Where is the fuel pump relay located?

In most modern vehicles, the fuel pump relay is housed in a fuse/relay box, but its exact position varies by make, model and year. The most common spots are the engine compartment fuse box, an interior fuse panel, or a rear fuse box near the fuel system. Some cars use an integrated fuel pump control module instead of a separate relay. Always check the owner’s manual or a wiring diagram for your specific vehicle.

Common locations

The fuel pump relay can appear in several typical places depending on the design. The following locations cover the most frequent configurations you’ll encounter.

• Engine compartment fuse/relay box, usually labeled “FUEL PUMP” or “PUMP.”


• Under-hood power distribution center or near the battery where relays are clustered.


• Interior fuse box (glove box, dash panel, or under the steering column) where the pump relay is sometimes grouped with other relays.


• Rear fuse box near the fuel pump wiring harness in some trucks and SUVs.


• Integrated fuel pump control module in newer vehicles, where the relay function is built into a control unit rather than a standalone relay.

Because layouts vary widely, consult your vehicle’s manual or a service diagram for the exact location of your model’s fuel pump relay.

How to identify the correct relay

To pinpoint the exact relay, use the fuse box diagrams and labels printed on the lid or inside the panel. If diagrams are unclear or missing, use these cues.

• Look for a label such as FUEL PUMP, FUEL PUMP RELAY, or PUMP on the fuse box lid or in the panel legend.


• Check the engine compartment fuse box first, since this is the most common location in many cars released in the last decade.


• Refer to the owner’s manual, factory service manual, or reputable online diagrams for your specific make, model, and year.

Knowing the exact relay location helps you diagnose fueling or starting issues more efficiently and reduces the risk of swapping the wrong component.

Testing and replacement tips

If you’ve located the relay and need to test or replace it, follow these steps carefully. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with electrical work, a professional should handle it.

1. Turn off the ignition and disconnect the battery if you’ll be handling wiring near metal contacts.


2. Remove the suspected fuel pump relay from its socket and inspect for signs of damage (burn marks, melted plastic) or loose terminals.


3. Swap in a known-good relay of the same type and rating to see if the fuel pump engages and the engine starts.


4. Using a multimeter, test the coil resistance and the contact resistance according to the vehicle’s service manual. A failed coil or welded contacts means replacement.


5. After replacement, recheck fuel pressure and listen for the fuel pump priming when the key is first turned to the ON position.

Electrical work around the fuel system carries risk; if you’re not confident, seek a qualified technician to diagnose and replace the relay.

Safety considerations

Always work in a well-ventilated area, avoid sparks near the fuel system, and ensure battery disconnect procedures are followed to prevent shorts or shocks.

Summary

The fuel pump relay location is model-dependent. It is most commonly found in the engine compartment fuse/relay box or in an interior fuse panel, with some vehicles using an integrated control module instead of a separate relay. To locate it, consult your owner’s manual or a reliable wiring diagram for your exact vehicle, and use the fuse box lid’s diagram to identify the correct relay before testing or replacing it.

Where is the fuel pump reset button located?

The fuel pump reset button, also known as the inertia switch, is typically located in the passenger side footwell. It is often found behind the kick panel or an access panel to the left of the fuse box. To reset it, turn the ignition off, ensure there are no fuel leaks, and then press the button until it clicks.
 
This video shows the location of the fuel pump reset switch on some Ford models: 59sDaddy DIY GrillingYouTube · Feb 10, 2024
How to locate and reset the button

• Locate the switch: The switch is usually in the passenger's front footwell, behind a panel on the side of the vehicle's interior (the kick panel). Some models may have it located under the right side of the glove box. 
• Identify the switch: Look for a small switch, often with a red button on top. 
• Check for leaks: Before resetting, turn the ignition off and check the fuel system for any leaks. 
• Reset the switch: Push the red button down firmly until it clicks, which indicates it has been reset. 
• Start the car: Turn the ignition on and wait a few seconds to allow the fuel pump to prime, then return the key to the off position. You can then start the car. 

How to get a fuel pump to kick on?

