The fuel filter in a car is the gate between the fuel tank and the engine, and it needs to be replaced when it gets too clogged. The Toyota SR5 fuel filter is mounted underneath the manifold bolted to the engine, and it can be challenging to locate and replace. The fuel filter on a 1986 Toyota SR5 is in the passenger's wheel well, and there is a small panel that can be removed to access it. It is recommended to replace the fuel filter every 90,000 miles or 30,000 miles if you are in a dusty environment.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
How often to change the fuel filter | Every 90,000 miles or every 30,000 miles if in a dusty environment |
When to know it's time for a change | The car feels sluggish at higher RPMs, or there is hesitation when stepping on the gas |
Location of the fuel filter | Under the driver's door, along the frame rail |
Tools needed | 14mm flare nut wrench, 19mm open-end wrench, 10mm socket |
What You'll Learn
Fuel filter location
The fuel filter location on a Toyota SR5 varies depending on the model year.
For the 1986 Toyota SR5, the fuel filter is mounted underneath the manifold bolted to the engine on the passenger side of the engine block. There is a small access panel in the passenger's wheel well that can make removing the fuel filter easier.
For the 1996-2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5, the fuel filter is located under the driver's door, along the frame rail.
For the 1996-2004 Toyota Tacoma SR5, the fuel filter is located under the driver's side of the cab.
For the 2016 Toyota Tacoma V6 SR5, the fuel filter is part of the fuel pump inside the fuel tank and is not a regularly serviced part.
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When to change
The fuel filter in a Toyota SR5 should be replaced as a maintenance item. Although it doesn't need to be replaced as often as some other filters, such as the air filter, it will eventually get clogged, decreasing the amount of fuel reaching the engine and resulting in hesitation when stepping on the gas. In some cases, your car may not even start if the filter is extremely clogged.
It is recommended to change your fuel filter every 90,000 miles or so, or every 30,000 miles if you're in a very dusty environment. This can be done at the same time as other maintenance, such as changing your timing belt.
There are some signs that your fuel filter needs to be replaced. If your Toyota SR5 is not performing as well as it used to, or if you notice hesitation when you accelerate, it may be time to change the fuel filter. Additionally, if your car is not starting, it could be due to a clogged fuel filter.
The process of replacing the fuel filter on a Toyota SR5 can be challenging, as it is located in a hard-to-reach place. On a 1986 Toyota SR5 Pickup, the fuel filter is mounted underneath the manifold, bolted to the engine. There is a small panel in the passenger's wheel well that can be removed to access the fuel filter, but even with this panel removed, the space is very tight.
When replacing the fuel filter, it is important to place a drain pan under the vehicle, as fuel will drain out of the filter and lines when they are disconnected. The lines are connected with bolts and copper washers, which should be replaced with new ones that come with the replacement filter. Loosen the bolts on each end of the filter until you can turn them the rest of the way by hand, then disconnect the lines and remove the bolts attaching the filter to the engine block. When installing the new filter, first mount the inlet fuel line and tighten it down finger-tight, then connect the other line and bolt the filter to the block.
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Disconnecting the fuel pump
Step 1: Disconnect the negative battery terminal
Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wrap it in a towel to prevent any contact with metal. This will help relieve the fuel pump of pressure.
Step 2: Locate the fuel pump connector
On a Tacoma, the connector/plug for the fuel pump is located on top of the tank, near the front. Look over the top of the fuel tank just in front of the fuel tank filler neck and you will see the connector.
On a 4Runner, open the driver's side rear door, fold the rear seat bottom forward, and remove the two Phillips screws that secure the rear door threshold trim. Then, remove the trim, pull the carpet and carpet pad forward, and locate a small cap under the driver's side rear passenger seat.
Step 3: Disconnect the fuel pump connector
Using your hand or a pair of 90-degree needle-nose pliers, depress the clip holding the connector to the tank. The tab you need to depress faces the right (passenger) side of the truck. With the connector clip depressed, separate the two halves of the connector.
On a 4Runner, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to disconnect the fuel pump connector under the small cap.
Step 4: Remove the fuel filter
Place a drain pan under the vehicle, as fuel will drain out of the filter and lines when disconnected. Using a 10mm socket, remove the nuts securing the fuel line to the underside of the vehicle. There will be three nuts to the rear of the filter and two in front. Loosen the flare nuts on the fuel line using a 14mm flare nut wrench.
Step 5: Remove the bolts attaching the filter to the engine block
Loosen the bolts on each end of the filter until you can turn them the rest of the way by hand. The lines are attached to the filter on each side with banjo bolts. Once the lines are disconnected, remove the two bolts attaching the filter to the engine block.
