How To Test The Fuel Pump (1992-1995 2.2L Toyota Camry)

Connecting a fuel pressure test gauge, to your 2.2L Toyota Camry, is not hard. Not too mention that testing your 2.2L Camry's fuel pump with a fuel pressure test gauge is the most accurate way of finding out if it has failed or is failing.

In this tutorial I'll show you how and where to connect your fuel pressure test gauge and what fuel pressure specification you should see. I'm also gonna' explain a simple and easy way to confirm a ‘lack of fuel’ condition by using starting fluid.

You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Cómo Probar La Bomba De Gasolina (1992-1995 2.2L Toyota Camry) (at: autotecnico-online.com).

APPLIES TO: This tutorial applies to the following vehicles:

• 2.2L Toyota Camry: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995.

Wiring Diagrams: The fuel pump circuit wiring diagrams can be found here:

• Fuel Pump Circuit Wiring Diagram (1992-1993 2.2L Toyota Camry).
• Fuel Pump Circuit Wiring Diagram (1994-1995 2.2L Toyota Camry).

Symptoms Of A Bad Fuel Pump

Over the years, I've been working on cars, I've come to the conclusion that fuel pumps usually fail in 1 of 2 ways:

1. The fuel pump just stops working completely and the engine doesn't start at all.
2. The fuel pump works just enough to start and keep the engine running, but the engine runs rough.

When a fuel pump completely fails in your 2.2L Toyota Camry, you'll see that:

• When you turn the key to start the engine, the engine turns over but will not start.
• All 4 cylinders are being fed spark (as checked by a spark tester).
• Your Toyota Camry's fuel injection computer is activating all 4 fuel injectors (as checked with a Noid light).
• Fuel pressure PSI is 0 PSI when checked with a fuel pressure test gauge.
• Engine starts, although momentarily, if you spray starting fluid into the throttle body and then crank the engine.

When the fuel pump is starting to fail and under-performing, you'll probably see one or more of the following symptoms:

1. Lean air/fuel mixture trouble codes.
2. Rough idle.
3. Engine starts after extended cranking.
4. Lack of power when accelerating the vehicle down the road.
5. Back-fires thru' the intake manifold when accelerating your Toyota Camry down the road.

Both of these conditions can be tested with a fuel pressure gauge. Alright, with this info under our belts, let's get testing.

Where To Buy A Fuel Pressure Test Gauge

You can buy a fuel pressure test gauge just about anywhere and is one of the most important tools any serious DIY'er should have in his/her tool box.

The following fuel pressure test gauge kits are pretty good deals and include the adapter to test your 2.2L Toyota Camry (they also include all of the adapters to test GM and Ford vehicles equipped with a Schrader valve):

All of the fuel pump pressure test kits above have the fitting that will connect to your Toyota's fuel system.

TEST 1: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge

Testing the fuel pressure that your Toyota's fuel pump is producing is the best way to find out if it's failed or failing.

The fuel pressure test gauge is connected to the output side of your 2.2L Toyota's fuel filter. This requires removing the fuel filter's union bolt (also known as a banjo bolt) and installing a special fitting (adapter) in its place (see the illustration above).

You can see a photo of the fuel filter's output hose and the banjo bolt you have to remove here: Location Of Fuel Filter's Banjo Bolt (Union Bolt). The fuel pressure specification (with the engine off) is: 38-44 PSI (1992-1996).

Engine running and w/out vacuum hose connected to fuel pressure reg.
38-44 PSI

Engine running and w vacuum hose connected to fuel pressure reg.
33-38 PSI

Engine Off and DLC terminals +B and FP jumpered.
33-38 PSI

NOTE: If you don't have a fuel pressure gauge, take a look at the section: Where To Buy A Fuel Pressure Test Gauge.

OK, let's get started with this test:

1. 1

   Remove the fuel filter's union bolt. Careful the union bolt's 2 copper washers don't fall and get lost in the engine compartment. You'll need to re-install them when you get done with the fuel pressure test.
   
   NOTE: Wrap the tool and fuel filter union bolt in a shop towel. This shop towel will absorb and keep any fuel from dripping/leaking/spraying on the engine (if there's any residual fuel pressure in the fuel line) as you loosen the bolt.

2. 2

   Install the fuel pressure test kit's fitting in place of the union bolt. Tighten the fitting. Your set-up should look like the illustration above.

3. 3

   Locate the diagnostic link connector (DLC) and jumper terminals +B and FP together with a jumper-wire and turn the key On (but don't crank or start the engine). Jumpering these two DLC terminals will activate the fuel pump without starting the engine.
   
   Check the fuel pressure gauge's fitting (on the fuel filter) for fuel leaks.
   
   NOTE: To see the location and identification of these 2 terminals, go here: Jumpering DLC Terminals +B and FP to Activate Fuel Pump

4. 4

   Your fuel pressure gauge should register about between 38-44 PSI fuel pressure if the fuel pump is OK.

Let's take a look at what your results mean:

CASE 1: If the fuel pressure gauge registered 0 PSI: This confirms that the cause of your 2.2L Toyota Camry no-start problem is caused by a lack of fuel.

Now, I usually take 2 more precautions, before condemning the fuel pump as bad:

• Making sure the fuel pump fuse is feeding the fuel pump power (if the fuel pump fuse is blown, then the fuel pump will not run).
• Making sure the fuel pump relay is feeding the fuel pump power (if the fuel pump relay is bad, then the fuel pump will not run).

CASE 2: If the fuel pressure gauge registered the specified fuel pressure for your vehicle's model year. This test result lets you know that the fuel pump is working and delivering enough fuel to the fuel injectors. The reason your 2.2L Toyota Camry is not starting is due to another reason. The fuel pump is OK.