1986 Toyota Pickup Fuel Pump Relay Location: Complete Guide to Finding and Replacing It
If you own a 1986 Toyota pickup and the engine cranks but won't start, the fuel pump relay is one of the most likely culprits. The fuel pump relay on a 1986 Toyota pickup is typically located behind the glove box on the passenger side, mounted on the inner cab framing . Some models also place it above the passenger side kick panel . Before you replace the fuel pump or spend money on a tow truck, checking this small, inexpensive relay can save you hundreds of dollars and hours of frustration.
Why the Fuel Pump Relay Matters
The fuel pump relay acts as a switch that controls power to the electric fuel pump inside your gas tank. When you turn the ignition key to the "ON" position, the engine control unit sends a small electrical signal to the relay . This signal energizes an electromagnet inside the relay, which closes a set of contacts and sends 12 volts of power to the fuel pump. The pump then runs for about 2 to 3 seconds to prime the fuel system before the engine starts .
Without a working relay, your fuel pump never gets power. The engine will crank over just fine, but no fuel reaches the injectors, and the truck won't start.
Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay on Your 1986 Toyota Pickup
Knowing the symptoms helps you confirm the relay is the problem before you start digging into the dashboard. Look for these signs:
1. Engine cranks but won't start. This is the most common symptom. You turn the key, the starter motor spins the engine, but it never fires up .
2. No fuel pump priming sound. When you turn the key to the "ON" position (without cranking), you should hear a faint humming or whirring sound from the rear of the truck, near the gas tank. If you hear nothing, the relay may not be sending power to the pump .
3. Intermittent starting issues. Sometimes the truck starts fine, other times it refuses. This on-again, off-again behavior often points to a relay that is failing internally, especially when it gets hot .
4. Sudden stalling while driving. The engine may die unexpectedly, especially after driving for a while. The relay can overheat and cut power to the pump, then work again once it cools down .
5. No fuel pressure at the fuel rail. If you test the fuel pressure at the rail and get zero psi while the pump should be running, the relay is a prime suspect .
Step-by-Step: How to Locate the Fuel Pump Relay
The 1986 Toyota pickup uses an EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) system, and the fuel pump relay is part of the EFI relay circuit. Here is exactly how to find it.
Step 1: Remove the glove box. Open the passenger side glove box. Look for a small tab or latch on the sides that allows the glove box to drop down further than normal. Squeeze the sides and let the glove box hinge down completely. On some models, you may need to remove a few screws holding the glove box in place .
Step 2: Look behind the glove box area. Once the glove box is out of the way, look at the metal framing behind it. The fuel pump relay is a small, cube-shaped plastic component, usually black or dark gray, about 1 inch by 1 inch by 1 inch in size . It plugs into a socket mounted on the inner cab framing .
Step 3: Check the passenger side kick panel. If you don't find it behind the glove box, the relay may be located above the passenger side kick panel. This is the plastic panel on the right side of the passenger footwell. Remove the kick panel by pulling it outward or removing a few screws, and look for the relay mounted higher up on the firewall .
Step 4: Check the engine bay fuse box. Some 1986 models have the fuel pump relay in the engine compartment fuse box near the battery. Open the fuse box under the hood and look for a relay labeled "FUEL PUMP," "FP," or "EFI" on the diagram on the underside of the fuse box cover . This is less common for the 1986 model year, but it is worth checking before you tear apart the interior.
How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay
Once you have found the relay, testing it is simple and takes less than five minutes.
The swap test. This is the easiest method. Look at the relay box and find another relay of the same size and shape, such as the horn relay or the A/C relay. Swap the suspected fuel pump relay with that relay. Then try to start the engine. If the truck starts, the original relay was bad .
The listening test. With the relay still in place, have a helper turn the ignition key to the "ON" position while you place your fingertip on the relay. You should feel a distinct click as the relay energizes. If you feel no click, the relay coil is likely open or the control signal is missing .
The bench test (with a multimeter). Remove the relay. Use a multimeter to check resistance between the two coil pins (usually pins 85 and 86). A good relay will show 60 to 100 ohms of resistance. If you get infinite resistance, the coil is broken and the relay is dead . Then apply 12 volts from a battery to the coil pins and listen for the relay to click. Check continuity between the switch pins (usually pins 30 and 87) — it should read near zero ohms when the relay is energized .
Common Causes of Fuel Pump Relay Failure
Relays are simple devices, but they fail for a few specific reasons.
Heat damage. The engine compartment and the area behind the glove box can get hot. Over time, repeated heating and cooling cycles cause the internal components to crack or the solder joints to fail .
Age. A 1986 truck is nearly 40 years old. The relay's internal contacts can corrode or burn from years of normal use .
Water ingress. If the truck has a leaky windshield or a clogged cowl drain, water can get into the relay area and cause corrosion on the relay terminals .
High current draw. If the fuel pump itself is failing and drawing more current than normal, it can burn out the relay contacts. If you replace the relay and it fails again quickly, check the fuel pump's amperage draw .
What to Do If the Relay Is Not the Problem
If you test the relay and it clicks and works fine, the problem may be elsewhere. Here are other things to check on your 1986 Toyota pickup.
Check the fuel pump fuse. The fuse box under the hood contains a fuse for the fuel pump circuit. A blown fuse will cut power to the pump just like a bad relay .
Check the fuel pump itself. You can manually test the pump by jumping the fuel pump relay terminals. Connect battery positive to the relay's power terminal (usually pin 30) and ground the other terminal (pin 87). If the pump runs, the pump is fine and the issue is in the control circuit .
Check the fuel filter. A clogged fuel filter can mimic a bad pump or relay. The engine may struggle to get fuel, especially under load. Replace the filter if it is old or clogged .
Check the injectors. On the 1986 Toyota pickup, clogged injectors can prevent fuel from reaching the engine. If the injector openings are full of small particles, the fine screens inside the injectors may be blocked .
Check the fuel pressure regulator. A failed fuel pressure regulator can push fuel up the vacuum line into the intake manifold, causing the engine to run rich or flood. Check the vacuum line for fuel residue .
Why You Should Upgrade to a KEMSO Fuel Pump
If you have diagnosed your fuel system and determined that the fuel pump itself needs replacement, choosing the right pump is critical for long-term reliability. The fuel pump on your 1986 Toyota pickup is a high-wear item that works every time you drive, and a cheap replacement can leave you stranded again in a year or two.
KEMSO Fuel Pump is the best choice for your 1986 Toyota pickup. KEMSO fuel pumps are high-performance, OEM replacement units designed to meet or exceed the original factory specifications. Every pump is built with precision components to deliver the correct fuel pressure and flow rate for your engine, ensuring smooth idling, proper acceleration, and reliable starting every time.
The best part? Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty. That means you buy it once, and if it ever fails, KEMSO replaces it. No questions, no hassle. For a truck that is nearly 40 years old, having a lifetime warranty on the fuel pump gives you peace of mind that you will not be replacing this part again.
To see the full selection of KEMSO fuel pumps and find the exact fit for your 1986 Toyota pickup, visit their website:
Final Thoughts
The fuel pump relay on your 1986 Toyota pickup is a small part that can cause big headaches. It is located behind the glove box or above the passenger kick panel, and testing it takes only a few minutes with no special tools. Before you replace the fuel pump or call a mechanic, check the relay — it is the most common and cheapest fix for a no-start condition.
If the relay is good and the pump is bad, do not settle for a cheap replacement. Install a KEMSO fuel pump with a lifetime warranty and drive with confidence knowing your fuel system is covered for life.
For more information on fuel pumps and replacement parts, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/