bbbppprrr

My apologies if this thread is out there somewhere - I couldn't find quite the right thread.

The car: 2006 TL with ~135k

The problem: Car wouldn't start - would get the regular turn - just no start. AAA came out - they banged on the bottom of the gas tank (a little unconventional) and listened for the fuel pump sound when turning the key to the on position. After thumping on the bottom of the gas tank, the car started.

Questions:

• Is my fuel pump about to die - or was this a fluke (this is the first & only time this has happened)? Note - the last few months I have found myself pushing the limit on the gas light. Bad - yes - but who said I was a good human?
• How would you rate in terms of difficulty the DIY on replacing the fuel pump? Are you aware of any good guides on the process?

Thanks in advance!

I hate cars

I used to have to do this all the time when I had a fuel pump going bad. Once the car was running it would rarely die but if the pump stopped in just the right place it would require banging on the tank to get it to run. Eventually it will leave you stranded and no amount of banging on the tank will fix it.

It looks easy, never done it before but the access looks to be right under the trunk carpet behind the rear seats.

The pump is cooled by the fuel. Running it empty is a good way to kill the pump early.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Good diagnosis is to hit any electrical part to get it to work, e.g. fuel pump, wiper motor, starter etc. and if it works 99% of the time the unit is bad. Remove the fuel cap and the pump can be heard for about 2 sec. after turning on the ignition.

Always a remote possibility that there can be a problem with wiring, so that can also be checked before removing the pump. At pump connector #5 and ground should have battery voltage when ignition on. Number 5 is bottom right when looking at the harness connector. Other tests, but this is a start.