Fuel Pump Relay
By
User:AllieCashel @timeAndDate(1278085860)
Each time you get into your car, turn over the ignition and hear the fuel pump run for a couple of seconds before your engine completely turns on. You should thank your fuel pump relay: without it, your fuel system would be unable to build up enough pressure to send gas to your car's engine and it simply couldn't start. If your car has been having trouble starting recently or if you haven't been hearing the fuel pump before the car completely starts, you may need to replace this small, yet surprisingly significant box. Before you do so however, it's important that you understand what it is that you are replacing. Hopefully this guide will take you one step closer to a long and healthy relationship with your fuel pump.
How It Works
Your fuel pump relay is only engaged twice each time you drive, as you're turning your car on and turning it off. The engine control module uses the fuel pump relay to engage or disengage the fuel pump, it does so by supplying electricity to the fuel pump which then builds up enough pressure to start the engine. The brilliance of the fuel pump relay is that it carries out these actions as you are turning the car on and off, it anticipates your car start and sends electronic signals to the fuel pump before you've even turned your ignition all the way over. People normally run into problems with their fuel pump relays after they've been used for a long time. Like anything else, over time a fuel pump relay will wear down and stop working, and once you feel your car have trouble starting, you'll need to replace your relay as quickly as possible.
Replacing A Fuel Pump Relay
Luckily for you, replacing your fuel pump is simple and inexpensive. Just follow these directions and your car will be starting again in no time.
* Step 1: Locate your relay. It is normally located in the car's long black box, but this can vary from car to car. Look at the fuse box diagram to locate which relay is the fuel pump relay.
* Step 2: Disconnect the cable from the car battery's negative terminal to shut off all the power.
* Step 3: Remove the fuel pump relay by disconnecting the plug-in and fuse if necessary. If it's in a box cover, you may need to use a screw driver to pry it out.
* Step 4: Connect the new fuel pump relay in the exact place of the old one
* Step 5: Reconnect the battery.
* Step 6: Repressurize the fuel system, as it should have depressurized after removing the relay. Make sure the gas cap is secure and then turn the ignition on for 2 seconds and shut it off for 10. You should repeat this at least 5 times.
Things To Consider
* The symptoms of a bad fuel pump relay are the same as a bad fuel pump. You may need to replace your fuel pump as well as your relay if you are still having trouble.
* Before you buy, make sure your new relay is compatible with your make and model of car!
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