Toyota Tundra Fuel Pump Problems [7 Common Issues]
Is your Toyota Tundra stalling suddenly right in the middle of the road? That could be one sign showing something is wrong with your fuel pump.
In this article, we’ll look at the common problems with Toyota Tundra fuel pumps and how to go about the issues.
But first, fuel pumps don’t just go bad without a reason. Most Toyota Tundra fuel pumps are built to last 100,000 miles. So, if your fuel pump goes bad, here are some reasons behind it:
- Clogged fuel filter or screen.
- Restricted fuel line.
- Overheating.
- Faulty fuel pump driver module.
- Defective fuel pump pressure sensor.
Now let’s look at some problems with Toyota Tundra fuel
7 Common Problems with Toyota Tundra Fuel Pump
1. Vehicle Quits While Driving
It is not normal for a vehicle to quit while driving unless you’ve run out of gas. But if your gas tank is full and your Toyota Tundra suddenly quits while driving, runs roughly, or even refuses to start, your fuel pump may be the first spot to check out.
Get your mechanic to run diagnostics on your Toyota Tundra. If the fuel pump is defective, replace it immediately.
2. Vibrating Engine
If your Toyota Tundra loses power and its engine vibrates, going from okay to considerable loss of power and back to having power, you could have fuel pump issues. Codes may show up when you connect your vehicle to a computer.
Take your vehicle to your mechanic for proper diagnostics and replacement of the defective fuel pump.
3. Loss of Power While the Engine is Still Running
When multiple lights flash on your dashboard, it can be confusing. It can even be more confusing when you stop your Tundra, and all the lights on the dash go off even while the engine is still running.
If you experience this, especially with the yellow triangle flashing a few times, get your Toyota Tundra to a mechanic for diagnostic tests. Your fuel pump may have gone bad and require replacement.
4. Improper Accelerator Function
This fuel pump problem was observed in the 2020 Toyota Tundra model. The accelerator fails to function properly by not accelerating when you press the gas pedal. As a result, the engine may almost stall before the vehicle moves.
This problem can occur if the accelerator is improperly installed or the fuel pump malfunctions.
Your mechanic should run diagnostics, discern which of these issues is causing this problem, and do what is needed.
5. Major Fuel Leak
Another sign that your fuel pump could be bad is when you get a major fuel leak. For example, your Toyota Tundra’s fuel leaks out of the left side, right behind the driver’s door, and comes out of the frame rail.
This problem was observed in a Toyota Tundra with 120,000 miles under its belt. When you shut off the engine, the fuel leak stops after a few minutes as it depressurizes.
This problem is a fuel pump computer issue. Take your Toyota Tundra to the dealership to get it fixed.
6. The Vehicle Goes into Limp Mode
Your track and check engine lights will usually come on with the 4lo sign flashing before your Toyota Tundra goes into limp mode.
You should start suspecting the fuel pump when the vehicle slows down, creeps along on the highway, or experiences a significant decrease in performance, especially when traveling up any incline.
You should take your Toyota Tundra to a Toyota dealership for evaluation. In many cases, they will recommend replacing your Toyota Tundra’s fuel pump.
7. Defective Fuel Filter
When a fuel filter becomes defective (clogged), it prevents the fuel rail from staying full of fuel. This restricts the power your Toyota Tundra engine can produce, leading to serious problems.
Fuel filter problems and fuel pump issues are quite similar. For instance, a faulty fuel filter engenders the following symptoms:
- Your engine refuses to start.
- Engine stalls or runs rough.
- Power loss when your Toyota Tundra is under heavy load.
- Decreased fuel economy.
- Check engine lights illuminate.
- The fuel pump quits.
If you experience these, get your mechanic to run proper diagnostics. The fuel filter may be the culprit this time, not the fuel pump.
Replace the fuel filter while getting the fuel pump checked out for signs of wear and tear. The mechanic may recommend replacing the fuel pump.
Can You Drive Your Toyota Tundra with A Bad Fuel Pump?
In some cases, no. You can’t drive your Toyota Tundra with a bad fuel pump. This is because a defective fuel pump can no longer pump gas into your engine.
If you are so unfortunate that your Toyota Tundra’s fuel pump goes out suddenly while driving, your vehicle will stall immediately in the middle of the road and won’t restart.
Therefore, driving your Toyota Tundra with a bad fuel pump is a bad idea. If you’re in motion and your vehicle keeps running but lacks power, drive or coast to a safe spot and get it towed to an auto shop for repairs.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Your Toyota Tundra Fuel Pump?
According to RepairPal, the average cost of replacing a Toyota Tundra fuel pump ranges from $779 to$889. In addition, labor costs range from $170 to $214, while components are priced from $609 to $674.
These price ranges do not include fees and taxes and do not factor in the specific Toyota Tundra model year or your unique location. In addition, related repairs may also be required, which may add to the overall cost.
Moreover, these price ranges are based on the age and number of Toyota Tundra vehicles on the road.
Has Toyota Ever Recalled Any Tundra Model Years for Fuel Pump Issues?
Toyota once recalled the 2018-2020 Toyota Tundra model for fuel pump malfunction. The recall affected up to 5.8 million Toyota and Lexus models released in 2020.
Toyota issued the first recall in January 2020 because the DENSO fuel pumps were causing the Tundra models to stall. The vehicle maker requires the replacement of the defective fuel pump in every affected model.
How Often Do You Need to Replace Your Toyota Tundra’s Fuel Pump?
Toyota Tundra’s fuel pumps are designed to last up to 100,000 miles. However, fuel pumps don’t have specific replacement intervals. But replacement can become more common as the vehicle’s mileage increases.
But running your Toyota Tundra repeatedly with a low fuel tank or driving with a clogged fuel filter puts additional strain on your fuel pump. These actions shorten the lifespan of your Toyota Tundra.
Tips to Make Your Toyota Tundra’s Fuel Pump Last Longer
Here are some tips you should follow in to prolong the lifespan of your Toyota Tundra fuel pump:
- Ensure that your fuel tank is nearly always full, or at least a quarter of the tank full. Fuel helps lubricate and cool the pump, though this is not always the case. If the fuel in your tank is low, the pump will be exposed instead of fully submerged in fuel. This makes the pump work much harder than it should in order to pull fuel from the tank’s bottom.
- Replace the fuel filter occasionally. If a fuel filter is partially clogged, it can severely damage the fuel pump. This is because a clogged fuel filter only makes the pump work much harder than it should, which shortens its lifespan quickly.
- Refill your gas tank at newer filling stations instead of old or poorly maintained ones. The latter usually have old underground tanks full of sediments and water that can contaminate the fuel. The contamination will cause undue harm to your fuel pump and filter, leading to early degradation.
- Ensure that you have an excellent seal with the gas cap. Open gas caps allow debris and air to enter the tank and damage the fuel pump.
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Wrapping Up
The Toyota Tundra is a sturdy, popular, and reliable vehicle. But it is not perfect, like many other vehicles. Fuel pump problems are some issues plaguing the Toyota Tundra. The signs of Toyota Tundra fuel problems have been outlined in this article.
Hopefully, implementing the suggestions to fix defective fuel pumps, as outlined in this article, will do the trick. Ensure that you follow the tips for prolonging the lifespan of your Toyota Tundra’s fuel pump.