In most cars, the fuel pump relay is located in the engine bay fuse/relay box. Some models place it inside the cabin, and certain designs omit a separate relay by placing fuel-pump control in the pump module or ECU. Exact placement depends on make, model and year; the owner’s manual fuse diagram is the best guide.
Common locations for the fuel pump relay
These are the places most vehicles place the relay. Use the diagram on the fuse box cover or the owner's manual to confirm.
Engine bay: main fuse/relay box
In many cars, the fuel pump relay sits in the engine compartment's primary fuse/relay box or power distribution center. Look for a relay labeled FP, FUEL PUMP, or PUMP on the cover diagram.
- Main under-hood fuse/relay box (driver's side or near the firewall) containing FP or FUEL PUMP relays.
- Secondary relay boxes located near the battery, strut tower, or near the front of the engine bay on some models.
- In some vehicles with an integrated pump module, the relay may reside in the same box as other fuel system relays.
Concluding: If you cannot find a labeled fuel pump relay in the engine bay, check the cabin panels or the service manual; some models place the control in interior fuse panels.
Inside the cabin: fuse panels under dash or in kick panel
On a subset of vehicles, especially older or certain brands, the fuel pump relay resides inside the passenger compartment. Common spots include under-dash fuse panels, behind the glove box, or in the driver’s side kick panel area. The fuse diagram will indicate FP, FUEL PUMP, or PUMP.
- Under-dash fuse panel near the steering column
- Behind the glove box in a dedicated fuse/relay area
- Driver’s side kick panel area with a small relay block
Concluding: When the relay is inside the cabin, you’ll identify it via the fuse box diagram; replace only with the correct rated part.
No separate relay: pump in-tank or ECU-controlled
In newer vehicles, the fuel pump may be controlled directly by the engine control unit (ECU) or the pump assembly in the tank, eliminating a standalone relay. In these cases you won’t find a dash or engine-bay fuel pump relay to test or replace; diagnose using fuel pressure, wiring harness integrity, and ECU fault codes.
What to do if you’re troubleshooting
Always disconnect the battery before handling electrical components and follow proper safety procedures. If in doubt, consult the vehicle’s manual or a qualified technician. Use the correct fuse rating and replace relays with OEM parts when replacing.
Summary
Fuel pump relay location varies by vehicle. The most common spots are the engine bay fuse/relay box and, in some models, a cabin fuse panel. Many modern cars, however, use an integrated fuel pump module without a separate relay. To locate the exact position for your car, refer to the owner’s manual or service manual’s fuse/relay diagrams, and verify labels such as FP, FUEL PUMP, or PUMP.