A Guide to Replacing Fuel Injectors on Your 2012-2020 Chevrolet Impala
Understand the symptoms of a bad fuel injector and learn how to choose the right replacement for your Impala's engine.
- For the 3.6L V6, injector replacement is a complex job requiring removal of the intake manifold; it is not recommended for DIY beginners.
- Due to the high labor cost, it is strongly recommended to replace all six injectors at once, not just the single failed one.
- Stick with high-quality brands like ACDelco (OEM), Bosch, or Hitachi to ensure reliability and avoid premature failure.
- A bad injector can cause serious issues, including engine stalling and oil dilution, so it should be repaired promptly.
Is Your Impala's Fuel Injector Failing?
A bad fuel injector on a 2012-2020 Impala, especially with the 3.6L V6 direct injection engine, can cause noticeable problems. Because the injectors are buried under the intake manifold, the repair can be complex, making it important to correctly diagnose the issue first.
Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Injector:
- Rough Idling or Stalling: The engine may shake, vibrate, or feel like it's going to shut off when you're stopped.
- Engine Misfires: You might feel a hesitation or stumble while driving, often accompanied by a flashing Check Engine Light. This is one of the most common signs. 🎬 Watch: A guide to diagnosing common fuel injector symptoms.
- Check Engine Light: A failing injector will almost always trigger a warning light. Common codes include P0300-P0308 for misfires and P0201-P0208 for injector circuit faults. Some 2012 Impalas may show specific codes like P124B, which points to a short in the injector's high voltage circuit.
- Poor Fuel Economy: If an injector is stuck open or leaking, it will waste fuel and you'll notice more frequent trips to the gas station.
- Fuel Smell: A strong smell of raw gasoline around the engine could mean an injector is leaking.
- Hesitation or Lack of Power: The car may feel sluggish and not accelerate as it should. In severe cases, you might see white or black smoke from the exhaust.
Known Issues for 2012-2020 Impala
While there are no specific NHTSA recalls for fuel injectors on these Impalas, the replacement job itself has known challenges. The injectors on the 3.6L V6 engine are located under the upper intake manifold, making access difficult. During removal, the plastic electrical connectors can become brittle and break easily, which can complicate the repair. It is also critical to replace the Teflon seals on these direct injectors correctly to prevent fuel leaks.
🎬 See this detailed walkthrough of the intake and injector removal.Choosing the Right Aftermarket Fuel Injector
When shopping for a new fuel injector, you'll find several brands. Quality matters, especially for a direct injection engine. A cheap, poor-quality injector can fail quickly or perform poorly, leading to more repairs down the road.
Brand Quality Tiers
- Tier 1: OEM & Premium Aftermarket (ACDelco, Bosch, Hitachi): ACDelco is the original GM part, offering guaranteed fit and performance. Bosch and Hitachi are also original equipment suppliers for many automakers and have a strong reputation for quality and reliability that matches OE standards. These are your best options for a long-lasting repair.
- Tier 2: Reputable Aftermarket (Standard Ignition): Standard Motor Products (SMP) is a well-known aftermarket brand that aims to match OE performance. While generally reliable, some user reviews show occasional out-of-the-box failures, so quality can be inconsistent compared to Tier 1 brands.
- Tier 3: Value Brands (GBR, Skyward): Brands like GBR Fuel Injection are often remanufactured parts. Skyward and other low-cost brands may be tempting, but they carry a higher risk of poor performance, incorrect spray patterns, and premature failure, which could lead to engine damage. One owner reported that cheap injectors purchased online failed within a week.
Pro Tip: Replace as a Set?
Since replacing the injectors on the 3.6L V6 requires significant labor to remove the intake manifold, most mechanics recommend replacing all six injectors at once. If one injector has failed due to age or mileage, the others are likely not far behind. Replacing them all at the same time saves you from paying for the same difficult labor charge again in the near future.
Cost of Replacing a Fuel Injector on a 2012-2020 Impala
The total cost depends on whether you do the work yourself (not recommended for most) and the brand of parts you choose. The biggest factor is the high labor cost due to the engine's design.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM (ACDelco) Injector | $90 - $206 per injector |
| New Aftermarket Injector | $50 - $179 per injector |
| Remanufactured Injector | $60 - $100 per injector |
| Professional Shop Labor | $325 - $485 |
| Total Professional Job (Full Set) | $800 - $1500+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my Impala with a bad fuel injector?
It is not recommended. A bad injector can cause stalling or unpredictable acceleration, creating a safety hazard. If the injector is leaking fuel, it can dilute the engine oil, leading to severe engine damage. It's best to get the vehicle repaired as soon as possible.
Is replacing a fuel injector a DIY job?
For the 2012-2020 Impala with the 3.6L V6, this is not a recommended DIY job for beginners. It requires removing the intake manifold and dealing with a high-pressure fuel system. Mistakes can lead to fuel leaks, fire hazards, or improper installation. This job is best left to a professional mechanic.
🎬 Watch: A professional mechanic replaces injectors on a 2014 Impala.What's the difference between a regular and a GDI fuel injector?
The injectors in the 3.6L V6 Impala are Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI). Unlike older port injectors that spray fuel into the intake manifold, GDI injectors spray highly pressurized fuel directly into the combustion chamber. This requires them to be much more robust and precise, which is why they are often more expensive.
Do I need to replace the fuel injector seals?
Yes. The Teflon seals on GDI injectors are single-use and must be replaced whenever an injector is removed. Reusing old seals will cause fuel or compression leaks. Special tools are also required to properly size and install the new seals without damaging them.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 12634126 12662564 12634123
The 2012-2020 Impala with the 3.6L LFX and other V6 engines use Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) fuel injectors. The 2.5L 4-cylinder engine also uses GDI injectors. These are high-pressure components that require special care and tools for replacement, including new Teflon seals for each injector.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Chevrolet Impala: