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.
ENGINE NO-START DIAGNOSTICS: If you're troubleshooting a no-start issue, the following guide is a good diagnostic resource:
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.
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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.
If you're diagnosing an engine no-start issue, the following diagnostic guide will help you thru the next steps:
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.
Using Starting Fluid
The starting fluid test is an ancient test dating back to when all vehicles had carburetors.
If the engine is not starting, the starting fluid test will confirm (or disprove) that the no-start problem is due to a lack of fuel.
It's important to note that it does not directly test the fuel pump, and as such, it may not be 100% reliable (in diagnosing a bad fuel pump).
Don't let this discourage you from performing the starting fluid test since it can quickly point your no-start diagnostic in the right direction.
IMPORTANT: To get the most accurate test result, you need first to make sure that the ignition coils are creating and delivering spark to the spark plugs. Test all four cylinders for spark with a dedicated spark tester if you haven't already.
OK, let's get testing:
- 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 manually, and spray starting fluid down the bore.
When you have sprayed a good squirt of starting fluid, quickly reconnect the air duct to the throttle body (you don't have to tighten the hose clamp).
Reconnecting the intake air duct is a very important safety precaution in case you get a back-fire thru' the intake manifold. - 3
Crank the engine once the intake air duct is back on the throttle body.
- 4
You'll get one of two results with this test:
1.) The engine will start momentarily and after a few seconds will die.
2.) The engine will only crank but not start at all.
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 engine notes our problem is due to a lack of fuel.
Usually this means that the fuel pump is bad but you still have to make sure with a fuel pressure test gauge. For this test go to: Using A Fuel Pump Pressure Tester To Test The Fuel Pump.
CASE 2: The engine did not start, not even momentarily. This test result generally tells you that your Tercel's no-start problem is not due to a lack of fuel.
Still, I recommend doing a fuel pressure test to make sure. For this test go to: Using A Fuel Pump Pressure Tester To Test The Fuel Pump.
More 1.5L Toyota Tercel Tutorials
You can find a complete list of 1.5L Toyota Tercel tutorials and wiring diagrams in this index:
Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:
- How To Test The Igniter -Step By Step (1995-1996 1.5L Toyota Tercel).
- How To Test Engine Compression (1991-1998 1.5L Toyota Tercel).
- How To Test The Fuel Injectors (1995-1996 1.5L Toyota Tercel).
- How To Test For A Blown Head Gasket (1991-1998 1.5L Toyota Tercel).
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