Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Chart A-9 Cold Start Injector
Cold start injector provides additional fuel during cranking mode to improve engine starting during cold temperatures. Voltage is received from starter solenoid to cold start switch. Cold start switch also may be referred to as cold start injector timer. Cold start test switch provides a ground path for cold start injector during cranking when coolant temperature is less than 95°F (35°C). Amount of time cold start switch will be on depends on coolant temperature. Cold start test switch is located in coolant passage on front side of engine. Cold start test switch contains a 2-wire connector with Black and Green wires.
- Release fuel pressure before installing fuel pressure gauge. See BASIC TESTING article in this section. Disconnecting distributor connectors will disable the other fuel injectors. Amount of decrease in fuel pressure depends on engine temperature.
- This checks for power at cold start fuel injector.
- This checks for ground source at cold start fuel injector.
- This checks for power at cold start fuel injector timer.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.