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For 1990-2009 cars only

Fuel Injector Diagnosis w/CH47976

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

The control module enables the appropriate fuel injector pulse for each cylinder. The ignition voltage is supplied directly to the fuel injectors. The control module controls each fuel injector by grounding the control circuit via a solid state device called a driver. A fuel injector coil winding resistance that is too high or too low will affect the engine driveability. A fuel injector control circuit DTC may not set, but a misfire may be apparent. The fuel injector coil windings are affected by temperature. The resistance of the fuel injector coil windings will increase as the temperature of the fuel injector increases.

The CH-47976 Active Fuel Injector Tester (AFIT) is used to test the fuel pump, fuel system leak down, and the fuel injectors. Following the User Guide, CH 47976-11, and the on screen prompts or selections, will indicate the steps required to perform each of the available tests. The tester will perform all of the tests automatically and display results of the test. The results can also be down loaded for storage and printing.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views
    •  Inline Harness Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Special Tools Required

CH-47976 Active Fuel Injector Tester

Component Testing

Fuel Injector Coil Test

Verify the resistance of each fuel injector with one of the following methods:

    • If the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor is between 10-32°C (50-90°F), the resistance of each fuel injector should be 11-14 ohms.
       ⇒If the injectors measure OK, perform the AFIT Test Procedure.
       ⇒If not within the specified range, replace the fuel injector.
    • If the ECT sensor is not between 10-32°C (50-90°F), measure and record the resistance of each fuel injector with a DMM. Subtract the lowest resistance value from the highest resistance value. The difference between the lowest value and the highest value should be equal to or less than 3 ohms.
       ⇒If the difference is equal to or less than 3 ohms, refer to AFIT Test Procedure for further diagnosis of the fuel injectors.
       ⇒If the difference is more than 3 ohms, add all of the fuel injector resistance values to obtain a total resistance value. Divide the total resistance value by the number of fuel injectors to obtain an average resistance value. Subtract the lowest individual fuel injector resistance value from the average resistance value. Compute the difference between the highest individual fuel injector resistance value and the average resistance value. Replace the fuel injector that displays the greatest difference above or below the average.

Important: 

   • DO NOT perform this test if the engine coolant temperature (ECT) is above 94°C (201°F). Irregular fuel pressure readings may result due to hot soak fuel boiling.
   • Verify that adequate fuel is in the fuel tank before proceeding with this diagnostic.

AFIT Test Procedure

  1. Turn OFF all accessories.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition.
  3. Install the AFIT. Refer to the AFIT User Guide.
  4. Turn ON the AFIT and select the vehicle.
  5. Turn ON the ignition and perform the Injector Test.
  6. If the AFIT aborts testing due to fuel pressure or fuel leak down, refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
  7. View the test results.
  8. If any injector exceeds the recommended tolerance, replace the injector(s).

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

Fuel Injector and Fuel Rail Replacement