You can easily test your 1998-2001 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry's fuel pump with a fuel pressure test gauge - it's really not that difficult.
If your Camry's engine doesn't start or is having performance issues, and you suspect the fuel pump is to blame, a fuel pressure test gauge is one of the key tools that's gonna help you diagnose the issue.
In this tutorial, I'll guide you through attaching the fuel pressure test gauge, what numbers to look for, and a simple trick using starting fluid to confirm whether a lack of fuel is causing your no-start problem.
Contents of this tutorial:
- Symptoms Of A Bad Fuel Pump.
- Where To Buy A Fuel Pressure Test Gauge.
- TEST 1: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge (With Scan Tool).
- TEST 2: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge (Without Scan Tool).
- TEST 3: Using Starting Fluid To Confirm Lack Of Fuel.
- More 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry Tutorials.
APPLIES TO: This tutorial applies to the following vehicles:
- 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001.
Fuel Pump Circuit Wiring Diagrams:
- Fuel Pump Circuit Wiring Diagram (1998 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry).
- Fuel Pump Circuit Wiring Diagram (1999-2001 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry).
Toyota Fuel Pump Test Tutorials:
- How To Test The Fuel Pump (1992-1993 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry).
- How To Test The Fuel Pump (1994-1996 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry).
- How To Test The Fuel Pump (1997 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry).
Engine No-Start Diagnostics:
Symptoms Of A Bad Fuel Pump
The fuel pump in your Camry is likely to fail and cause one of two headaches:
- It just stop working altogether: When this happens, you're unable to start the engine since no fuel is reaching it.
- It starts failing gradually: In this type of failure, the fuel pump lets you start your Camry's engine, but then you'll notice engine performance issues -especially when you're accelerating from a stop or driving uphill.
When fuel pump fails completely in your 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry, you'll know something's wrong when:
- Engine no-start: You turn the key, the engine cranks, but it doesn't start.
- Ignition system checks out: The ignition system spark test shows all cylinders getting spark, so the ignition system isn't causing the engine no-start issue.
- Fuel injectors are getting activated: A Noid light test confirms that your Camry's fuel injection computer is allowing pulsing (activating) the fuel injectors.
- Zero fuel pressure: Your fuel pressure test gauge reads zero - a clear sign that the fuel pump is toast.
- Starting fluid starts the engine (briefly): If you spray some starting fluid into the throttle body and give the engine another go, it'll start up and run for a few seconds before stalling.
If your fuel pump is starting to fail (where it's still sending just enough fuel to start the engine), you'll likely see one or more of these symptoms:
- Diagnostic trouble codes: Your Camry's fuel injection computer lights up the check engine light with lean air/fuel mixture trouble codes.
- Rough idle: The engine has a rough idle.
- Extended engine cranking: You gotta crank then engine a good while for it to start.
- No power: When you hit the gas, the engine feels like it doesn't have the oomph to move the car.
- Backfiring in the intake manifold: You hear popping noises from the intake manifold when you're pushing the engine hard.
A fuel pressure test is a must-do test to figure out whether your Camry's fuel pump is causing the no-start or performance problems. It'll also save you from wasting your hard-earned cash on parts that won't fix the issue.
Where To Buy A Fuel Pressure Test Gauge
If you want to accurately diagnose a bad fuel pump like DIY pro, you're gonna need a fuel pressure gauge - which you can get at most auto parts stores or online.
For your 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry, the following inexpensive fuel pressure test gauge kits comes with adapters to help you test the fuel pump pressure:
TEST 1: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge (With Scan Tool)
If you have a scan tool with "active test" capability, where you can activate the fuel pump while the engine is off (key on), then keep reading - if not, head to TEST 3 instead.
What we're gonna do is hook up a fuel pressure test gauge to the output side of the fuel filter using a special adapter.
Next, we'll fire up the fuel pump via the scan tool and check the fuel pressure reading against the spec:
| Key On Engine Off (fuel pump activated by scan tool). |
|---|
| 44-50 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 begin:
- 1
Remove the top part of the air filter assembly and the air duct to access the fuel filter.
- 2
Wrap a shop towel around the fuel filter.
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 disconnect the fuel line from the fuel filter. - 3
Remove the fuel line that connects to the output side of the fuel filter.
NOTE: The output side of the fuel filter is the side that supplies the filtered fuel to the fuel injectors. - 4
Connect the fuel pressure test kit's adapter to the fuel filter's output port.
- 5
Connect the fuel line to the adapter.
- 6
Connect the fuel pressure gauge to the adapter.
- 7
Turn the key ON and OFF several times (but don't crank or start the engine) to activate the fuel pump and check for fuel leaks around the connections.
NOTE: If any leaks are present, turn the key OFF and resolve them before continuing to the next step. - 8
Turn the key to the ON position but don't crank or start the engine.
- 9
Connect the scan tool and go to its "Active Tests" section.
- 10
Activate the fuel pump via the scan tool.
- 11
Your fuel pressure gauge should register: 44-50 PSI.
Let's take a look at what your results mean:
CASE 1: The fuel pressure gauge registered 0 PSI. This confirms that your 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry's engine isn't starting due to the fuel pump not sending any fuel to the fuel injectors.
