You can quickly and easily test the 1995-1998 1.5L Toyota Tercel's fuel pump to determine if it's bad.
In this tutorial, I'll explain how to perform a fuel pump pressure test and a starting fluid test step by step.
You'll quickly determine if the fuel pump is behind your Toyota Tercel's no-start problem with your test results.
Contents of this tutorial:
APPLIES TO: This tutorial applies to the following vehicles:
- 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 1.5L Toyota Tercel.
Symptoms Of A Bad Fuel Pump
When a fuel pump fails, you'll usually see one or more of the following symptoms:
- An engine no-start problem.
- An intermittent engine no-start problem.
- The engine takes longer than usual to start (extended cranking).
- The engine idle is very rough.
- The engine backfires thru' the intake manifold under load.
- The engine starts then dies.
The above symptoms are usually due to one of two things:
- The fuel pump is not supplying any fuel to the fuel injectors.
- The fuel pump is not supplying enough fuel to the fuel injectors.
Where To Buy A Fuel Pressure Test Gauge
The following fuel pressure gauge kits include the banjo bolt adapter you'll need to connect the fuel pressure test gauge to your Toyota Tercel's fuel filter.
1995-1998 1.5L Toyota Tercel Fuel Pressure Specifications
| 1995-1996 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | KOEO | KOER |
| 1.5L Tercel | 41-42 PSI | 33-37 PSI* |
* With vacuum hose connected to fuel pressure regulator.
| 1997-1998 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | KOEO | KOER |
| 1.5L Tercel | 44-50 PSI | -- |
KOEO = Key On Engine Off.
KOER = Key On Engine Running.
Using A Fuel Pump Pressure Tester To Test The Fuel Pump
To test the fuel pump, you'll need to connect a fuel pressure test gauge to the fuel system.
We can easily and quickly do this by using an M12 X 1.25 banjo bolt adapter that'll take the place of the banjo bolt on the fuel filter.
After installing the banjo bolt, we can connect the fuel pressure test gauge to it.
NOTE: If you don't have a fuel pressure tester with the correct adapter, take a look at this section: Where To Buy A Fuel Pressure Test Gauge.
CAUTION: Gasoline is extremely flammable! Take all necessary safety precautions.
OK, these are the test steps:
- 1
Place a shop towel under the fuel filter's banjo bolt. The shop towel's job is to absorb any fuel that may leak when doing step 2.
- 2
Remove the fuel filter's banjo bolt.
NOTE: When removing the banjo bolt, take note of the two copper washers (gaskets) that seal the output fuel line. You'll need to use them to when installing the banjo bolt adapter. - 3
Install the banjo bolt adapter in place of the fuel bolt.
IMPORTANT: The banjo bolt adapter and the fuel supply line should be sandwiched between the copper gaskets (see illustration above). - 4
Connect the gauge to the banjo bolt adapter.
- 5
When ready, ask your helper to crank the engine while checking for fuel leaks.
If no fuel leaks, go to next step.
If fuel is leaking, resolve the leak before continuing to the next step. - 6
Have a helper crank the engine as you observe the fuel pressure gauge.
- 7
The fuel pressure gauge should register the specified fuel pressure.
Let's take a look at your test results:
CASE 1: The fuel pressure test gauge registered 0 PSI. This test result confirms that a lack of fuel is causing your Toyota Tercel's engine to not start.
You can conclude that the fuel pump is not functioning and is the cause of the engine's no-start problem.
CASE 2: The fuel pressure gauge registered the indicated fuel pressure specification. This is the correct and expected test result and it confirms that the fuel pump is OK.
CASE 3: The fuel pressure gauge registered a fuel pressure way below the specification. This test result lets you know that the fuel pump is failing. Replace the fuel pump.
