Replacing The Fuel Pump In Your 2002 Lexus Is300

Replacing the fuel pump on your 2002 Lexus IS300 can be an expensive task once parts and labour are factored in, but if you're mechanically inclined, you can do it yourself and save a few hundred dollars. Symptoms of a failing pump can include a buzzing or whining sound coming from the back seat, the car feeling like it's dying out under acceleration, and the car cranking but not starting. If you experience any of these issues, it's important to address them promptly to avoid being stranded with complete fuel pump failure.

Remove the back seat

To remove the back seat of a 2002 Lexus IS300, you will need to locate the two metal clips holding the seat bottoms to the body of the car. These can be found by feeling under the seat where it meets the floorboard. Once you've located the clips, tug on them until you hear a popping sound, indicating that the seat has been released. From there, you can easily remove the seat.

It is also recommended to remove the driver-side rear seat for easier access to the fuel pump. This will provide more space to flip the carpet forward and out of the way while you work.

Additionally, make sure to disconnect the negative battery cable before beginning any work. This will prevent any issues with shorting wires or blowing fuses when disconnecting and reconnecting the fuel pump wire harness.

Locate the fuel pump access cover

To locate the fuel pump access cover of your 2002 Lexus IS300, you'll first need to remove the bottom of the back seat. The seat bottoms are held to the body by two metal clips. Feel under the seat until you find these two metal clips where the seat bottom meets the floorboard. Tug on the clips until you hear a pop. From there, you will be able to easily remove the seat.

Now that you have access to the area, you can locate the fuel pump access cover on the passenger side. It will look like a slightly rounded triangle. You will see three bolts holding it in place. Once you have located the access cover, you can unbolt these three bolts and remove the cover to access the fuel pump.

It is important to note that this process may vary slightly depending on the specific model and year of your Lexus IS300. Additionally, before attempting any repairs or maintenance on your vehicle, always refer to the owner's manual or seek advice from a qualified mechanic to ensure you are following the correct procedures for your specific car.

Remove the fuel pump

To remove the fuel pump from a 2002 Lexus IS300, you will first need to remove the bottom of the back seat. The seat bottoms are held to the body by two metal clips. Feel under the seat until you find the two metal clips where the seat bottom meets the floorboard. Tug on the clips until you hear a pop. From there, you will be able to remove the seat easily.

Next, you need to locate the fuel pump access cover on the passenger side. It will look like a slightly rounded triangle. Unbolt the three bolts holding it in place and remove the cover.

Around the fuel pump, you will see a ring with bolts on it, usually eight of them. Remove all of these bolts. To remove the first fuel line, you will need to remove the yellow clip holding it in place. It's easiest to grasp it from the back and slowly twist it back and forth while pulling back, and it will eventually come off.

Line the area around the top of the pump and the inside of the car with paper towels to avoid a mess in case there is still gas in the lines. Pull up on the line from the base that you just removed the clip from, and it should pop free.

The next hose is hidden, so you will need to pull the pump up to see it. It's held on with a band-style clamp. To remove it, use pliers to slowly slide it down and off. Alternatively, you can slide under the vehicle and try to loosen it that way.

The last step to removing the fuel pump is to deal with the fuel level indicator. With the hose removed, you should be able to rotate the fuel level indicator around so that it will clear the opening in the car to remove the pump. To do this, reach your hand down around the fuel pump and partially into the tank.

With the pump pulled through the opening, you can now easily disconnect the electrical connector.

Install the new pump

Installing the new fuel pump is a straightforward process and can be done by following the removal steps in reverse.

First, if your fuel system uses an in-line external filter, replace the filter. Then, attach any reusable brackets and pick-up screens to the new pump. Next, install the new pump by sliding it through the opening in the car. Now, reconnect the electrical connector on the pump.

After the pump is in place, reconnect the fuel lines. You can use a new hose and a band clamp to reconnect the first fuel line. For the second hose, hidden behind the pump, use pliers to slowly slide the band clamp down and off. You can also try to loosen it by sliding under the vehicle. Once the hoses are connected, rotate the fuel level indicator back into place.

Finally, add fuel to the tank and run the engine to test for leaks.

Test for leaks

Once you have installed your new fuel pump, it is important to check for any leaks. Before you begin, ensure that you have relieved the fuel system pressure as outlined in your repair manual. Keep your safety glasses on and have a fire extinguisher nearby.

First, check the fuel pressure. Mechanical fuel pressure gauges are inexpensive and readily available. Most modern vehicles have a test port located on the fuel rail. Simply connect the gauge as outlined in your repair manual. Turn the ignition to the "on" position (key on, engine off), note the reading on the gauge, and compare it to the specification in your repair manual. If the reading varies significantly, you may have a leak.

Next, check the fuel volume. A pump may produce adequate pressure yet not create enough volume. For this test, you can usually use a fuel pressure gauge to measure volume. Start by connecting the gauge and placing the bleed end of its hose into a clean container. Without starting the engine, activate the pump for 15 seconds while you hold down the relief valve on the tool. Typically, the pump should deliver about a pint of fuel. Consult the repair information for the exact procedure and specifications for your vehicle.

Finally, run the vehicle before you finish bolting on the cover and re-installing the seat.

Frequently asked questions