Replacing Fuel Pump In 2005 Toyota Scion: Step-By-Step Guide

Replacing the fuel pump on a 2005 Toyota Scion is a complex process that requires a wide range of tools and a significant amount of automotive knowledge. The fuel pump is located inside the gas tank, and accessing it typically involves removing the back seat and exposing the carpet to reach the fuel system. It is crucial to exercise extreme caution when working with the fuel system to prevent the risk of fire. While some car enthusiasts may opt for a DIY approach, it is generally recommended to seek professional assistance from a repair shop to ensure a safe and proper fuel pump replacement.

Removing the back seat

First, remove all the "trunk" gear, such as the spare tyre and emergency gear, until you see the floor/frame of the car. You will then need to unscrew the three bolts connecting the seat to the frame, as well as one more bolt at the front of the seat.

Next, lift up the seat; it will pop off the hinge easily. Pull the seat belts through the cushion holes to allow the seat to be lifted higher, making it easier to remove the bolt.

Now, return to the back of the seat and release the vertical locks, lowering the seat back. Pull apart the carpet covers to expose the bolts in each corner that connect the seat back to the frame. Remove these bolts and the seat can be taken out.

Locating the fuel pump

First, remove all the "trunk" gear, such as the spare tire and emergency equipment, to expose the floor/frame of the car. You will see bolts connecting the seat to the frame; unscrew these to remove the seat. You may need to lift the seat to get it off the hinge, and you can pull the seat belts through the cushion holes to give yourself more room.

Once the back seat is removed, you will see an exposed carpet. Lift away the centre square of the carpet, and then pull apart the rubber cover that protects the wiring. Use a flat screwdriver to carefully pry open the metal cover, as it is only sealed with adhesive.

Beneath this cover, you will see the components that need to be removed to access the fuel filter assembly, which is where the fuel pump is located.

Disconnecting the fuel pump

First, remove the back seat of the car. This is not essential, but it will make the process easier by providing more space to work in. To do this, remove all the "trunk" gear, such as the spare tire and emergency equipment, to expose the floor/frame. Unscrew the bolts connecting the seat to the frame and lift the seat to remove it.

Next, locate the fuel pump. It is inside the fuel tank, which can be accessed through an access panel above the tank in the passenger compartment. Disconnect the battery to reduce the chance of a fire. Then, remove the access cover to expose the fuel pump.

Once the fuel pump is accessible, disconnect the fuel pump supply and return hoses, as well as the EVAP system hoses, and electrical connections to the pump.

After the fuel pump is disconnected, the process of removing and replacing the pump can begin.

Installing the new fuel pump

To install the new fuel pump, first, make sure you have access to the right tools. You will need a wide range of tools, so it is best to have a variety on hand.

Next, remove the back seat of your Scion. This is not entirely necessary, but it will make the process easier. To do this, remove all the "trunk" gear, like the spare tire and emergency gear, until you see the floor/frame. You will see three bolts connecting the seat to the frame, which you will need to unscrew. Then, lift up the seat and pull the seat belts through the cushion holes to allow the seat to be removed.

Now, you need to remove the fuel filter assembly. This is held in place by four components, which you will need to remove. These include the sensor, the gauge, and the intake and out valves. To remove the sensor, squeeze the release with one hand and pull the harness toward the back of the car with the other. To remove the gauge, use pliers to squeeze the top of the release, then use large pliers to remove the entire gray harness.

With the sensor and gauge removed, the engine will no longer receive gas. Start the car and let it die. This will drain the lines of gasoline. Once the car has died, disconnect the battery.

Now, you can remove the out valve. You will see a small yellow C-shaped pin holding the valve in place. Slide this towards the front of the car and be careful not to lose or break it, as it is a proprietary part that cannot be found in auto part stores.

Next, remove the bolts holding the intake valve cover piece in place, and remove the cover piece. Keep cleaning as you go. Remove the valve from the assembly. Place both valves in plastic bags to prevent dirt or dust from getting into the valves.

Now that all bolts and valves have been removed, you can carefully remove the filter assembly. Go slow and steady, and rotate and tilt the filter to get it out because of the gauge level arm and the filter sock. You can use the return pipe to help pull up and rotate the filter.

Place the filter in a clean pan and remove the plastic cover at the base of the filter. There is a rubber cap underneath the plastic, which covers the base of the sock. Remove this and keep it, along with the plastic cover, somewhere handy and clean.

Now, you need to remove the gauge level arm. Press the lever down with a screwdriver and then move the gauge assembly toward the base of the filter. Remove the top portion, and you will see four latches that can be easily undone using a screwdriver.

Now, you can remove the rest of the items from the filter assembly. Disconnect the wire harnesses and push out the center piece that connects to the sock by pushing it toward the base. Remove the regulator that is next to the sock.

Finally, you are ready to install the new fuel pump. Place everything back the way you found it by reversing the above steps. Once everything is connected, reconnect the battery and disable any alarms.

Keep in mind that, when you are ready to test the new fuel pump, you will just have to keep the starter going for an extra 5-15 seconds to get enough fuel into the system to start. If it doesn't start, you may have forgotten something, or there may be a bad connection or a bad fuel pump.

Start the car and make sure it runs for a good 30 seconds. Turn off the engine and wait 30 minutes. Start the car again. If all is well, you can patch up the cover and replace the seat. If you have problems, you will need to double-check your steps.

Reattaching the rear seats

To reattach the rear seats of a 2005 Toyota Scion, follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to lower the seat back by releasing the vertical locks. You can do this by pulling apart the carpet covers to expose the bolt. Once exposed, simply remove the bolts.

Next, you will need to reattach the seat belts. Pull the seat belts through the cushion holes to allow the seat to be moved higher, making it easier to reattach the bolts.

Now, lift the seat up and guide it back onto the hinge. You will need to screw the bolts back into the seat frame, both at the back and at the front of the seat.

Finally, you can return the "trunk" gear, such as the spare tire and emergency equipment, back into the rear of the vehicle.

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