Fuel injector I have to wait for it to heat up before I drive it?

DAPHNEJANE

MEMBER
2012 FORD FOCUS
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

My check engine light has been on since August, it’s October now. I haven’t been able to check it until a few weeks ago and it said I had a fuel injector issue. The reason I was okay taking so long was because I haven’t had any issues outside of some shuddering after I fill up gas once a week, but it’s quickly resolved when I start driving and my engines been cold, even when it’s hot out, and I have to wait for it to heat up before I drive it.

I just want to know if it’ll last another month so I can replace it.

1 Reply

BORIS K

MECHANIC
799 POSTS

Hello,

It is difficult to determine how long an engine will run without damage if it is being operated with a faulty fuel injector.

An injector could be failing completely, no injecting fuel, could be over fueling therefore possibly causing piston/cylinder bore damage and will cause the engine oil to thin out which can lead to mechanical damage. An injector can also under fuel which can lead to detonation and resulting piston damage.

A good read relating to faulty fuel injectors and possibly resulting damage:

https://scottsusave.com/can-a-bad-fuel-injector-damage-my-engine/

I would suggest having this problem rectified ASAP.

Cheers, Boris