How To Test The Fuel Pump (1996-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry)

The fuel pump on the 1996-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry can be accurately diagnosed with a fuel pressure gauge. In this tutorial I'll show you where to connect it and how to find out if the fuel pump is bad or not.

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 1996-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry (at: autotecnico-online.com).

APPLIES TO: This tutorial applies to the following vehicles:

• 2.2L Toyota Camry: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Wiring Diagrams: You can find the fuel pump circuit wiring diagrams here:

• Fuel Pump Circuit Wiring Diagram (1996 2.2L Toyota Camry).
• Fuel Pump Circuit Wiring Diagram (2000-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry).

Symptoms Of A Bad Fuel Pump

From personal experience, I can tell you that fuel pumps usually fail in one of two ways:

1. Total Failure: This is the most common type of failure, where the fuel pump stops working completely. When this happens, the engine in your Camry won't start.
2. Underperforming Fuel Pump: In this case, the fuel pump still works but doesn't deliver the correct volume of fuel to the injectors. Your Camry may start, but it won't run properly.

Symptoms Of A Completely Failed Fuel Pump

When the fuel pump fails entirely in your 2.2L Toyota Camry, you'll notice:

• When you turn the key, the engine cranks but doesn't start.
• All 4 cylinders are getting spark (confirmed with a spark tester).
• The fuel injection computer is activating all 4 injectors (checked with a Noid light).
• Fuel pressure reads 0 PSI when tested with a fuel pressure gauge.
• The engine starts briefly if you spray starting fluid into the throttle body and crank it.

Symptoms of an Underperforming Fuel Pump

When the fuel pump is starting to fail but hasn't completely given out, you might experience:

• Lean air/fuel mixture trouble codes: These are stored in the computer's memory.
• Rough idle: The engine runs unevenly at low RPMs.
• Extended cranking time: The engine takes longer than usual to start.
• Lack of power: The vehicle struggles to accelerate smoothly.
• Backfires: You may hear backfires through the intake manifold when accelerating.

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

Where To Buy A Fuel Pressure Test Gauge

The following fuel pressure test gauge kits are pretty good deals and include the M12 X 1.25 Banjo Bolt 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 2.2L Toyota's fuel system.

TEST 1: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge

The fuel pressure test gauge is connected to your 2.2L Toyota Camry thru' a fitting that takes the place of the fuel filter's union bolt (also known as a banjo bolt).

To be a bit more specific, you need a specific fuel pressure test gauge kit that has the correct adapter (fitting) to test your 1996-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry's fuel pump's pressure. This fitting is usually called the M12 X 1.25 Banjo Bolt Adapter.

You can see a photo of the location of the fuel filter's banjo bolt (that you have to remove) and replace with the fitting here: Location Of Fuel Filter's Banjo Bolt (Union Bolt).

The fuel pressure specification on the 1996 2.2L Toyota Camry is:

• 38-44 PSI with the Key On Engine Running (KOER) and vacuum hose connected to the fuel pressure regulator.
• 33-38 PSI with the Key On Engine Off (KOEO).

The fuel pressure specification on the 1997-2001 2.2L Toyota Camry is:

• 44-50 PSI with the Key On Engine Running (KOER) or Key On Engine Off (KOEO). NOTE: On 1997+ fuel pressure is KOEO and KOER (fuel pressure regulator is mounted on the in-tank fuel pump).

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

1. 1

   Wrap a shop towel around the fuel filter union bolt.
   
   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

   Remove the fuel filter's union bolt.
   
   IMPORTANT: 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.

3. 3

   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.

4. 4

   Cycle the ignition key on and off several times (but don't crank the engine) to activate the fuel pump without starting the engine.

5. 5

   Check the fuel pressure gauge's fitting (on the fuel filter) for fuel leaks.
   
   If fuel is leaking, resolve the leak before continuing to the next step.

6. 6

   Cycle the ignition key on and off several times (but don't crank the engine) to activate the fuel pump without starting the engine.

7. 7

   Your fuel pressure gauge should register about between 33-48 PSI fuel pressure as you cycle the ignition key ON and OFF and 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: The test gauge shows the correct fuel pressure specification. 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.