Replacing The Fuel Pump On A Lexus Rx300: Step-By-Step Guide

how to replace fuel pump on 2000 lexus rx300

Replacing the fuel pump on a 2000 Lexus RX300 is a potentially hazardous task that should only be attempted if common sense and safety precautions are executed. The fuel pump is located under the driver's side back seat, so the first step is to remove the rear seat. The next steps involve getting to the access panel, replacing the fuel pump, and finally, reassembling the car.

Characteristics Values
Average cost for replacement $1,004 - $1,030
Labor cost $97 - $122
Parts cost $908
Location of fuel pump Under the driver's side back seat
Tools required Flat-head screwdriver, #2 Phillips-head screwdriver, #8 box wrench, pliers, socket set
Common symptoms of a failing fuel pump Whining sound, lean diagnostic trouble codes, trouble starting

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Disconnect the negative cable on the battery

Disconnecting the negative cable on the battery of your 2000 Lexus RX300 is an important first step when replacing the fuel pump. This is a safety precaution to reduce the chance of a fire when working with electric connections.

Step 1: Locate the negative cable on the battery. The battery is typically located in the engine bay, on the side or near the firewall.

Step 2: Gather the necessary tools. You will need a wrench or socket set that fits the nut on the negative battery cable.

Step 3: Loosen the nut that secures the negative cable to the battery terminal. You may need to use some force to break the nut free, as it is typically tightened to prevent accidental disconnection.

Step 4: Once the nut is loose, carefully remove the cable from the battery terminal. Be careful not to let the cable touch any metal parts of the car, as this could cause a short circuit.

Step 5: Move the cable away from the battery and secure it in a safe place. You may want to cover the end of the cable with tape or a protective cap to prevent accidental contact with metal surfaces.

Step 6: Check that the negative cable is securely disconnected from the battery. Ensure there is no risk of the cable accidentally making contact with the battery terminal.

Step 7: Proceed with the next steps to replace the fuel pump, following a suitable guide for your vehicle. Remember to reconnect the negative cable to the battery once the fuel pump replacement is complete, to ensure the fuel pump is functioning properly.

It is important to take safety precautions when working with electricity and car batteries. Always wear protective gear, including gloves and eye protection. If you are unsure about any part of the process, consult a professional mechanic.

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Remove the rear seat

To remove the rear seat of a 2000 Lexus RX300, follow these steps:

Firstly, locate the two metal clips holding the seat bottoms to the body of the car. These are found where the seat bottom meets the floorboard. Tug on these clips until you hear a pop, and then remove the seat.

Now, to access the fuel pump, you will need to remove the rear seat on the driver's side. Start by prying up the plastic covers over the seat floor bolts. Then, use a 14mm socket to remove the two front seat floor bolts. Release the seat dust flap so that you can lean the seat forward.

Next, pull back the carpet in the cargo area. Using a flathead screwdriver, pry up the three black plastic retaining discs. Remove the 10mm bolt underneath the carpet trim that was held in place by the three discs. Then, remove the two 14mm bolts.

Finally, carefully remove the seat from the vehicle.

Now that the rear seat is removed, you can access the fuel pump by removing a few more trim pieces and the seat belts.

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Remove trim pieces and seat belts

To remove the trim pieces and seat belts of a 2000 Lexus RX300, follow these steps:

First, remove the bolt holding the seat belt of the center seat with a 14mm socket. Remove the black plastic disc in the same manner.

Next, remove the driver-side rear seat belt bolt with a 14mm socket. Remove the plastic trim piece by popping it off or using a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry it up.

Then, pull back the carpet and remove the plastic disc underneath. Pull back the carpet all the way to access the fuel pump's access panel.

Now, you can move on to removing the access panel lid using a flathead screwdriver. Be careful when working around the fuel pump to avoid any accidents.

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Remove the access panel

To remove the access panel of your 2000 Lexus RX300, follow these steps:

First, disconnect the negative cable on the battery. This is an important safety precaution when working with electric connections.

Next, remove the rear seat. This will give you access to the floor bolts. Pry up the plastic covers over the seat floor bolts. Then, use a 14mm socket to remove the two seat floor bolts in the front. Release the seat dust flap so you can lean the seat forward, and pull back the carpet in the cargo area.

Now, you can start removing the trim pieces. Using a flat-head screwdriver, pry up the three black plastic retaining discs. Remove the 10mm bolt under the carpet trim that was held in place by the three discs. Then, remove the two 14mm bolts. At this point, you should be able to carefully lift and remove the seat from the vehicle.

The next step is to remove the bolt holding the seat belt in place with a 14mm socket. Remove the black plastic disc in the same manner.

Now, you can remove the driver-side rear seat belt bolt with a 14mm socket. Carefully pry up and remove the plastic trim piece, or pop it off. Pull back the carpet and remove the plastic disc underneath.

Finally, pull back the carpet all the way to expose the access panel. Be careful not to damage the carpet or any other interior components during this process.

Once you have removed the rear seat and exposed the access panel, you can move on to the next steps of replacing the fuel pump. Remember to take all necessary safety precautions when working with fuel system components.

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Remove the electrical connection from the fuel pump

To remove the electrical connection from the fuel pump of a 2000 Lexus RX300, you will first need to disconnect the negative cable on the battery. This is an important safety precaution when working with electric connections.

Next, you will need to access the fuel pump itself. The access panel to the fuel pump is located under the rear seat on the driver's side. To get to it, you will need to:

  • Pry up the plastic covers over the seat floor bolts
  • Remove the two front seat floor bolts using a 14mm socket
  • Release the seat dust flap so you can lean the seat forward
  • Pull back the carpet in the cargo area
  • Pry up the three black plastic retaining discs using a flat-head screwdriver
  • Remove the 10mm bolt under the carpet trim that was held in place by the three discs
  • Remove the two 14mm bolts
  • Carefully remove the seat from the vehicle

With the seat removed, you will now need to remove a few more trim pieces and the seat belts to fully access the fuel pump.

Once you have accessed the fuel pump, you can then carefully remove the electrical connection from the top of the fuel pump.

Frequently asked questions

The fuel pump on the Lexus RX300 is located under the driver's side back seat. To access it, you will need to remove the rear seat and pull back the carpet in the cargo area.

You will need a flat-head screwdriver, a 14mm socket, a #2 Phillips head screwdriver, and a #8 box wrench.

A failing fuel pump may exhibit several symptoms, including lean diagnostic trouble codes and trouble starting. The most common symptom is a whining sound originating from around the rear seat, indicating that the pump motor is working harder than normal.

Replacing the fuel pump on a Lexus RX is potentially hazardous due to the risk of fire. It is recommended to disconnect the negative cable on the battery before working with electric connections. Always take appropriate safety precautions when working with raw gas.

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