Replacing A Fuel Pump: Toyota Corolla 2000 Edition

The fuel pump is an essential part of your Toyota Corolla's fuel system, delivering fuel to the engine from the gas tank. While fuel pumps can last a long time, they may eventually wear out, causing issues such as stalling, long cranking times, or strange noises. Replacing the fuel pump on a 2000 Toyota Corolla is a moderately complicated job that requires accessing the fuel tank, which is located beneath the rear seats. The process involves removing the rear seat base, fuel pump service hole cover, and various wiring and connectors, before carefully lifting out the old fuel pump and installing the new one.

Removing the rear seat base

To remove the rear seat base of a 2000 Toyota Corolla in order to access the fuel pump, follow these steps:

First, feel along the edges of the rear seat. You will find several fastener clips that secure the seat base in place. These must be carefully unhooked. The number and precise location of these fastener clips may vary, so take care to feel along the entire edge of the seat to ensure that you find them all. Once you have unhooked all the clips, you can then lift the seat base away.

If you are having trouble locating the fastener clips, try gently prying the edge of the seat base away from the clips using a flat-head screwdriver. Be careful not to apply too much force, as you could damage the clips or the surrounding interior trim.

If you are still unable to locate the fastener clips, there is a possibility that your Corolla's rear seat base is secured in place with bolts or screws. In this case, you will need to remove the bolts or screws using the appropriate tool before lifting the seat base away.

Once the rear seat base has been removed, set it aside in a safe place and ensure that all fastener clips (if applicable) are kept together so that they can be easily reattached when the fuel pump replacement is complete.

Now that the rear seat base has been removed, you should be able to access the fuel pump service hole cover. This will be a metal cover plate screwed into the bodywork. Remove this cover to proceed to the next steps of the fuel pump replacement process.

Disconnecting the wiring and battery

Disconnecting the battery and wiring is an important step in replacing the fuel pump in your 2000 Toyota Corolla. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

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Before you begin, make sure you have gathered the necessary tools and safety equipment, including gloves and a cloth. It is also important to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. Start by locating the battery. In most vehicles, the battery is located under the hood, usually at the front of the engine bay. Once you have located the battery, identify the negative terminal, which will be clearly marked. This is the terminal that you will need to disconnect.

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The next step is to loosen and remove the clamp that secures the negative battery cable to the terminal. You can do this by using a suitable wrench or socket. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands, as the battery terminals can be sharp. Once the clamp is removed, carefully lift the cable away from the terminal, ensuring that it does not touch any metal parts of the car, as this could cause a short circuit. Place the cable to one side, ensuring it is away from the battery.

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Now, you will need to disconnect the wiring connected to the fuel pump. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank, which is beneath the rear seats of your Toyota Corolla. To access the fuel pump, carefully remove the rear seat base by feeling along the edges for the fastener clips and unhooking them. Once the seat base is removed, you should see the fuel pump service hole cover, which looks like a metal cover plate screwed into the bodywork. Remove this cover to expose the fuel pump and its wiring.

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Before disconnecting the wiring, it is important to relieve any excess pressure in the fuel system. To do this, start the engine and let it run until the car stalls. This will ensure that there is no built-up pressure that could cause fuel to spray out when you disconnect the wiring. Once the engine has stalled, you can proceed to disconnect the wiring and any other connectors running into the fuel pump. Be sure to do this gently to avoid damaging the connectors.

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After completing these steps, you will have successfully disconnected the wiring and battery for your 2000 Toyota Corolla's fuel pump. It is important to note that working with automotive electrical systems can be dangerous, so if you are unsure or uncomfortable at any point, it is best to consult a qualified mechanic. Additionally, always refer to your vehicle's repair manual for specific instructions related to your car's make and model.

Removing the old pump

To remove the old fuel pump from your 2000 Toyota Corolla, you will need a screwdriver (both Philips and flat-head), a cloth, protective gloves, and a replacement fuel pump.

Begin by removing the gas filler cap to reduce air pressure in the fuel system. Then, remove the rear seat base by feeling along the edges of the seat to find and unhook the fastener clips that secure it in place. Next, remove the fuel pump service hole cover, which looks like a metal cover plate screwed into the bodywork. Disconnect any wiring plugs and connectors running into the fuel pump.

Now, start the engine and let it run until the car stalls. This will remove any excess fuel pressure from the system. Once the engine has stalled, disconnect the negative battery terminal from the battery, which is located under the hood.

The next step is to unscrew the circular plastic lid that holds the old pump in place. Be sure to remove any dirt or debris from the area first to avoid contamination. Gently lift out the old fuel pump and set it aside. Remove and replace the old gasket around the access hole, and you're ready to install the new fuel pump.

Installing the new pump

To install the new fuel pump, first, gently lower the new pump into the fuel tank. Reconnect the wiring and cables. Replace the fuel pump service cover and rear bench. Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Finally, tighten the gas cap. Turn on the ignition for around 10-15 seconds to allow the fuel pump to prime itself. You may need to repeat this process several times until the system is pressurised and the car will start.

Reattaching the rear seat

To reattach the rear seat of a 2000 Toyota Corolla, follow these steps:

First, ensure that your seat is the split type, as the fixed type cannot be folded down. The release lever for the split-type seat is located inside the trunk, on the left and right top by the seal.

To reattach the seat, line up the tabs and apply downward pressure on the seat. Weighing around 200 lbs should be enough to pop the seat back into place.

If you are having trouble getting the seat to lock, you may need to remove the rear seat bench. To do this, simply lift the seat with enough force, without pressing/pulling/releasing any pins or clips. There are no bolts or screws that need to be removed, just lift up at the front on either the left or right side.

Once the seat is reattached and locked into place, you can reinstall the rear bench seat by gently lowering it into place and reconnecting the wiring and cables.

Frequently asked questions