1993 Toyota Pickup Fuel Pump Replacement: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If your 1993 Toyota Pickup is cranking but not starting, or if it runs for a few seconds and then dies, the most likely culprit is a faulty fuel pump or the related circuit opening relay. The fuel pump on this model is located inside the fuel tank, and the most efficient way to replace it is by removing the truck bed rather than dropping the fuel tank . Before you pull the pump, you must also check the circuit opening relay, which is located behind the passenger side kick panel, because a bad relay can mimic a dead pump and cause the same symptoms .

1. Confirm the Problem: Is It the Pump or the Relay?

Before you spend time and money on a fuel pump replacement, you need to narrow down the issue. A common problem on the 1993 Toyota Pickup with the 22RE engine is that the engine starts for a second or two and then dies . This is a classic sign of a fuel delivery problem.

The fuel pump on this truck is controlled by a component Toyota calls the circuit opening relay . This relay is not under the hood; it is a green relay with five wires located under the dash on the passenger side, near the kick panel . This relay uses two separate circuits. The first circuit powers the pump only when the engine is cranking (starter signal). The second circuit is controlled by the air flow meter. Once the engine is running, the air flow meter must open to keep the fuel pump running .

If the circuit opening relay is bad, or if the air flow meter is not functioning, the pump will stop working immediately after you release the key.

How to test the relay and pump quickly:

  • Jump the relay: Find the diagnostic connector (DLC1) near the No.2 relay block. Use a jumper wire (SST 09843–18020) to connect terminals FP and +B . Turn the ignition key to the ON position (do not start the engine). If you hear the fuel pump running and feel pressure in the fuel line, the pump and wiring are good, but the relay or the air flow meter signal is likely the problem .
  • Listen for the relay: Have a helper turn the key to the "ON" position. You should hear a distinct click from the circuit opening relay under the dash as it energizes for a few seconds to prime the pump. If you don't hear a click, the relay is likely bad.
  • Check for moisture: If you hit a puddle or washed the engine, moisture can get into the distributor cap. This causes the spark to short out, which can be confused with a fuel problem . Dry the distributor cap and check for cracks before replacing the pump.

2. Locate the Fuel Pump and Circuit Opening Relay

Knowing where everything is located will save you hours of frustration.

  • Fuel Pump Location: The fuel pump is inside the fuel tank. To access it, you have two options: drop the fuel tank or remove the truck bed. Most mechanics prefer removing the bed because it is faster and reduces the risk of damaging the fuel lines.
  • Circuit Opening Relay Location: This is the most common point of failure. It is mounted behind the passenger side kick panel, above the ECM (Engine Control Module) . The relay is green and has five wires: Black/White, White/Black, Green/Yellow, Blue, and White/Red .
  • EFI Main Relay: There is also an EFI main relay. On some models, this is located under the hood in the fuse box on the passenger side fender. A bad EFI relay will also prevent the engine from starting .

3. Step-by-Step Fuel Pump Replacement

If you have confirmed that the pump is bad (by jumping the relay and getting no fuel pressure), follow these steps. The recommended method is to remove the truck bed, as it provides direct access to the fuel pump module.

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal. This is a critical safety step to prevent sparks .
  • Relieve the fuel system pressure. Remove the fuel pump fuse or relay, then start the engine and let it run until it stalls. This releases the pressure in the fuel lines .
  • Work in a well-ventilated area. Gasoline is highly flammable.

Step 2: Remove the Truck Bed (Recommended Method)

  • Unbolt the bed. There are usually 6 to 8 bolts holding the bed to the frame. You will need a socket wrench and possibly a breaker bar for stubborn bolts.
  • Disconnect the taillight wiring harness. This is usually a single connector located near the rear of the frame on the driver's side.
  • With the help of a friend or a hoist, lift the bed straight up and off the frame. Place it on saw horses or a soft surface. You now have direct access to the top of the fuel tank.

Step 3: Remove the Old Fuel Pump

  • Clean the area around the fuel pump bracket to prevent dirt from falling into the tank.
  • Disconnect the fuel lines and the electrical connector from the top of the pump bracket.
  • Remove the 7 bolts holding the fuel pump bracket to the tank .
  • Carefully pull the bracket and the pump assembly out of the tank. Note the orientation of the float arm and the rubber gasket.
  • Remove the fuel pump from the bracket. Pull the lower side of the pump off the bracket, disconnect the connector, and unhook the fuel hose .
  • Remove the rubber cushion and the fuel pump filter (strainer) from the bottom of the old pump. The filter is held on by a clip. You will need a new filter for the new pump .

Step 4: Install the New Fuel Pump

  • Install the new fuel pump filter onto the new pump with a new clip .
  • Install the rubber cushion onto the new pump.
  • Connect the fuel hose to the outlet port of the new pump.
  • Install the new pump into the bracket. Make sure the connector is properly seated.
  • Lower the entire assembly back into the fuel tank. Make sure the gasket is seated properly and the float arm is not bent.
  • Install the 7 bolts and tighten them to the correct torque (34 N·m or 25 ft·lbf) .
  • Reconnect the fuel lines and the electrical connector.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

  • Lower the truck bed back onto the frame and bolt it down.
  • Reconnect the taillight wiring harness.
  • Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
  • Turn the key to the "ON" position (do not start) and listen for the fuel pump to prime. Check for leaks around the fuel pump bracket.
  • Start the engine. If it starts, let it run for a few minutes and check for any fuel leaks again .

4. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even after replacing the pump, you might run into problems. Here are the most common issues with the 1993 Toyota Pickup fuel system:

  • Engine runs for 2 seconds then dies: This is almost always the circuit opening relay or the air flow meter. The relay receives a signal from the air flow meter to keep the pump running. If the meter is stuck or the relay is bad, the pump shuts off .
  • Water in the distributor: As mentioned in the sources, a pothole or puddle can splash water into the distributor cap. This causes the engine to misfire or die. It is often mistaken for a fuel pump issue. Dry the cap and replace it if necessary .
  • Corroded connections: The fuel pump relay and the EFI relay are located in areas where water can drip on them. If water gets into the relay block, the relays can short out. Check for corrosion on the terminals .
  • Lack of pressure: If the fuel pressure is low after replacing the pump, check the fuel filter. The fuel pressure should be between 38 and 44 psi (265-304 kPa) .

5. Why You Should Choose a KEMSO Fuel Pump for Your Replacement

When it comes time to replace your 1993 Toyota Pickup fuel pump, you want a part that is reliable, fits perfectly, and offers long-term peace of mind. This is why we recommend the KEMSO brand Fuel Pump.

KEMSO fuel pumps are designed as high-performance, OEM replacement units. This means they match or exceed the original equipment specifications for flow rate and pressure. Your engine will get the precise fuel delivery it needs for optimal power and efficiency. You don't need to search for adapter kits or worry about poor fitment.

The best part about choosing KEMSO is the Lifetime Warranty. KEMSO backs every fuel pump with a lifetime warranty. If your pump ever fails due to a manufacturing defect, you get a replacement at no cost. This is a rare benefit in the automotive parts industry and shows the confidence KEMSO has in their product quality.

For a 1993 Toyota Pickup, a KEMSO pump is a direct swap. It is designed for gasoline or ethanol blends, and it is built to withstand the demands of daily driving. The pump is serialized, and support is provided by USA-based technicians.

Visit the KEMSO website to find the exact pump for your vehicle: https://www.kemsoracing.com/


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