Replacing The Fuel Pump In Your 1999 Camry: Step-By-Step Guide

If your 1999 Toyota Camry is showing signs of a failing fuel pump, such as an engine that struggles to maintain speed or stalls once started, it may be time to replace it. This is a moderately complicated job that can be done at a dealership or by a skilled mechanic. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank, under the rear passenger seats, and the seats will need to be removed to access it. The pump is a modular unit, so you may only need to replace the pump itself rather than the entire unit. To replace the fuel pump, you will need to depressurise the fuel system, remove the rear seats, disconnect the electrical and fuel line connectors, remove the old pump, install the new pump, and then reattach the connectors and seats. Finally, you will need to repressurise the fuel system.

Depressurise the fuel system

Depressurising the fuel system of a 1999 Toyota Camry is a crucial step before replacing the fuel pump. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to safely depressurise the fuel system:

Firstly, open the gas cap of your Camry. This is an important safety measure as it relieves the built-up pressure in the fuel tank. The next step is to locate and remove the relay “C/OPN” from the fuse panel, which is usually found under the hood. With the relay removed, start the engine and let the car run until it stops by itself. This step ensures that any remaining pressure in the fuel lines is released.

Once the engine has stopped, you can proceed to disconnect the negative battery cable. It is important to exercise caution during this step as your car's electrical system remains live until the cable is disconnected. With the negative battery cable disconnected, your Camry's fuel system is now depressurised, and you can continue with the next steps of replacing the fuel pump.

It is important to note that working on a fuel system can be dangerous due to the flammable nature of gasoline. Always ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area and avoid any potential sources of ignition. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any part of the process, it is best to consult a qualified mechanic.

The next steps involve removing the rear seat and liner to access the fuel pump and its components. Remember to refer to the previous instructions for a comprehensive guide on replacing the fuel pump in a 1999 Toyota Camry.

Remove rear seats

To remove the rear seats of a 1999 Toyota Camry, you'll first need to depressurise the fuel system. Open the gas cap, locate the fuse panel under the hood, and take out the relay "C/OPN". Then, start the engine and let it run until it stops. Finally, disconnect the negative battery cable.

Now, you can begin to remove the rear seat itself. Lift up the front edge of the cushions and disconnect the mounting bolt. Lift up the cushion and remove it. Pull up the seatback locks and lower the seatbacks down. Finally, remove the bolts that mount the seat in place.

With the rear seats removed, you'll be able to access the fuel pump, which is located under the rear passenger seats in the fuel tank.

Disconnect the electrical and fuel line connectors

Disconnecting the electrical and fuel line connectors is a crucial step in replacing the fuel pump on a 1999 Toyota Camry. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively complete this task:

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Before disconnecting any connectors, it is important to relieve the fuel system pressure. Open the gas cap and locate the fuse panel under the hood. Remove the relay "C/OPN" and then start the engine. Allow the car to run until it stops, indicating that the fuel in the lines has been used up. Now, you can safely disconnect the negative battery cable. This will prevent any accidental sparking during the fuel pump replacement process.

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Locate the electrical and fuel line connectors attached to the fuel pump. They are usually found near the fuel pump, which is typically mounted inside the fuel tank or under the rear passenger seats. Once located, proceed to carefully detach the electrical connector. It is important to do this gently to avoid damaging the connector or any surrounding components.

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The fuel line connector supplies fuel to the pump and engine. To disconnect it, you will need to identify the type of fitting. If it is a flared fitting, use a wrench and a backing wrench to loosen and detach the connector. If it is a quick-disconnect fitting, pinch the tabs, push, and then pull the fitting off the fuel line. Make sure to have a container or rag ready to catch any residual fuel that may leak out. Remember to replace the retainer on the fuel line after disconnecting it.

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With the electrical and fuel line connectors successfully detached, you can now focus on removing the fuel pump itself. Refer to the instructions specific to your fuel pump type (Type A or Type B) to complete the removal process. This may involve additional steps, such as disconnecting the fuel pump connector at the pump, sliding the hose clamp up, and withdrawing the pump from the hose or housing. Ensure you follow the correct procedure for your fuel pump type to avoid complications.

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By following these steps, you will have effectively disconnected the electrical and fuel line connectors, allowing you to remove and replace the fuel pump. Remember to exercise caution when working with fuel lines and electrical components to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your vehicle. Always refer to a trusted repair manual or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any part of the process.

Remove the retaining bolts

To remove the retaining bolts, you will need to have already depressurised the fuel system and disconnected the battery. You should have also removed the rear seat and liner, and disconnected the harness connector.

Now, to remove the retaining bolts, you will need to locate the fuel pump/sending unit floor service hole cover. This is found on the floor under the rear seat. Remove this cover to access the fuel pump.

With the cover removed, you can now disconnect the electrical and fuel line connectors from the fuel pump. You can then remove the retaining bolts. These bolts are the last thing holding the fuel pump and sending unit in place, so once they are removed, you will be able to take out the assembly.

Place the bolts somewhere safe, as you will need to reuse them when installing the new fuel pump assembly.

Reassemble the fuel pump/sending unit assembly

Now that you have the assembly removed from the fuel tank, you can reassemble the fuel pump/sending unit. Start by installing the new fuel pump onto the assembly. This will involve reconnecting the electrical connector to the filter for the fuel sock, replacing the rubber isolator, and placing the fuel pump/sending unit back into the plastic support. Make sure to swap over the strainer from the old pump and replace it with a new one if it looks like it has a lot of debris caught in it.

Next, you will need to install the assembly back into the fuel tank. Carefully place the assembly back into place, install the mounting screws, and connect the fuel line fitting. Reconnect the electrical connector and install the floor service hole cover. Finally, reinstall the rear seat.

Once the assembly is back in place, you will need to pressurize the fuel system. To do this, turn on the ignition for a few seconds, then turn it off for 10 seconds. Repeat this "on" and "off" sequence from five to ten more times.

And that's it! You've now successfully replaced the fuel pump on your 1999 Toyota Camry.

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