Toyota Tacoma 1996-2015: How to Replace Fuel Pump
The fuel pump in the Toyota Tacoma is what pumps the gas from the tank to the engine. Learn how to replace it here.
This article applies to the Toyota Tacoma (1996-2015).
The fuel pump in the Toyota Tacoma is a device designed to pump fuel from the gas tank to the engine. When the pump goes bad, it stops pumping fuel to the engine, which causes the truck to not start. Sometimes the pump can get weak, but not go bad all the way, which will cause the truck to hesitate. If you're driving at a consistent speed and you notice your truck jerks or hesitates, this could mean your fuel pump has gone bad. Replacing it requires you to drop the tank, as it's located on top of the gas tank. So, if you're up to the task, read on to learn how to replace the fuel pump in the Toyota Tacoma.
Materials Needed
- Fuel drain kit
- Pliers
- Socket
- Flat head screwdriver
- Wrench
- Fuel pump
- Jack
Step 1 – Drain fuel tank
Use your drain kit to drain the fuel tank. Simply, insert the hose deep into your tank, then pump the fuel to create a flow, and watch it drain.
Step 2 – Remove fuel lines
Remove all the fuel lines connected to the gas tank. There will be lines connected to the sides, and lines connected to the front of the tank. Use your pliers to slide off the hose clamps, and for some lines, you will need a wrench to remove the line nuts. Expect some drainage, so keep a towel handy.
Step 3 – Remove fender liner
To remove the fender liner, use your socket to remove the bolts, then use a flat head screwdriver to pop off the clips holding the bottom part of the liner. Push the liner out of the way.
Figure 4. Remove fender liner. 
Figure 5. Remove fender liner.
Step 4 – Remove inside bracket
When you remove the fender liner by the rear driver's side, you will reveal a bracket and a hose. Remove the two bolts holding the bracket in place, then remove the bracket. Remove the hose behind the bracket. You will need to use a socket to remove the worm clamp, then slide the hose off.
Figure 6. Remove bracket. 
Figure 7. Remove line.
Step 5 – Remove fuel tank
The fuel tank is held in place by two brackets, so remove the bolts holding the tank in place. Then place a jack under the tank. When the tank is free, start lowering the jack slowly. Note that the top of the tank is still connected with an electrical harness, so lower it with caution.
Figure 8. Remove tank's brackets. 
Figure 9. Lower the tank with jack.
Step 6 – Remove fuel pump
Before removing the fuel pump, remove the electrical connection on the top of the tank. Remove the bolts holding the fuel pump assembly to the fuel tank. Pull the fuel pump up and off the fuel tank to remove it.
Figure 10. Remove electrical harness. 
Figure 11. Remove fuel pump.
Step 7 – Install new fuel pump
- Install the new fuel pump in place, then tighten the bolts holding it in place.
- Install the electrical harness.
- Start raising the fuel tank slowly in place, then install the two brackets holding it in place.
- Install the line on the driver's side, then install the bracket.
- Tighten the fender liner back in place.
- Install all of the fuel lines back in place, then refill the fuel tank with the gas you drained.
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