Fuel Pump Runs After Engine Shut Off?

[don24mac]

07 Corolla (with automatic, 44,000 miles) was sitting in the garage after being driven earlier in the day (about 2 hours previously). When I walked behind the car I heard a "whirring" noise, which seemed to be coming from the gas tank area. I assumed it was the electric fuel pump that was continuing to run because I couldn't think of anything else in that area that would make a sound like that. Of course, being in the closed garage the engine was off and the key was removed.

I after rapping on the tank and areas around the tank the sound continued. So I went and got the key, stuck it into the ignition and turned it to where all the dash lights come on without starting the engine. Then turned the key to off. The fuel pump sound stopped.

Anybody heard of a problem of the fuel pump continuing to run for hours after the car has been shut off and the key removed? The car recently had it's ECM replaced under the recall. There is no "check engine" light. I may go see if there's a code stored that didn't light the CEL.

Any suggestions as to what might cause this? I'm sure the battery charge wouldn't last too long if that continued over night.

[invader]

That's your fuel evaporative pump performing a leak test by pressurizing the system, which is normal, even after the engine has been off for a period of time... Next time you hear it, check at the box up in your left rear wheel well.

[don24mac]

Never heard that before. I'll check that. Thanks...

[invader]

Evaporative fuel system's charcoal canister leak detection pump... It sits on top of visible black rectangular plastic charcoal canister, up in your left rear wheel well.

http://www.villagetoyotaparts.com/sh...ssembly=337254