Where is the fuse pump relay?

Author: Junior Swaniawski  |  Last update: Saturday, December 20, 2025

In most vehicles, the fuel pump relay location is inside the fuse box in the engine bay. This usually looks like a long black box that contains various fuses and relays that enable different parts of your car to function properly.

Where is the relay fuse located?

The fuse box (also called the power box), the instrument panel under the fuse panel, or the right fender are all possible locations. In most cars, it will be under the hood, in a large box with a black lid. This is where car fuses and relays are installed.

How do I know if my fuel pump relay fuse is bad?

Faulty Fuel Pump Relay Symptoms
  1. Multiple attempts to start, perhaps occurring intermittently most often in the morning when the vehicle is cold. ...
  2. Unexplained battery drainage due to a fuel pump relay that is stuck in the closed/on position. ...
  3. The vehicle won't start and appears to be out of gas.

What tells the fuel pump to turn on?

It depends on the type of fuel pump. If it is electric, it is powered by the battery and alternator when starting. The electrical power is usually run through a fuse and relay for protection in case of a shorted fuel pump. On a mechanical type fuel pump the pump is activated by the motor turning.

Why is my fuel pump not kicking on?

This can be caused by a number of things, including a failed pump, a clogged filter, or a kinked or blocked fuel line. If your car is not getting enough vacuum, it may not be able to start, or it may run very poorly. If you are experiencing any common fuel pump problems, take your car to a mechanic to inspect it.

Bad Fuel Pump Relay- Symptoms, Causes & Troubleshooting

What activates the fuel pump relay?

The relay is activated for three to five seconds when the ignition is switched on or when the driver's door is opened. The relay used for controlling the fuel pump is normally a basic four-pin, normally-open relay. This means the relay contacts are open when there is no current flow through the winding.

What happens when fuel pump fuse goes out?

A fuel pump relay will typically fail in the open position, preventing voltage from reaching the fuel pump. As a result, the engine will be starved of fuel and refuse to run.

How much does it cost to replace a fuel pump relay?

The average cost for a Fuel Pump Relay Replacement is between $71 and $79. Labor costs are estimated between $30 and $38 while parts are typically priced around $41. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.

How do I reset my fuel system?

Fuel Shutoff
  1. Switch off the ignition.
  2. Switch to start position.
  3. Switch off the ignition.
  4. Switch on the ignition to re-enable the fuel pump.
  5. If vehicle does not start, repeat steps 1 through 4.

Do all cars have a fuel pump relay?

Some late-model fuel injected vehicles do not use a fuel pump relay, but instead power the fuel pump through a fuel pump module or control unit.

What are the symptoms of a bad relay?

Some of the symptoms of a bad ignition relay include an unresponsive ignition switch, stalling, and a drained battery. Your vehicle can also start intermittently. A brand-new ignition relay typically costs around $10 to $100.

Can a fuel pump relay work intermittently?

Intermittent starting issues: The fuel pump relay may malfunction intermittently, causing sporadic starting problems. The vehicle may start fine on some occasions but experience difficulty or delayed starts on others.

What is the code for a bad fuel pump relay?

The P0230 code indicates an issue with the fuel pump. This generic code indicates that there's an issue with the circuit between the fuel pump and the powertrain control module (PCM).

Can you drive without fuel pump relay?

In short, yes. Bypassing the fuel pump relay ensures your car's electrical systems run smoothly before getting a new relay. After all, bypassing the fuel pump relay is only a temporary fix to get your car up and running again.

How to jump the fuel pump relay?

Pull the fuel pump relay, with the key off use a test light to check the four prongs the relay uses. One should have voltage. Take a short piece of wire from the terminal that has voltage to the terminal on the diagonal corner. Ta-da, fuel pump on.

Will a car run with a bad fuel pump relay?

If the relay failed closed (on), the fuel pump will work fine, but it will stay on constantly and eventually drain the battery, at which point you will end up with a no start. If the relay is intermittently working, you may or may not be able to get the engine started and it may or may not stay running.

Will a bad fuel pump throw a code?

Intermittent problems – a failing fuel pump might sometimes cause intermittent issues that don't immediately trigger the check engine light but lead to pending diagnostic trouble codes that indicate a developing problem.

How do I find my fuel pump fuse?

In most vehicles, the fuel pump relay location is inside the fuse box in the engine bay. This usually looks like a long black box that contains various fuses and relays that enable different parts of your car to function properly.

Does a fuel pump have a reset button?

Most cars do not have one. Many cars did (and some still do) have a crash sensor that cuts off the fuel pump and those DO have a reset switch. Typically in the trunk area, sometimes marked with a sticker. Your owners manual will tell you exactly where it is and how to reset it.

Can a fuel pump fuse stop a car from starting?

Failed Fuel Pump Relay

A small fuse from the fuse box controls this function. If you have trouble starting your vehicle and have these signs there might not be enough fuel drawn to the combustion chamber. Replace the fuel pump relay fuse or swap it with a different relay fuse and check if the engine turns this time.

How can I test my fuel pump relay?

  1. Most fuel pump relays have 4 pins labeled 30, 85, 86, and 87. ...
  2. To test the relay, remove it from the relay base and connect battery negative to pin 85 and battery positive to pin 86. ...
  3. If you get less than 1 ohm on the ohmmeter, then relay is working fine. ...
  4. Hope this helps.
  5. P.S. There's other ways to check the relay.

How long does a fuel pump relay last?

Fuel pump relays can generally last for several years, but their lifespan can be affected by environmental conditions, driving habits, and electrical system issues. Most fuel pump relays last the vehicle's lifetime, but you may need to replace them if they fail prematurely.

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