
How does a fuel pump relay work?
The combustion engine needs fuel to run, and the fuel pump relay ensures that that engine gets what it needs. It is usually controlled by the ignition or the power control module.
Can a bad fuel pump relay stop a car from starting?
A faulty relay, can often prevent starting. But, this is only one of many other problems, that may be at fault. Most fuel pumps, will produce a low volume hum, when turned on. So, if the relay fails, it will cut power to the fuel pump, which will render it inoperable.
How much does a fuel pump relay replacement cost?
You can easily find fuel pump relays online or at any automotive spare parts shop.The average replacement cost of the fuel pump relay ranges from $90 to $150, of which $20-$50 is for parts and the remaining is the labour cost.
How does a relay work?
So, a relay should be considered as, two separate halves. The primary side, which utilizes an electromagnet, to close the secondary electrical circuit. Consequently, this electromagnet is activated by; a simple power (+) and ground (-) much like a light bulb circuit.

How does the relay for the fuel pump work?
The relay operates as a monitor for the power going to the fuel pump, activates it when the ignition is turned on, and turns the pump off when the vehicle is turned off. The fuel pump can be heard humming when the ignition switch is first turned to the on position.
How do I know if my fuel relay is bad?
5 Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay (and Replacement Cost)#1 – You Can't Start Your Vehicle.#2 – Check Engine Light.#3 – Engine Stalling.#4 – Rough Acceleration.#5 – No Noise From the Fuel Pump.
Will a fuel pump work without a relay?
You cannot run a fuel pump without a relay. A relay is an electrical switch activated by another switch or by electricity from another source. The fuel pump relay provides power to the fuel pump to do its job. If there is no relay, the fuel pump will not receive its power to operate.
What happens when a fuel pump relay goes bad?
If the fuel pump relay fails, it will cut off power to the fuel pump which will render it inoperable, and therefore silent, when the ignition is on. While the fuel pump relay is a very simple component, it plays a very important role in the proper operation of the vehicle.
How do you test a fuel relay?
1:262:31Auto Repair : How to Check a Fuel Pump Relay - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd so you kill it connect your ground connection. From your 12 volt power supply to the ground onMoreAnd so you kill it connect your ground connection. From your 12 volt power supply to the ground on the relay. And when you touch your 12 volt trigger. To the the 12 volt input. The relay will close.
How do you reset a fuel pump relay?
The fuel pump shut-off switch has a red reset button on top of it....Should your vehicle shut off after a crash, you may restart your vehicle:Switch off the ignition.Switch to start position.Switch off the ignition.Switch on the ignition to re-enable the fuel pump.If vehicle does not start, repeat steps 1 through 4.
What sends power to the fuel pump relay?
The ignition circuit, which includes the ignition switch, controls power to many components, including the fuel pump and relay.
What causes fuel pump to not kick on?
If either due to a faulty crank sensor, or ecu, the crank sensor signal is not being read, the ignition and fuel pump systems will not power up. Also, a faulty ignition module can create the same issue. Check for signals from the crank sensor and other sensors.
Can a relay cause a car not to start?
Car not starting: Another symptom of a faulty ignition relay is a no power condition. If the relay fails it will cut off power to fuel pump and ignition system, which will result in a no power, and therefore no start condition.
How can you tell if a relay fuse is blown?
Using a multimeter to test a relay fuse is pretty simple. Set the multimeter to Ohms and touch the leads on the electromagnet coil pins to measure resistance. It should be between 50 to 120. If it's out of that range or says it's open, you have a bad electromagnet coil.
How do I know if my fuel pump control module is bad?
Some of the signs of a faulty fuel pump driver module include a smoky start-up, uneven running while idling, difficulty in starting the engine misses and hesitation when starting the engine, and power surges when you reverse.
What causes a relay to go bad?
The two most common failure mechanisms of relays are contamination and mechanical wear of the internal switching elements discussed as follows: a. Contamination is a major cause of early life failures.