CASE 2: The fuel pressure gauge registered the specified fuel pressure. This test result lets you know that the fuel pump is working and delivering enough fuel to the fuel injectors.
The engine performance issue or engine no-start problem you're troubleshooting is due to another reason. The fuel pump is OK.
CASE 3: The fuel pressure gauge registered a lower pressure than the specified fuel pressure (but not 0 PSI). This test result lets you know that the fuel pump is weak and failing.
While it's still delivering some fuel, it's not enough to meet the engine's requirements for starting or running properly. The fuel pump needs to be replaced.
TEST 2: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge (Without Scan Tool)
You can test the fuel pump without a scan tool and in this section, I'll walk you through the process.
To check the fuel pump's pressure output, the fuel pressure test gauge is connected to the fuel filter's output side using a special adapter.
I'm gonna break down the whole test set-up procedure step-by-step in the instructions below.
| Engine running or engine cranking |
|---|
| 44-50 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 begin:
- 1
Remove the top part of the air filter assembly and the air duct to access the fuel filter.
- 2
Wrap a shop towel around the fuel filter.
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 disconnect the fuel line from the fuel filter. - 3
Remove the fuel line that connects to the output side of the fuel filter.
NOTE: The output side of the fuel filter is the side that supplies the filtered fuel to the fuel injectors. - 4
Connect the fuel pressure test kit's adapter to the fuel filter's output port.
- 5
Connect the fuel line to the adapter.
- 6
Connect the fuel pressure gauge to the adapter.
- 7
Turn the key ON and OFF several times (but don't crank or start the engine) to activate the fuel pump and check for fuel leaks around the connections.
NOTE: If any leaks are present, turn the key OFF and resolve them before continuing to the next step. - 8
Crank and start the engine.
NOTE: If the engine doesn't start, no worries. Crank the engine long enough to get a fuel pressure reading on the gauge. - 9
Your fuel pressure gauge should register:
Engine running: 44-50 PSI.
Engine cranking (engine does not start): 44-50 PSI.
Let's take a look at what your results mean:
CASE 1: The fuel pressure gauge registered 0 PSI. This confirms that your 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry's engine isn't starting due to the fuel pump not sending any fuel to the fuel injectors.
CASE 2: The fuel pressure gauge registered the specified fuel pressure. This test result lets you know that the fuel pump is working and delivering enough fuel to the fuel injectors.
The reason your 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry is not starting is due to another reason. The fuel pump is OK. The following tutorial will help you further troubleshoot the issue:
CASE 3: The fuel pressure gauge registered a lower pressure than the specified fuel pressure (but not 0 PSI). This test result lets you know that the fuel pump is weak and failing.
While it's still delivering some fuel, it's not enough to meet the engine's requirements for starting or running properly. The fuel pump needs to be replaced.
TEST 3: Using Starting Fluid To Confirm Lack Of Fuel
The starting fluid test is a classic diagnostic technique that'll help you troubleshoot an engine no-start issue.
Here's how it works: You spray starting fluid into the throttle body, crank the engine, and see if the engine starts.
In a nutshell, if your Camry's fuel system is behind the engine no-start problem, the starting fluid should get the engine running for a few seconds.
Although this method is not the most accurate way to diagnose a bad fuel pump, it works like a charm to pin-point the issue to a lack of fuel. I've been using this method for many years with good results.
Before you start the test, make sure all six cylinders are getting spark. To do this, use a spark tester to get an accurate reading.
IMPORTANT: Don't forget to put the air intake duct back on after spraying starting fluid into the throttle body - you don't need to tighten the air duct hose clamp. If there's any backfiring while cranking the engine, it won't exit out of the throttle body this way.
This is what you have to do:
- 1
Remove the intake air duct from the throttle body. You don't have to completely remove it, since you'll have to reconnect it in one of the next steps.
- 2
Open the throttle plate and spray starting fluid down the bore.
As a safety precaution reconnect the air duct after you have sprayed a good squirt of starting fluid (but you don't have to tighten the air duct's hose clamp). - 3
Crank the engine once the air duct is back on and you're clear of the engine compartment.
- 4
You'll see one of two things:
1.) The engine starts and runs for a few seconds.
2.) The engine doesn't start.
OK, let's find out what your results mean:
CASE 1: The engine started and ran for a few seconds. This test result tells you that the no-start problem is due to a lack of fuel.
Your next step is to check to see what the fuel pressure is with a fuel pressure test gauge. Go to: TEST 1: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge.
CASE 2: The engine did not start, not even momentarily. This usually means that a lack of fuel IS NOT the reason your car is not starting.
Now, remember what I said about this test not being very accurate? Well, I suggest you do one more test and this is to check the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure test gauge. Go to: TEST 1: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge.
More 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry Tutorials
You can find a complete list of 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry tutorials and wiring diagrams in this index:
Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find there:
- How To Test Engine Compression (1992-2006 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry).
- How To Test For A Blown Head Gasket (1992-2006 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry).
- How To Test The Ignition Coils (1996-2001 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry).
- How To Test The Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor (1994-2006 3.0L V6 Toyota Camry.
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
