Understanding Fuel Pressure In The 2008 Toyota Fj Cruiser

The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a powerful off-roading vehicle with a 4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve SFI VVT-i V6 engine. While it has been praised for its versatility and off-road capability, some users have reported issues with fuel pressure and power loss. One such issue is the location of the fuel filter, which some users have claimed is inside the fuel tank, requiring replacement of the entire tank assembly. This has sparked debate among FJ Cruiser owners, with some suggesting alternatives such as the URD replacement fuel pump and filter.

Fuel filter location

The fuel filter on the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser is located inside the fuel tank. It is positioned in the line leading from the gas tank to the engine and is accessible from the top of the tank. It is a sock-like filter at the bottom of the fuel intake line, about three inches long and an inch wide.

Some sources suggest that the fuel filter does not need to be replaced unless there is a problem, as it is not as easily accessible as traditional inline fuel filters. However, others recommend changing the fuel filter every 5 years/50,000 miles or checking the owner's manual for specific maintenance intervals.

It is important to note that the fuel filter plays a crucial role in the engine's performance by preventing contaminants from entering the engine, which could lead to a loss in performance and potential damage. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the condition of the fuel filter and replace it if necessary.

Fuel starvation problem

Fuel starvation is a common problem in the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser, and it can be caused by a variety of issues. One of the most reported problems is the fuel tank straps rusting and breaking, causing the fuel tank to hang low or even separate from the vehicle. This issue has been reported by several owners of the 2007 and 2008 models, and it appears to be a result of poor-quality steel or treatment of the frame and parts during manufacturing.

In addition to the rusting fuel tank straps, other factors can contribute to fuel starvation. For example, a loose cold air intake line or a clogged fuel filter can lead to fuel starvation and engine performance issues. The 2008 FJ Cruiser's fuel filter is located inside the fuel tank, which is an unusual location that has surprised some owners. Some owners have also reported issues with the fuel pump, which may need to be replaced to resolve fuel starvation problems.

To address fuel starvation, it is recommended to regularly inspect and maintain the vehicle, paying close attention to the fuel system. This includes checking for rust or damage on the fuel tank straps, as well as ensuring that all intake lines are securely connected. If the fuel filter or fuel pump is suspected to be the cause, consulting a mechanic or referring to the repair manual can help identify the best course of action for replacement or repair.

It is worth noting that while the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser is praised for its off-road capabilities and versatility, some critics have noted that its fuel economy is only "marginal" at best, with estimates ranging from 15 to 21 miles per gallon, depending on the model and driving conditions.

Fuel tank replacement

The fuel tank in your 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser can be replaced with a long-range replacement fuel tank. This replacement is suitable for vehicles with any automatic transmission. The replacement tank has a capacity of 30 gallons, 11 gallons more than the stock tank.

The replacement process should be undertaken by a certified mechanic and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. The tank fills using the OEM gas door, and no exhaust modification is required.

The replacement tank is constructed from 2mm aluminized steel and is fully baffled internally, so a separate guard is not required. The fuel gauge will still read correctly at empty, but the distance-to-empty function on the trip computer will not remain accurate due to the increased capacity of the tank.

The part number for this replacement fuel tank is TLCFJCRURR-US, and it is manufactured by Long Range Automotive, an Australian company specialising in long-range replacement and auxiliary fuel tanks.

Fuel Tank Parts for the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

• Fuel Tank Assembly: 77001-3D550, 77001-3D551
• Fuel Tank Band: 77601-35110, 77602-35050
• Fuel Tank Band Bolt: 77644-35030
• Fuel Tank Band Cushion: 77651-35070, 77652-35060, 77653-35050, 77654-35010
• Fuel Tank Band Pin: 77653-35040
• Fuel Tank Band Seat: 77681-35040, 77681-35041, 77681-35060
• Fuel Tank Breather Tube Assembly: 77012-35070
• Fuel Tank Filler Lid Assembly: 77350-35060
• Fuel Tank Filler Lid Pin Clamp: 77367-35020
• Fuel Tank Filler Opening Lid Hinge Spring: 77366-35030
• Fuel Tank Filler Pipe Protector: 77277-35030, 77277-35031
• Fuel Tank Filler Pipe Ring: 77371-35010
• Fuel Tank Filler Pipe Shield Assembly: 77291-35140
• Fuel Tank Gasket: 77169-35010, 77169-04050
• Fuel Tank Hose: 77213-35370, 77213-35371, 77404-35030, 77404-35070
• Fuel Tank Inlet Pipe Sub-Assembly: 77201-35800
• Fuel Tank Protector: 77606-35070, 77643-35050
• Fuel Tank Return Tube: 77204-35080
• Fuel Tank Sub-Tank: 77131-26112, 77131-60140
• Fuel Tank Suction Plate Sub-Assembly: 77024-35040
• Fuel Tank Suction Support: 77174-26010
• Fuel Tank Suction Tube Assembly: 77020-35121
• Fuel Tank Tube Clamp: 77285-35620, 77285-35631, 77285-35641, 77285-35670, 77285-35680, 77285-35690, 77285-35700, 77285-35710, 77285-35631, 77285-35641
• Fuel Tank Vent Hose: 77404-35030, 77404-35070

Fuel pump and filter

The fuel filter on the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser is located inside the fuel tank. This is a common feature on modern vehicles, including some other Toyota models, as it simplifies vapour control for manufacturers.

The fuel filter plays an important role in the engine by filtering the fuel that the fuel pump pumps. If the filter isn't working properly, fuel can't get to the engine in sufficient quantities, leading to a loss in performance and potential damage to the cylinder lining. Symptoms of a faulty fuel filter include problems with starting, stalling, excessive vibration while driving, and rough slow-speed cruising.

It is recommended to change the fuel filter every 5 years/50,000 miles, but this may vary depending on factors such as where you live and your driving habits. The average cost to change a vehicle's fuel filter is between $90 and $207 (including parts and labour).

In addition to the fuel filter, the fuel pump is also located inside the fuel tank. The fuel pump won't pump any dirt or contaminants beyond the tank, so an external fuel filter is not necessary. However, some people choose to retrofit an external fuel filter or carry a spare if they are travelling in remote areas where accessing a replacement pump may be difficult.

Fuel efficiency

The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser is a powerful off-roading vehicle with a 4.0-litre engine. While it has been praised for its versatility and off-road capability, its fuel efficiency has been described as "marginal".

The fuel efficiency of the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser varies depending on the model and its specifications. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides estimates for different models of the 2008 FJ Cruiser:

• The FJ Cruiser with four-wheel drive and a manual transmission is estimated to have a fuel efficiency of 15 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 18 mpg on highways.
• The FJ Cruiser with automatic transmission and four-wheel drive is estimated to have a fuel efficiency of 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on highways.
• The front-wheel-drive Cruiser with a five-speed automatic transmission is estimated to have a fuel efficiency of 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

These estimates suggest that the FJ Cruiser is more fuel-efficient on highways than in city driving, particularly with the automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive model.

In real-world usage, the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser's fuel efficiency has been measured at an average of 16.21 mpg, based on data from 178 vehicles. This is slightly lower than the EPA estimates, indicating that real-world usage may result in lower fuel efficiency than expected.

The Detroit Free Press reported a "disappointing" 16.2 mpg highway fuel economy during a 160-mile round trip, which is consistent with the average measured fuel efficiency.

The 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser requires premium unleaded fuel, which may contribute to higher fuel costs for owners.

Overall, while the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser offers impressive performance and off-roading capabilities, its fuel efficiency may be considered a drawback, with estimates and real-world data indicating mileage in the mid-teens for most models.

Frequently asked questions