - it seemed about the same concept as the induction service outlined on that bg site...well, they didn't mention about the white smoke or not, but I guess that's one of the main events with the fuel induction, is the white smoke (carbon buildup) from the exhaust pipe.
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Do i need a fuel injector service?
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