Where is the fuel pump relay on a 2009 Toyota Camry?
The fuel pump relay on a 2009 Toyota Camry is typically located in the engine compartment fuse/relay box and is labeled "FUEL PUMP." If you can't find it there, check the interior fuse box under the driver's side dash, as some configurations place the relay there.
Where to look in a 2009 Camry
There are two common fuse/relay locations in a Camry of this era. The fuel pump relay is most often found in the engine compartment fuse box, but some trims or markets place the relay in the interior fuse box. Always refer to the diagram on the fuse box lid to confirm the exact position.
Engine compartment fuse/relay box
In most Camrys, the engine bay fuse/relay box sits in the engine compartment on the driver’s side, near the strut tower or along the firewall. The lid’s diagram should label the relay as "FUEL PUMP" or something similar. The relay itself is a small gray block with electrical prongs that connects to the wiring harness.
- Location: engine bay, driver-side area near the firewall or near the battery.
- Labeling: the lid diagram identifies the relay as "FUEL PUMP."
- Identification: the fuel pump relay is usually a standard automotive relay with a gray housing.
The diagram printed on the inside of the engine compartment fuse box lid is the quickest way to confirm the exact position for your specific vehicle and trim level.
Interior fuse box under the dash
Some Camry configurations place the fuel pump relay in the interior fuse box located under the driver’s side dash. If the engine bay box doesn’t show a FUEL PUMP relay, inspect the lid diagram for the interior box to verify its location.
- Location: under the dash on the driver’s side (near the steering column).
- Labeling: check the interior fuse box lid for "FUEL PUMP" or a similar designation.
- Note: not all models use the interior box for the fuel pump relay; this is more of a backup in some configurations.
When in doubt, always refer to the exact diagram printed on the fuse box cover relevant to your vehicle’s year and trim.
Testing or replacing the fuel pump relay
To diagnose a suspected faulty fuel pump relay, you can perform a careful check or swap with a known-good relay of the same type. Before handling any fuses or relays, ensure you disconnect the battery to prevent short circuits.
- Turn the ignition key to ON (without cranking) and listen for the fuel pump priming for a second or two; you should hear a faint whir from the rear of the car.
- Locate the FUEL PUMP relay in its box, then remove it and compare its position with another identical relay from the box (such as a horn relay) and swap them temporarily.
- Reconnect the battery and attempt to start the engine. If the engine starts with the swapped relay, the original relay is likely faulty and should be replaced.
- If swapping does not change the symptom, inspect the wiring to the fuel pump and check related fuses for burnout or corrosion.
- Replace the faulty relay with a new, properly rated part if the test indicates the relay itself was the problem.
After testing, if the vehicle still won’t start or runs intermittently, the issue could lie with the fuel pump, fuel filter, wiring, or the engine control module. In that case, professional diagnosis is recommended.
Summary
For a 2009 Toyota Camry, the fuel pump relay is most commonly located in the engine compartment fuse/relay box and labeled "FUEL PUMP." If it isn’t visible there, consult the interior fuse box under the driver's dash and read the lid’s diagram for the exact location. Testing can involve swapping the relay with a like-for-like unit to verify operation, and proper safety precautions should be followed. When in doubt, seek guidance from a qualified technician or a Toyota service manual.
