Quick Take
The Acura ILX fuel injector-sometimes called an injector nozzle, fuel spray valve, or simply fuel nozzle-is a small but mighty part that sprays the right amount of gasoline into each cylinder. A healthy injector keeps your ILX peppy, clean-running, and efficient.
How It Works
Inside the ILX engine, the powertrain control module opens each injector for just milliseconds so fuel mist meets incoming air at exactly the right time. Early 2013-2015 ILX models use multi-port injection, while 2016-2022 cars upgraded to gasoline direct injection (GDI), boosting torque and mileage Car and Driver review. The factory injector on most 2.4-liter ILX engines flows about 273 cc/min at 3 bar and carries Honda part code 16450-R40-A01 -data confirmed by an independent flow test listing example listing (KSM Motorsports).
Common Symptoms
Left unchecked, a stuck-open injector can dilute engine oil and a stuck-shut one can burn a piston.
Compatibility & Specs
| Model Years | Engine | Injection Type | Injector Count | System Pressure | Horsepower |
| 2013-2015 | 2.0 L R20A | Port | 4 | 50 psi avg | 150 hp |
| 2013-2015 | 2.4 L K24Z7 | Port | 4 | 55 psi avg | 201 hp |
| 2016-2022 | 2.4 L K24V7 "Earth Dreams" | Direct | 4 | 2,150 psi rail | 201 hp ILX specs |
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Port injectors sit in the intake runner, while GDI nozzles fire straight inside the combustion chamber, which is why direct-injected ILX engines can build carbon on the back of intake valves over time Reddit discussion.
Maintenance Tips
Replacement Cost
A single injector for the ILX averages $802 in parts and $312-$458 in labor, putting the full job at $1,114-$1,260 RepairPal estimator. Mobile data from YourMechanic shows many owners paying roughly $395 when only one port-style injector fails . Labor costs rise on GDI ILX models because the high-pressure rail, fuel pump, and intake manifold must all come off.
Safety & Recalls
Acura has no injector-specific recalls at press time, but several ILX years fall under a wider fuel-pump module recall (NHTSA ID 23V858000) that can cause stalling KBB recall summary. Honda's corporate bulletin explains the campaign in detail Honda statement, and major outlets such as AP News covered its impact on roughly 2.5 million vehicles . Owners can check their VIN on the NHTSA site for free.
Performance Talk
Because the stock injector is sized for about 240 hp worth of flow, light bolt-on mods (intake, exhaust, tune) usually keep the OEM spray valve within its safe duty cycle Mike's Carburetor fuel-injection review (Mike's Carburetor Parts). Bigger power goals-turbo kits above 300 hp-often swap to higher-flow EV14 nozzles and a matching fuel pump. Tuners also add an oil catch-can or schedule walnut-blasting every 30k miles to fight carbon Westech Performance article.
DIY vs. Pro
Replacing an ILX injector means bleeding rail pressure, removing the eight-speed dual-clutch's shift actuator bracket, and torquing the injector hold-down to spec. Because raw fuel and 2,000-psi rails are a fire risk, Acura recommends dealer-level tools and a new Teflon seal on every nozzle enthusiast note. For most owners, a shop visit is quicker and safer.
Environmental Angle
Clean injectors help the ILX meet federal Tier 3 emissions rules. The EPA's cleaner fuels program notes that modern injectors and low-sulfur gasoline together cut smog-forming NOx by up to 80 percent EPA bulletin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does a fuel injector actually do?
A: It acts like a tiny electrically-controlled spray bottle, misting gasoline so the engine can burn it cleanly and make power.
Q: How long do ILX injectors normally last?
A: Many reach 80,000 miles or more before trouble shows, but poor fuel or skipped maintenance can shorten life RepairPal.
Q: Is the 2016-2022 injector different from earlier years?
A: Yes. Those years use a high-pressure GDI spray valve that works at over 2,000 psi, while 2013-2015 port injectors run below 60 psi Car and Driver specs.
Q: Can clogged injectors cause a rough idle?
A: Absolutely. Dirty tips disrupt the fuel mist and make the engine shake InjectorRx.
Q: Will a bottle of cleaner fix a dead injector?
A: Additives help maintain spray patterns, but a mechanically-stuck nozzle usually needs pro cleaning or total replacement BobIsTheOilGuy.
Q: How often should I add injector cleaner?
A: Every 6 months or 6,000 miles is a safe rhythm for daily drivers CarAdvise.
Q: What's the torque spec for reinstalling an ILX injector?
A: Acura's service manual calls for 7 N·m (62 in-lb) on the injector hold-down bolt; always use a new Teflon seal.
Q: Do I need premium fuel after replacing injectors?
A: Acura recommends 91-octane to stop knocking and protect the new spray valves Car and Driver review.
Q: My ILX stalls-could it be the injector?
A: Maybe, but first check if your VIN falls under the open fuel-pump recall, since a failing pump also causes stalling KBB recall page.
Q: Is injector replacement covered by any recall?
A: No injector-specific recall exists, but Honda will replace faulty fuel pumps under campaign 23V858000 at no cost AP News.
This guide should give your readers every major detail-from basic workings to costs, upkeep, and safety-making it ideal seed material for deep, search-friendly ILX fuel-injector content.
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