Where is the fuel pump relay located?

TABISTRO

MEMBER
1997 TOYOTA AVALON
2.0L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
87,936 MILES

My car quit running it will turn over but not crank the only code it's showing is exhaust manifold gasket. Someone told me they couldn't hear my fuel pump turn on when I turned my key, so I bought a new one and put it on and still no change. It seems like it's not getting any gas to it or the air to fuel ratio is off somehow. I think it's the manifold gasket but no one else seems to think so I also think it may have something to do with the intake manifold gasket maybe getting air in it and the valve seats and seals need replaced because oil is getting into my spark plugs very little oil, but it is in there. I was going to check the fuel pump relay, but I don't know where it's at and you can't read the fuse box labels anymore.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,262 POSTS

Hi,

On this vehicle, it isn't referred to as the fuel pump relay. Instead, it is called a circuit open relay. It is located behind the glove box.

I attached a general pic below showing it. I zoomed in on the pic so you can see its position in the box.

Let me know if this helps. Also, let me know if I can help.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.

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Sunday, August 27th, 2023 AT 9:43 PM

TABISTRO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for responding, I will definitely check that out soon as I can. Also is there a way I can test the relay I do have a test light if that helps. From what I described what in your opinion should I check or take a look at? The only code it's pulling is exhaust manifold gasket. The check engine light was not on until I started having this problem. When it first happened, I was driving, and it just shut off on me, but it cranked right back up and was fine no loss of power or anything. This happened a few more times, getting harder to crank back each time. Then I was sitting in Taco Bell drive thru and it shut off and that's when I was unable to crank it back. I ended up having to have it towed home and it hasn't run since. I replaced the fuel pump because it seemed like it wasn't getting any fuel, and you couldn't hear the fuel pump turn on when you turned the key. But no change. I just need some ideas of what to check. I can't afford a mechanic and I can't afford to put it in the shop, so I usually do all the work myself. If you could be so kind to possibly point me in a few possible directions, I would be very grateful. I could even trade services for this help I do interior and exterior painting, remodeling, plumbing, lawn care and maintenance. There's not much I can't do.

Thanks a bunch,

Tabitha

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Monday, August 28th, 2023 AT 2:13 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,262 POSTS

Hi,

There is no need to trade services. I just hope I can help you.

As far as the relay is concerned, yes you can check it with a test light. The easiest thing to do is check for a different relay in the box having the same part number and switch them to see if that changes things.

If you want to test the relay and relay circuit, here is a link that explains how it's done. If you run into trouble or have questions, let me know.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Also, if you want to make it a really easy check for fuel, see if it starts using starting fluid. If it starts and then stalls, we know its fuel related. If that is the case, then I need you to check for spark at the spark plugs.

Here is a link explaining how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

One other thought. When you are cranking the engine, pay attention to how it sounds. Does it sound different than it did before? For example, does the engine seem to be turning faster than normal or sound different in any way?

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, August 28th, 2023 AT 6:17 PM