Corolla Fuel Pump Replacement: Diy Guide For 99 Models

The fuel pump is an essential part of your car's fuel system, and a faulty pump can cause various engine problems. If you need to replace the fuel pump in your 99 Corolla, you're in luck—unlike many larger vehicles, you won't have to remove the fuel tank itself. The fuel pump module is accessible from inside the car, underneath the rear seats. This guide will walk you through the process of changing your Corolla's fuel pump, which you can do yourself with basic tools and safety precautions.

Removing the rear seat

To remove the rear seat of a 1999 Toyota Corolla, you will need to access the fuel pump, which is located beneath the rear seats.

First, remove the rear seat base. You can do this by feeling along the edges of the seat to find the fastener clips that secure it in place. Unhook these clips to release the seat base.

Next, you will need to remove the fuel pump service hole cover. This will be a metal cover plate screwed into the bodywork. Simply unscrew this plate to reveal the fuel pump assembly.

With the service hole cover removed, you can now access the fuel pump and proceed with the next steps to replace the fuel pump assembly.

It is important to exercise caution when working on any part of the fuel system due to the high pressure involved. Ensure that you have gathered all the necessary tools and safety equipment before proceeding.

Accessing the fuel pump

To access the fuel pump of a 1999 Toyota Corolla, you must first locate it inside the fuel tank, which is beneath the rear seats.

Start by parking your car on a level surface and turning off the engine. Next, remove the rear seat cushion by lifting it up and pulling it out after releasing the clips on each side. Now, you can unplug the fuel pump's electrical connector to depressurize the fuel system. Open the gas cap on the outside and crank the engine for three to four seconds until it stalls.

The next step is to disconnect the car's negative battery cable to prevent accidental electrocution. Then, take off the fuel pump's access cover. It is either secured with butyl tape and needs to be pried off, or it has four screws that must be removed.

Now that you have accessed the fuel pump, you can proceed to remove it. Unplug any remaining electrical connectors and disconnect the fuel lines. Loosen the module's large screw-on ring with water pump pliers or a special tool. Withdraw the assembly, including the fuel pump and fuel level sending unit, from the fuel tank.

Disconnecting the battery

Locate the battery: The battery is located under the hood of the car, typically in the engine compartment.

Gather the necessary tools: You will need a socket wrench or a similar tool to loosen and remove the battery cable. A standard socket wrench size for removing battery cables is 10mm.

Loosen the negative battery cable: Using the socket wrench, loosen the nut or bolt that secures the negative (black) battery cable to the battery terminal. The negative terminal will be clearly marked with a "-" symbol or a black cover. Do not allow the wrench to touch any other metal parts of the car, as this could cause a short circuit.

Disconnect the negative battery cable: Once the nut or bolt is loosened, carefully remove the cable from the battery terminal. Be sure to disconnect the negative cable first to avoid any potential sparks.

Isolating the battery: Place the disconnected cable to the side, ensuring it does not touch any metal parts of the car. You may need to secure it in place with a non-conductive material, such as tape or a cable tie, to prevent accidental reconnection.

Completion: At this point, the battery is successfully disconnected, and you can proceed with the next steps of changing the fuel pump. Remember to reconnect the battery cable once all repairs are completed.

Safety is paramount when working on any electrical system in a vehicle. Always exercise caution and refer to a qualified mechanic or the owner's manual if you are unsure about any steps.

Removing the fuel pump assembly

To remove the fuel pump assembly from a 1999 Toyota Corolla, you will need to first relieve the fuel system pressure. This can be done by depressing the Schrader valve on the fuel injector rail using a small screwdriver, or by unplugging the fuel pump's electrical connector and cranking the engine for three to four seconds until it stalls.

Next, disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent accidental electrocution. Then, remove the rear seat base by feeling along the edges of the seat and unhooking the fastener clips that secure it in place.

Now, you can access the fuel pump assembly. Remove the fuel pump service hole cover, which will look like a metal cover plate screwed into the bodywork. Disconnect any wiring plugs and connectors running into the fuel pump.

To remove the fuel pump assembly, take out the bolts that hold the fuel tank set plate to the fuel tank. Carefully lift out the old fuel pump assembly.

At this point, you can inspect the strainer and replace it if it is dirty. You can also remove the old gasket around the access hole and replace it with a new one.

The next step is to install the new fuel pump assembly, following the reverse order of removal.

Installing the new fuel pump

Now that you have successfully removed the old fuel pump, it's time to install the new one.

First, you will need to get the right fuel pump for your 99 Corolla. This will require knowledge of the make and model, engine size, and engine type. You can refer to the owner's manual or consult a mechanic to ensure you get the correct part. Once you have the new fuel pump, you can begin the installation process.

Start by placing the new fuel pump into the housing. Then, reconnect the electrical connector and fuel hose to the fuel pump. Ensure that the rubber cushion and clip are securely in place. Next, reconnect the fuel tank set plate to the fuel tank using the bolts you removed earlier. Tighten the bolts with a torque wrench to 30 in. lbs.

Now, you can reassemble the rear seat and reconnect the negative battery cable. Finally, turn the ignition for around 10-15 seconds to allow the new fuel pump to prime itself. You may need to repeat this process a few times until the system is pressurised and the car will start.

And that's it! You have successfully replaced the fuel pump in your 99 Corolla. This may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, knowledge, and patience, it can be accomplished. Remember always to refer to a trusted repair manual or seek professional help if you feel uncomfortable performing any of these steps.

Frequently asked questions