1.6, injector failure... should I now keep a spare on hand? (+- where to buy? or am I mad?)

[rackham]

Sorry, this might be a daft question; I'm a car ignoramous and would welcome a steer.  I couldn't find an answer to this specific question on the forum or elsewhere.

 

I've had an injector fail on my Superb mk II 1.6 (which has had the emissions fix); I was able to limp to a garage at ~20mph, but the replacement injector took a day to arrive.

 

I understand from the fitter to whom I spoke that injector failures are par for the course, and often due to electronic failure rather than mechanical failure (the latter being something that can be tested for with a view to better predicting impending failure).

 

Another may fail tomorrow, or in five years - it's anyone's guess, but if I'm towed to a garage, I'd much rather get dragged in with a spare part I can (it seems to me) predict needing, and have a chance of it being fitted there and then, than have to leave the car somewhere not wholly convenient and wait for a part to be ordered.  This might also let me shop around for a remanufactured injector (which I understand to be a re-used injector body with new parts in it where indicated).

 

I don't think I mind sticking one in with the spare wheel, but... do I sound mad?  I don't know anyone who carries spares other than a wheel and some fuses/bulbs... Thought I'd better consult the hive-mind before I do something dumb!

 

Thanks!

[Crasher]

We will only fit either genuine VAG exchange units or brand new VDO of which Euro Car Parts had 8000+ of in stock last time I checked.

[rackham]

Bloody good point - thank you - I'd be gutted if I carried something around for years and then policy precluded the receiving garage from fitting it!  I'll stick to OEM/VDO kit.

[Jules Tohpipi]

I had an injector go on that engine earlier this year when mid-journey. Called the AA and after arriving he had a new injector fitted roadside in just under an hour. Total cost of repair as an AA member was £350. Then carried on with my journey. 
 

FYI, the first injector to go in 226,000 miles of having the car from new. 

Edited 4 September, 2022 by Jules Tohpipi

[rackham]

Holy smoke, that's significantly cheaper than the garage I limped to!  Thanks Jules.  Also, bravo on 226,000 miles 

 

If and when there's a next time, I shall call out my breakdown service.  And I shall report back here on the outcome!

[Jules Tohpipi]

Lol. Thank you!

 

Yes, I was surprised at the good price, too. At the roadside he said “We don’t charge labour for AA members, we only charge for the parts.” Included in the price was a new bolt for the injector - or something like that. I’m guessing the £350 was more than the normal part price but the overall cost was about half that of a main dealer - which I had Googled whilst in the lay-by. 
 

No negotiation took place on the price. I just accepted what he told me - when he said the job could be done there and then. 
 

This was all done with an official yellow-van AA man. Not any third-party. 

Edited 5 September, 2022 by Jules Tohpipi