Your Toyota Corolla’s fuel pump is responsible for drawing gas out of the fuel tank to take it to the carburetor, where it’ll then mix with air. This is the mixture that your car’s engine will burn to be able to run. That’s why it’s essential to check for and address any Toyota Corolla fuel pump issues before going on long drives.
Toyota Corolla fuel pump issues may cause symptoms like sputtering and difficulty starting your engine. You then need to run tests on your car’s start condition, fuel pump fuse and relay, and fuel pressure. These tests will help determine whether your fuel pump needs replacement.
This article will talk about your Toyota Corolla’s fuel pump, including where you can find it in your car and how you can access it. We’ll also discuss the various symptoms to look out for when your fuel pump has issues and what tests to run to diagnose a bad fuel pump.
Toyota Corolla Fuel Pump Location
Your Toyota Corolla’s fuel pump is located in a module stored in the car’s fuel tank. There’s no need for you to take away the fuel tank if you’re going to replace the pump. You can access the fuel pump module from inside the car, under the rear seats. Of course, be careful when working on any part of your car’s fuel system because of the high pressure.
To access the pump module of your Toyota Corolla, simply remove your rear seat cushion. To do this, lift the cushion to release the clip on both sides, then pull it out. Taking away the seat could be challenging, and you’d need to pull it really hard. You may want to get extra hands to help you with this.
You can then take off the access cover of your car’s fuel pump. This cover is a metal plate that is secured with a kind of adhesive like butyl tape plus four screws to make sure that it’s airtight. To pry this open, you may need to use a blade to be able to pull it up.
Make sure to unplug all the electrical connectors on your fuel pump module, as well as to depressurize the car’s fuel system. Open the gas cap outside. Afterward, disconnect the fuel lines.
Diagnosing Toyota Corolla Fuel Pump Issues
Navigating the complexities of car maintenance can be daunting, especially when it comes to vital components like the fuel pump. For Toyota Corolla owners, identifying fuel pump issues is crucial for ensuring a smooth and reliable ride.
To diagnose a Toyota Corolla fuel pump issue, first check for a whining noise from the fuel tank, indicating a struggling pump. Next, test for proper fuel pressure using a fuel pressure gauge; low pressure can signal a failing pump. Additionally, look for trouble starting the car or a sputtering engine, both symptoms of fuel pump problems.
For a more detailed diagnosis, start by listening for a whining sound from the fuel tank when the ignition is turned on; this noise can indicate a pump that’s working harder than normal. If this sound is present, proceed to check the fuel pressure. Connect a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail and observe the reading; it should match the Toyota Corolla’s specifications (found in the vehicle’s manual). If the pressure is lower than recommended, it points to a pump issue. Besides these steps, pay attention to the car’s performance. Difficulty starting, a sputtering engine, or stalling, especially at high speeds, are signs of a potentially failing fuel pump. These symptoms, combined with the diagnostic checks, can help pinpoint if the fuel pump is the root cause of the vehicle’s issues.
Check the Fuse for the Fuel Pump
Open your fuse box under the hood and take out the EFI fuse for your fuel pump. Take a look at the wire inside the transparent plastic bar. If the fuse has blown, then you’d need to replace it. If the wire is still intact, then that means there’s something else that is defective.
Check the Fuel Pressure
Hook up a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail and see if there’s any pressure. Make sure you seal the gauge connector tightly to avoid fuel spills. Cycle the key for 30 seconds and cycle it again. According to the Toyota Corolla manual, normal fuel pressure at idle is 44 to 50 psi. A bad fuel pump will register very little or no pressure at all.
Toyota Corolla Not Getting Fuel
You’ll know that your Toyota Corolla’s fuel pump isn’t sending any or enough fuel to its engine if it doesn’t start. Of course, you’ll need to rule out lack of fuel first. You also need to keep in mind that your car not starting could also be a symptom of a host of other problems other than your fuel pump.
It’s a good idea to spray some starting fluid into the intake and see if your car would start. If it does, then it’s the fuel system that’s problematic.
Moreover, if the fuel pump isn’t delivering the proper amount of fuel to the engine, the engine may get overstressed. This, in turn, could cause an irregular increase in the engine’s temperature and it could overheat.
The copyright owner of this article is Knowmyauto.com and was first published on May 25, 2021..
Another sign that your car’s fuel pump isn’t able to keep up with its fuel demands is if its power dies suddenly, especially when you’re hauling extra weight.
Toyota Corolla Fuel Pump Noise
The fuel pump is an electric motor, so it does make sound. A normal Toyota Corolla fuel pump noise is more of a low hum or buzzing. So, if you don’t hear any buzzing noise during startup, something might be wrong with it.
If you hear unusually loud, whining noises from the fuel tank, it also means there’s something amiss with it. It’ll also make this kind of noise if your fuel is low or if your fuel tank is contaminated.
Your car may also sputter if you have fuel pump issues. If your car starts but runs rough and even threatens to die on you, it could be because the engine of your Toyota Corolla isn’t getting the fuel it needs to run smoothly. The pump may not be producing a constant stream of gas when you run your car at higher speeds.
Toyota Corolla Fuel Pump Has No Power
You can check whether your fuel pump has no power without having to remove your rear seat. Just take your gas cap off, have somebody turn the key on for about three seconds, and see if you can hear a buzz. This buzz would be your fuel pump running. If you don’t hear anything from the gas tank, it’s another telltale sign that your fuel pump is faulty.
Toyota Corolla Fuel Pump Relay Location
Your Toyota Corolla fuel pump relay’s location is somewhere behind the steering wheel. You can also find out the location from your owner’s manual or by doing an online search. So once you have located the pump relay, ask somebody else to turn the key on and listen for the click on the relay. You can also place a finger on the relay and feel the click. If you sense the click, that means the relay is good.
Toyota Corolla Fuel Pump Running When Car Is Off
Even when your car is off, it would emit a whining sound that seemingly comes from the fuel pump. This noise is normal as the system is purging pressure.
In fact, users cite the Toyota Owner’s manual as saying that around five hours after you turn your engine off, you could hear a sound from under your vehicle. This sound is a result of a fuel evaporation leakage check and doesn’t indicate that your fuel pump is malfunctioning.
How To Replace a Toyota Corolla Fuel Pump
If you’ve determined that your fuel pump is bad based on the symptoms you’ve observed and then based on the results of the diagnostics you’ve run, then it’s time to replace your fuel pump. You may want to take your Toyota Corolla to a professional or a car mechanic to confirm your findings and to fix it for you.
If you want to replace your fuel pump yourself, make sure to familiarize yourself with the components and refer to the manual’s guide on fuel pump removal, installation, disassembly, and reassembly.
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KnowMyAuto is the sole owner of this article was published on May 25, 2021 and last updated on .