The number marked on an injector is one of the most important pieces of information when ordering a compatible part. Relying on the make, the model or the year of the vehicle alone can lead to a mistake.
The same engine may have been fitted with several versions of injector over its production run. You should also avoid confusing the part number with the correction code.
Where is the part number on a diesel injector?
The number is usually engraved, printed or marked on the metal body of the injector. Its position varies according to the brand and the generation of the part.
- on the upper section of the injector;
- on the side of the metal body;
- near the electrical connector;
- on a flat area provided for marking;
- on a label added after remanufacturing.
How to clean the area without erasing the marking
The markings may be covered with dust, grease or deposits. Clean the area gently with a cloth and a suitable product.
Avoid aggressive abrasives, sanding or metal tools, which can erase a shallow engraving.
The different numbers found on an injector
1. The OEM supplier part number
This is the number assigned by the manufacturer of the injection system, for example Bosch, Denso, Delphi or Continental/VDO.
On some Bosch Common Rail injectors it may begin with a series close to 0 445 110…, 0 445 115… or 0 445 120….
On some Denso injectors, a number in the 095000-… format is frequently found.
2. The vehicle manufacturer or OEM number
The vehicle manufacturer may use its own number to designate the same part. An injector can therefore carry both a supplier number and a manufacturer number.
3. The injector correction code
The correction code describes the individual characteristics of the injector. It goes by various names: IMA, IQA, C2I, C3I or trim code.
This code is not the commercial part number. It is mainly used to configure the ECU when the system requires coding after fitting.
4. The serial number
The serial number provides traceability for the injector. On its own it is generally not enough to order the right part.
Why can two visually identical injectors be incompatible?
- different fuel delivery rate;
- different operating pressure;
- different type of electrical actuation;
- different number or orientation of spray holes;
- different electrical connector;
- different calibration;
- different ECU compatibility.
A visual resemblance is therefore never a guarantee of compatibility.
What information should you send to have an injector checked?
- a sharp photo of the complete injector;
- a close-up photo of all the markings;
- the make and model of the vehicle;
- the year of first registration;
- the engine power output;
- the engine code;
- the registration number or VIN.
The most common mistakes
- confusing the correction code with the part number;
- missing a digit at the beginning or the end;
- confusing the digit zero with the letter O;
- using only an old manufacturer number;
- ordering on the basis of a photo alone;
- not checking the engine code.
FAQ on injector part numbers
Can an injector be identified from the registration number?
The registration number often makes it possible to retrieve the general specification of the vehicle. Ideally it should be completed by the VIN, the engine code or the number marked on the part.
Can an old part number be superseded?
Yes. Manufacturers may replace an old number with a more recent one. This equivalence must be verified in a reliable catalogue.
Is the code printed in large characters always the part number?
No. It may be a correction code, a serial number or an internal reference.