How can you tell if a relay fuse is blown?
Using a multimeter to test a relay fuse is pretty simple. Set the multimeter to Ohms and touch the leads on the electromagnet coil pins to measure resistance. It should be between 50 to 120. If it's out of that range or says it's open, you have a bad electromagnet coil.
How do you know if your fuel pump fuse is blown?
Common blown fuel pump fuse symptomsCEL – check engine light. The infamous check engine light rears its ugly head yet again. ... Dead engine. ... Engine stalls. ... Lack of engine power. ... Silent fuel pump. ... Excessive amps. ... Wiring issues. ... Faulty part.More items...
What causes fuel pump to not kick on?
If either due to a faulty crank sensor, or ecu, the crank sensor signal is not being read, the ignition and fuel pump systems will not power up. Also, a faulty ignition module can create the same issue. Check for signals from the crank sensor and other sensors.
How do you test a relay?
Take the leads of the multimeter and connect them across the coil terminals of the relay. For a normal coil, the multimeter should read anywhere between 40Ω to 120Ω. If the coil is damaged i.e., it is open, the meter shows out of range and you have to replace the relay.
What does "relay" mean on a fuel pump?from carfromjapan.com
To “relay” means “to receive and pass on”. Whenever the ignition is turned on, the fuel pump relay will supply or “pass on” a consistent voltage to the fuel pump. Therefore, problems with the fuel pump relay will result in the fuel pump malfunction, which in turn will cause start up issues. A bad or failing fuel pump relay will often show symptoms ...
What happens when the fuel pump relay shuts off?from carfromjapan.com
Once the engine is running, the fuel pump relay shuts off. At this point, the electricity for the fuel pump is supplied by the oil pressure sending unit.
What happens when you turn the key in the ignition?from carfromjapan.com
When you turn the key in the ignition to start your car, the “start cycle” of the combustion engine begins. The fuel pump relay is activated long enough to supply the current required to turn on the fuel pump. The key here is to produce a small amount of voltage but consistently to the fuel pump.
How to tell if fuel pump relay is bad?from carfromjapan.com
While the vehicle is running, the fuel pump relay suddenly cuts off power to the fuel pump , causing the engine to stall.
Why does my fuel pump malfunction?from carfromjapan.com
The fuel pump can malfunction due to several reasons, one of which is the lesser known issues with the fuel pump relay. The fuel pump relay is the electronic component found on all vehicles with an internal combustion engine. To “relay” means “to receive and pass on”. Whenever the ignition is turned on, the fuel pump relay will supply ...
How much does it cost to replace a fuel pump relay?from carfromjapan.com
You can easily find fuel pump relays online or at any automotive spare parts shop.The average replacement cost of the fuel pump relay ranges from $90 to $150, of which $20-$50 is for parts and the remaining is the labour cost.
How to remove a relay from a black box?from carfromjapan.com
If the relay is within the black box, pry it out carefully using a flathead screwdriver. Disconnect the plug-in and fuse to the relay to remove it.
What does "relay" mean on a fuel pump?
To “relay” means “to receive and pass on”. Whenever the ignition is turned on, the fuel pump relay will supply or “pass on” a consistent voltage to the fuel pump. Therefore, problems with the fuel pump relay will result in the fuel pump malfunction, which in turn will cause start up issues. A bad or failing fuel pump relay will often show symptoms ...
What is a Fuel Pump Relay?
The fuel pump relay is a necessary component for the combustion engine model to function. The combustion engine needs fuel to run, and the fuel pump relay ensures that that engine gets what it needs. It is usually controlled by the ignition or the power control module.
What happens when the fuel pump relay shuts off?
Once the engine is running, the fuel pump relay shuts off. At this point, the electricity for the fuel pump is supplied by the oil pressure sending unit.
What happens when you turn the key in the ignition?
