I took my car to the dealership today to get a 60k tuneup. I got the oil+filter, air filter, sparks, radiator fluid, transmission and several other stuffs changed.

Half way through, serviceman called me and told me I have dirty injectors and they need to be cleaned for about $200.

Is that a reasonable price? He also said something else needs to be cleaned too, I think the throttle if I did not mishear him.

So, can I buy a fuel injector cleaner like Seafoam or Lucas to do the job? I am getting mix recommendations because some said cleaners does not work and other said they do.

Finally, why do injector gets dirty? If I start using Chevron instead of Shell, will that help?

A lot of the dealers use BG Products. You might find an independent shop in your area that will do it for less. I had mine done a couple years back, but don't remember how much it was (at an independent)...didn't really notice any difference in driveability. I have used their 44K product many times. Also have used Techron cleaner too. I use one of those two every time I change the oil.

http://www.bgfindashop.com/locator/index.php

If they are pulling them, cleaning them, and rematching them, then yes, $200 is reasonable. If they are just tossing some BK fluid in there, then NO.

T'body you can do yourself. Article is similar for the 22RE.

T'body cleaning

Does those injector cleaners work? If I use those, would I still have to take to the mechanic and do them or replace them? Can this job be done by yourself or it is too time costly or impossible like a timing belt to do at home?


kewlynx, thanks for the throttle cleaning. Is it that easy?

At 60k you shouldnt have to pull the injectors and clean them. Unless you are experiencing driveability or poor mileage problems, I would buy a can of Toyota injector cleaner and add it to the tank with only a couple of gallons left in the tank so the cleaner is more concentrated. This stuff works but costs $10 a can. I just put in one can a year and I've had no problems.