Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What code is the engine light showing? Do you own a code reader? Why not?

It's a 10 yr old Toyota Corolla, all we see is that the yellow engine icon is on all the time and now is flashing on and off. Where would the code show up?

You plug your code reader into the OBD-II diagnostic port under the left side of the dash and you read the trouble codes that the cars ECM is showing. That will tell you where the problem is / what the malfunction is.

A code reader.

This thing, or a similar unit

https://www.amazon.com/LAUNCH-CR5001-Scanner-Diagnostic-Verified/dp/B07C9XDTX4/ref=mp_s_a_1_24_sspa?keywords=obd2+scanner&qid=1578723359&sprefix=obd&sr=8-24-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExUUxYMTZRWDU2VzhMJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjc3MjkwMjFXNk03Q0Y4VDlYTyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzI1NDU0MUY2TUxBSFdMMThZNiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9tdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

If it's driveable, perhaps you can drive it to a Toyota dealer for a second opinion. You should buy another car (used or new) if they confirm yours needs an engine replacement.

How many miles does this car have? Years don't matter so much as miles. I have a nearly 15 year old Corolla that works great, but it doesn't have a lot of miles.

Anonymous wrote:What code is the engine light showing? Do you own a code reader? Why not?

It's a 10 yr old Toyota Corolla, all we see is that the yellow engine icon is on all the time and now is flashing on and off. Where would the code show up?

What code is the engine light showing? Do you own a code reader? Why not?

You need to replace your fuel filter before you do new injectors. Otherwise the same crap in your tank that's gumming up the original ones will ruin the new ones.

OP here. Because the car almost broke down yesterday, we took it back to mechanic. Today they just called and said the entire engine needs replacing!

We're pulling our hair out, the "check engine light" has been on for weeks, we've taken it in 3 times, and now they've said the whole engine needs replacing.

Where should we go for a second opinion?

Anonymous wrote:Thanks so much, you're all super helpful! Especially that link for original fuel injectors for $103, that is a HUGE treasure!

I'm the 103 guy, and personally I would not put new parts on a ten year old car

yes new brake pads, and new tires, new fuel pump. but a reman/refurbished injector, reman brake caliper, ect..

but i'm a car guy so

also the blue book for repair times has the job for replacing the fuel injectors taking 1.8 hours. not the most difficult job.. the only special tool you'd need would be the SST which is used for removing the fuel line from the fuel rail.

Thanks so much, you're all super helpful! Especially that link for original fuel injectors for $103, that is a HUGE treasure!

Is your "mechanic" a Toyota dealership? For a 10 year old car, you need to find a trusted mechanic who doesn't try to scam you on high markups on unnecessary parts.

Having said that, at some point I trust the mechanic. Some refurbished parts have a very high failure rate, and while the savings might initially be attractive, you sometimes get what you pay for.

repair guy is ripping you off.. 103 per injector brand new...
https://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/WC/29866-01048914.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ff&utm_content=YN&utm_campaign=PartsGeek+Google+Base&utm_term=2009-2010+Toyota+Corolla+Fuel+Injectors+Original+Equipment+W0133-1742887+09-10+Toyota+Fuel+Injector&fp=pp&gbm=a&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ff&utm_campaign=PartsGeek+Google+Basecid=6774379819&aid=79287199093&keyword=831533491382%3A%3Apla-831533491382&kid=831533491382&gclid=CjwKCAiAmNbwBRBOEiwAqcwwpcSQmDOL278aZodbLL2dflYKMi6lAmZxME-7mLKQgH-IUG3QPOl9-hoCRPQQAvD_BwE

you could buy a set of 4 refurbs on ebay or amazon for 100 bucks...

First of all it is highly suspicious all 4 require replacing however with that said it is VERY important to use only new genuine toyota parts on something like a fuel injector on the one (or 4?!) that require replacing.

Hello everyone, we have a 10 yr old Toyota Corolla that's been shuddering a lot and sometimes feels like it might shudder so much it shuts off. Our car mechanic says the fuel injectors need to be replaced and highly recommends we buy new ones, which seem to run $250.00/each (we'll need 4). Refurbished ones seem to run about $48.00/each and "Re-manufactured" ones run $78.00/each.

Is it a big deal to buy refurbished or re-manufactured fuel injectors? Or how important is it to buy new?

Thanks!