When you turn the key in the ignition to start your car, the “start cycle” of the combustion engine begins. The fuel pump relay is activated long enough to supply the current required to turn on the fuel pump. The key here is to produce a small amount of voltage but consistently to the fuel pump.
How to tell if fuel pump relay is bad?
While the vehicle is running, the fuel pump relay suddenly cuts off power to the fuel pump , causing the engine to stall.
Why does my fuel pump malfunction?
The fuel pump can malfunction due to several reasons, one of which is the lesser known issues with the fuel pump relay. The fuel pump relay is the electronic component found on all vehicles with an internal combustion engine. To “relay” means “to receive and pass on”. Whenever the ignition is turned on, the fuel pump relay will supply ...
How to remove a relay from a black box?
If the relay is within the black box, pry it out carefully using a flathead screwdriver. Disconnect the plug-in and fuse to the relay to remove it.
How to tell if fuel pump relay is bad?
One of the first symptoms of an issue with the relay is, an engine that suddenly stalls. Consequently, if the fuel pump relay has an issue, it will cut off power to the fuel pump. Also, if a relay overheats, the electrical contacts inside the relay can short circuit; causing the electrical flow to stop. However, when the relay contacts cool, it will resume the flow of electricity. As a result, producing intermittent starting problems.
How to check if a relay is good?
How To Test, The Relay, The Quick Method: 1 The easiest way to test a suspect relay is to; swap the suspect relay with a good one. 2 You may find another relay in your car; with the same configuration, as your relay. 3 Just make sure the other relay, has the same configuration. 4 Remove the suspect relay and install the good relay. 5 Next, check if your engine fires up. 6 If it does, install a new relay. Otherwise, the problem lies somewhere else.
What parts of a fuel pump are most likely to burn out?
Fortunately, it does not have many parts. Consequently, the most common parts to burn out or break are usually; the contacts and the coil. So, when either of these begin to fail; the current to the electrical circuit, will also fail.
What is the second half of a relay?
The second half of the relay is the “switch” that controls power to a particular accessory ; like a fuel pump. Terminals 86 and 85 are the primary side of the relay. It utilizes an electromagnet to close (connect) the secondary electrical circuit inside the relay.
How to test a suspect relay?
How To Test, The Relay, The Quick Method: The easiest way to test a suspect relay is to; swap the suspect relay with a good one. You may find another relay in your car; with the same configuration, as your relay. Just make sure the other relay, has the same configuration. Remove the suspect relay and install the good relay.
What happens if a fuel pump fails?
It is part of the control system of a fuel pump and its failure, can lead to start up problems. If it fails, the engine management system records this event.
How to test 12V power?
Use Jumper wires to supply 12v power to terminals 86 and 85. Next, use a test light on terminals 87 and 30, to see if you have power. Finally, if the test light goes on the the problem lies somewhere else.
What is a Fuel Pump Relay?
As you turn the car’s key to start, there is so much happening in the chamber. Here, your car’s engine control module (ECM) communicates with electric fuel pumps, instructing it to deliver the correct quantity of diesel or petrol to the engine’s combustion chamber.
How does the Fuel Pump Relay Work?
Like a light switch, a fuel pump relay activates the pump. The key difference is that the switch is not physically touched but activated when enough power builds up.
Fuel Relay Location
Fuel pump relays can be found in a few different places, depending on the vehicle, but both are good places to start looking:
Symptoms of a bad fuel pump relay
The engine fails to start as you turn the key since there is no power supply to the fuel pump.
What is the reason for a Fuel Pump Relay failure?
What follows are the two most common reasons for fuel pump relay failure.
Fuel Relay Replacing Cost
The fuel pump relay usually costs around $45 and $165. Since it is not very expensive, most auto stores will have it for $20 to $50. However, replacing the fuel pump relay will cost between $25 and $120 in labor.
How to rewire a fuel pump relay?
Once you find something wrong with the Electric Fuel Pump Harness or other electrical accessories, you should rewire the relay.
