I was wondering if you could give me some fuel filter insight. I had a problem on a trip recently where I was running up and down some steep hills (very steep, non US regulation inclines) and then slowing down coming into town with large speed bumps. As the car slowed to a near stop for the big bump, the car died. I tried restarting it. It would turn over and almost immediately die. I could get it to run if I kept on the gas a bit while putting it back into drive. Some time later it was okay. I've had this happen twice to me on trips. I run the car pretty hard when driving the highway here (Kenya). I had a couple of other things I diagnosed and the only remaining thing left is the fuel filter. I bought a new one today and started the install myself. My 4Runner maintenance guide said to pull out the fuel system relay first, so as to depressurize the fuel lines. I found this under my dash next to my hood & gas levers. But it appears the relay is already pulled out (and missing). Could this be the cause of my problems? Would the engine even get fuel if the fuel pump was not working... I would not think so. Maybe I'm looking at the wrong thing. Any thoughts or insight would be much appreciated. I will post a photo soon.

 

 

What year? Tacoma or 4Runner?

I have some FSMs and wiring diagrams I could post, but need to know what you're working on.

Also, when I replaced the fuel filter on my 98 4Runner, I didn't pull any relay. All I did was disconnect the battery and open the gas cap. A little bit of gas came out when I took off the old one, but not that much. It went back on pretty easily, simple job.

 

same on my '96 4Runner SR5

 

This is a 2003 4Runner (of sorts, it's actually a right hand drive Hilux Surf from Japan, in Kenya).

Thanks guys for any input. Makes sense that I could just disconnect my battery. Thanks for pointing that out.

Any thoughts on the missing relay? Wondering if that's the source of my fuel problems (fuel pump not getting needed info b/c relay is unplugged) instead of a stopped up fuel filter. Thanks for your help.