Fuel Pump Relay

CHANDLERGOURLEY

MEMBER
2002 TOYOTA TACOMA
2.7L
4 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
142,000 MILES

I have a 2002 Tacoma that has a hard time starting at certain times. Its never NOT started, but if it sits out in the hot sun all day, its will crank probably 10-15 before finally starting. Also, whenever I refuel, it does the same thing and runs rough for a few seconds, then its fine. I replaced the fuel pump and this did not help. I thought it might be the EFI relay, but I switched the EFI with the rear brake relay and nothing changed so it must be fine. Do you think it could be the fuel pump relay, and if so, can I fix this?

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,650 POSTS

Since you already replaced the pump, have you rechecked the fuel pump pressure under different conditions which are common for the hard start? When you experience the problem, do you ever notice black smoke from the exhaust or a strong fuel / exhaust odor? Check out this guide on hard starting

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

Please run down this guide and report back

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Sunday, November 8th, 2015 AT 5:17 PM

CHANDLERGOURLEY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

No, I haven't checked the pressure but there is only 2 times when it does it and that's when i refuel or if it sits in the sun on a hot day all day. No i have never seen even a puff of smoke or ever smelled it. I don't have a scanner but i recently took it to a mechanic to hook it up to the computer and the computer found no problems at all. I followed this guide about cleaning the throttle bore and it starts right up now

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

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Monday, November 9th, 2015 AT 3:53 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,650 POSTS

I'm THINKING there may be an issue with a vent on the fuel tank or somehow, fuel is getting into the EVAP system and causing the problem. I hate to say it, but when it is really hot or you put gas in it, fuel pressure should be checked. It sounds like something is restricting the flow of fuel under those conditions.

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Monday, November 9th, 2015 AT 5:12 PM

ANDYGARAGE

MEMBER
1 POST

Under the dash, to the left of your steering column you will see a fuse block. On the very back of the block is your fuel relay. Replace it with the power outlet relay from under your hood in the engine compartment fuse panel. If the fuel relay is going bad this should fix the problem. I had the same issue with my 2002 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 with v-6. The relay was sticking open while driving turning the fuel pump off. Upon start up the fuel rail would have no fuel truck would not start. The after sitting awhile and starting again the pump would start and so would motor. Drove me crazy tiring to figure it out. 10 bucks for a relay and runs great now. Replace all of your relays because the others are probly close to failing.

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