Which component sprays fuel into the intake manifold upon receiving a signal from the PCM?

The fuel injector is the component that sprays fuel into the intake manifold upon receiving a signal from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This process is a crucial part of the fuel delivery system in modern vehicles, where fuel injectors are responsible for distributing the precise amount of fuel needed for efficient combustion.

When the PCM determines that the engine requires fuel based on various parameters, such as throttle position, engine temperature, and load conditions, it sends an electrical signal to the fuel injector. This causes the injector to open and spray a fine mist of fuel directly into the intake manifold. This method allows for better atomization of the fuel, leading to improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions.

While the fuel pump delivers fuel from the tank to the engine and the carburetor was traditionally used in older vehicles to mix air and fuel, both of these components do not directly control fuel injection based on signals from the PCM. The throttle body, on the other hand, controls the airflow entering the engine but does not inject fuel itself. Therefore, the fuel injector is specifically designed for the task of injecting fuel precisely when needed, making it the correct answer to this question.