Use a rubber mallet or the handle of a wrench to gently tap the bottom of the fuel tank. The vibration can sometimes jolt the fuel pump motor back to life, allowing it to pump fuel to the engine.

How do I find my fuel pump relay?

The fuel pump relay location varies by vehicle, but it is typically found in a fuse or relay box under the hood, behind the driver's side kick panel near the steering column, or in a fuse box in the trunk. The exact location can be identified by checking the vehicle's owner's manual or by looking up a diagram online using the vehicle's specific make and model, say this YouTube video. 
This video shows how to find and remove a fuel pump relay behind the driver's side kick panel: 56sCarsNToysYouTube · Jan 28, 2016
Common locations

• Under the hood: In a fuse or power distribution box, often covered by a lid with a diagram on the underside to identify the relay. 
• Driver's side kick panel: Behind a plastic panel on the left side of the dashboard, where the driver's feet are. 
• Trunk: In a fuse box, which may be accessed by removing a side panel. 
• Under the dashboard: In older vehicles, it can be located under or behind the instrument panel. 

This video demonstrates how to find the fuel pump relay in a fuse box under the hood: 57sAdvance Auto PartsYouTube · Jan 28, 2012
How to find the exact location

1. Consult the owner's manual: It will have a diagram showing the location of all fuses and relays. 
2. Check the fuse box cover: There is often a diagram on the inside of the fuse box lid that identifies each relay. 
3. Search online: Use a search engine to find a diagram or video for your specific vehicle model (e.g., "2008 Ford F-150 fuel pump relay location"). 

You can watch this video to see how to find the fuel pump relay in a trunk fuse box: 57sDIYsavecashYouTube · Sep 7, 2012

How do I know if my fuel pump relay is blown?

A bad fuel pump relay can be identified by an engine that cranks but won't start, difficulty starting, engine stalling, or a lack of the usual whirring sound from the fuel pump when the ignition is turned on. Other signs include a check engine light, power loss, engine misfires, hesitation during acceleration, and poor fuel efficiency. You can confirm the issue by using a multimeter to test the relay or by swapping it with a known good relay from your vehicle.
 
This video explains the signs of a bad fuel pump relay: 56sMechanical BoostYouTube · Dec 25, 2024
Key symptoms of a bad fuel pump relay

• Engine cranks but won't start: This is one of the most common signs. The relay fails to send power to the fuel pump, so the engine gets no fuel, even though the starter is turning it over. 
• Difficulty starting or no-start condition: If the relay is failing intermittently, the engine may take several tries to start. A complete failure will prevent the engine from starting at all. 
• Sudden engine stalling: The relay may be cutting off power to the fuel pump unexpectedly while driving, causing the engine to stall. 
• No fuel pump sound: When you turn the key to the "on" position (before cranking), you should hear a faint whirring or buzzing sound from the fuel pump as it builds pressure. If you hear nothing, the relay may be the problem. 
• Check engine light is on: A faulty relay can cause a lean air-fuel mixture, which triggers the check engine light. 
• Engine misfires or rough idle: The inconsistent fuel supply from a bad relay can lead to poor combustion, causing misfires and a rough-running engine. 
• Hesitation or power loss: The engine may hesitate or feel sluggish, especially when under load (like accelerating or going uphill), because the fuel pump is not supplying enough fuel. 

You can watch this video to see how to diagnose a failed fuel pump: 0:481A Auto PartsFacebook · Apr 9, 2024
How to test a fuel pump relay

• Swap with a similar relay: Find another relay in your car's fuse box with the same part number (for a non-critical component like the horn or a similar relay) and swap them. If the fuel pump works with the new relay, the original relay is bad. 
• Use a multimeter: 
  • Set your multimeter to the ohms setting. 
  • Touch the leads to the two power terminals on the relay (often terminals 85 and 86). A good relay will show a resistance value between 50 and 120 ohms. An open circuit or a reading outside this range indicates a bad relay. 
  • Set the multimeter to continuity and listen for a beep. Touch the leads to the two power circuit pins (often 30 and 87) and listen for a beep. If you hear one, the power pins have shorted, and the relay needs to be replaced.