Step 6: Install the new fuel filter
Orient the new fuel filter in the same direction as the old one. Insert the rear fuel line into the rear of the new fuel filter, then insert the front line into the front of the filter. Ensure that the fuel filter bracket fits over the mounting studs and start threading the flare nuts into the fuel filter. Tighten them until finger tight.
Finally, replace the five 10mm nuts that were removed earlier, tighten the two nuts securing the fuel filter bracket, and tighten the fuel lines to the filter using a 14mm flare nut wrench and a 19mm open-end wrench. Torque to 21 ft-lbs.
Once you have completed these steps, start the engine and immediately check for leaks where the fuel line connects to the filter. If there is a leak, turn off the engine and tighten the connections until the leak stops. Be careful not to over-tighten, as it is easy to strip the threads.
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Removing the old fuel filter
To remove the old fuel filter from your SR5, you'll need to relieve the pressure in your vehicle's fuel system and disconnect the battery. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Relieve the Pressure in the Fuel System
Locate your vehicle's fuse box, which is usually in the interior or under the hood. Remove the fuse for the fuel pump, which is often in the fuse box inside the car. With the fuse removed, the fuel pump will not function when you start the engine. Make sure your vehicle is not in gear, and then start the engine. Let it run for a minute or two before shutting it off. Finally, re-insert the fuel pump fuse.
Step 2: Disconnect the Battery
Disconnect the negative terminal on the battery. This will prevent the engine from being started while you work. You will need to loosen the nut holding the cable onto the negative terminal, but you don't need to remove it completely. Tuck the negative cable to the side of the battery to ensure it doesn't accidentally make contact.
Step 3: Locate and Access the Fuel Filter
Refer to your vehicle's service manual to determine the location of the fuel filter. It is commonly found along the fuel line on the bottom of the car, past the fuel pump, or in the engine bay on the line leading to the fuel rail. If the fuel filter is located on the underside of your vehicle, you will need to jack up the car to access it. Place a jack under the car at one of its designated jack points and raise the vehicle. Remember to place jack stands underneath before working under the vehicle.
Step 4: Place a Container Under the Fuel Filter
Place a bowl, bucket, or drain pan under the vehicle to catch any fuel that may spill when you disconnect the fuel filter. Be careful when using plastic containers, as gasoline can eat through some types of plastic and cause leaks.
Step 5: Remove the Clips Holding the Fuel Filter
Locate the plastic clips on either side of the cylindrical fuel filter and use a flat-head screwdriver to pop them out. These clips are thin and tend to break easily, so purchasing replacements along with your new fuel filter is recommended.
Step 6: Remove the Fuel Lines
With the clips removed, carefully slide the fuel lines away from the filter and tip them towards the container to catch any spilled gasoline. Wear eye protection and gloves during this step to protect yourself from fuel splatter.
Step 7: Slide Out the Old Fuel Filter
The fuel filter is likely held in place by a metal bracket. With the fuel lines disconnected, push the filter towards the front or back of the car to slide it out of the bracket. The filter has a slight bell shape, so it can only be removed in one direction.
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Installing the new fuel filter
Installing a new fuel filter in a 1986 Toyota SR5 Pickup is a challenging task, as the fuel filter is mounted underneath the manifold bolted to the engine, and is completely out of sight. Here is a step-by-step guide to installing a new fuel filter:
Step 1: Mount the inlet fuel line
Mount the inlet fuel line to the filter and tighten it down finger tight. This is the easier of the two lines, so it is a good place to start.
Step 2: Attach the second fuel line
The second fuel line is more difficult to attach, so you may choose to attach the filter to the block first before attempting to attach the second line.
Step 3: Attach the filter to the block
Use the two bolts to attach the filter to the engine block.
Step 4: Tighten all connections
Once all four connections are in place, tighten them securely.
Step 5: Check for leaks
Finally, start the engine and check for leaks.
General advice for installing a new fuel filter:
- Ensure the new filter is facing the right way, similar to the old one.
- Be careful not to over-tighten the connections, as it is easy to strip the threads.
- Use new copper washers, as the old ones are already crushed down and may leak if reused.
- If you are removing the old filter from the top, you will have to do so by feel, as visibility will be restricted.
- Fuel will drain from the filter and lines when disconnected, so place a drain pan under the vehicle.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wrap it in a towel to avoid any contact with metal. This will help to relieve the fuel pump of pressure.
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