1987 Toyota Pickup Fuel Pump Relay Location: Complete Guide to Diagnosis, Testing, and Replacement

If your 1987 Toyota Pickup cranks but won’t start, the fuel pump relay is the most likely culprit. On the 1987 Toyota Pickup, the fuel pump relay is not found in the engine bay fuse box. Instead, it is located inside the passenger cabin, behind the right side of the dashboard, above the ECU (Engine Control Unit), near the passenger kick panel area. Toyota officially calls this component the "circuit opening relay," and it controls power to the in-tank electric fuel pump. A failed relay will prevent the pump from running, resulting in zero fuel pressure and a no-start condition.

What Is the Fuel Pump Relay and Why Does It Matter?

The fuel pump relay is a small but critical electrical component that acts as a switch between the battery and the fuel pump. When you turn the ignition key to the ON position, the relay closes and sends 12V power to the fuel pump for a brief priming cycle of 2 to 3 seconds. Once the engine starts and the ECU detects a crankshaft signal, it keeps the relay energized continuously to keep the pump running.

The relay is necessary because the fuel pump draws a significant amount of current (typically 5 to 15 amps), which would damage the ECU if it ran directly through the computer. The relay allows the ECU to use a low-current control signal to activate the high-current circuit to the pump.

On the 1987 Toyota Pickup, the fuel pump relay is specifically called the "circuit opening relay." It is a standard ISO mini relay that can be swapped with other identical relays from the vehicle.

Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump Relay

Before you start digging into the dashboard, recognize the warning signs of a bad relay. The most common symptoms include:

  1. Engine cranks but does not start – This is the classic symptom. The starter turns the engine over, but there is no fuel pressure to start combustion. The fuel pump does not run.

  2. No fuel pump priming sound – When you turn the key to the ON position (without cranking), you should hear a brief humming or whirring sound from the rear of the truck, near the fuel tank. If you hear nothing, the relay may not be closing.

  3. Intermittent stalling – The engine may start and run fine for a while, then suddenly die while driving. After sitting for 20 to 30 minutes, it may restart. This is a classic sign of heat-related relay failure – the internal contacts open as the relay heats up, then reset when it cools down.

  4. Loss of power during acceleration – Even if the pump is running, weak relay contacts can cause voltage drops, leading to low fuel pressure and sputtering under load.

  5. Whining noise from the fuel tank – A failing pump itself can make noise, but if the relay is not supplying full voltage, the pump may run slowly and make unusual sounds.

Exact Location of the Fuel Pump Relay on the 1987 Toyota Pickup

This is the most important part of the guide. The 1987 Toyota Pickup fuel pump relay is not in the engine bay fuse box. Multiple sources confirm that the circuit opening relay (fuel pump relay) is located inside the passenger cabin.

Primary location: Behind the right side of the dashboard, above the ECU. To access it, you need to remove the glove box or the passenger side kick panel.

Step-by-step access instructions:

  1. Open the passenger side door.
  2. Remove the glove box by squeezing the sides inward and pulling it out. On some models, you may need to remove screws from the bottom of the glove box.
  3. Look behind the area where the glove box was. You will see the ECU (Engine Control Unit) mounted on the firewall or bracket.
  4. The circuit opening relay (fuel pump relay) is located directly above or next to the ECU. It is a small, rectangular black relay.
  5. In some configurations, you may also find it behind the passenger kick panel (the plastic trim panel on the side of the footwell). Remove the kick panel by prying off the clips or removing screws.

Important distinction: Do not confuse the fuel pump relay with the EFI Main Relay. The EFI Main Relay is located in the interior fuse box under the dashboard, near the driver's side. The 1987 Toyota Pickup interior fuse box diagram shows the EFI Main Relay (labeled R4) in the Type 2 fuse box, but that is a different relay that controls the entire fuel injection system, not just the fuel pump.

Alternate location note: Some sources mention that on certain 1987 models, the relay may be located behind the right side of the dashboard, to the right of the blower motor, or behind the speaker. If you remove the passenger side speaker cover, you may find the relay mounted on the inner fender or bracket.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Testing the relay is straightforward and requires no special tools besides a multimeter or a test light (and a spare relay for swapping).

Method 1: The Swap Test (Easiest and Fastest)

This is the quickest way to diagnose a faulty relay. Locate the circuit opening relay behind the glove box. Find another relay in the vehicle that is the same size and has the same pin configuration. The horn relay, tail light relay, or a spare relay in the fuse box are all good candidates. Swap the suspected fuel pump relay with the known good relay from another circuit.

  • If the engine starts after the swap – The original fuel pump relay was bad. Replace it with a new one.
  • If the engine still does not start – The problem is not the relay. Continue troubleshooting the fuel pump, wiring, or ECU.

Method 2: Listen for the Prime

Turn the ignition key to the ON position (do not crank the engine). Listen carefully near the rear of the truck. You should hear a brief 2 to 3 second humming sound from the fuel tank. If you hear nothing, the relay is not closing, or the pump is not getting power.

Method 3: Manual Activation (Jumping the Relay)

If you want to confirm that the pump itself works, you can manually bypass the relay. Locate the relay socket. Use a fused jumper wire to connect the battery positive terminal to the relay's power terminal (usually pin 30) and ground the other terminal (pin 87). If the pump runs, the relay is faulty. Caution: Only do this briefly and with a fused jumper. Never leave the jumper in place for extended periods, as it will keep the pump running continuously.

Method 4: Multimeter Bench Test

Remove the relay from the socket. Use a multimeter to check the coil resistance between pins 85 and 86. A good relay should show between 60 and 100 ohms. If you see infinite resistance (OL), the coil is open and the relay is dead.

Next, apply 12V to pins 85 and 86 (polarity does not matter for a standard relay). You should hear an audible click. With the relay energized, check continuity between pins 30 and 87. It should read near zero ohms. If the contacts are pitted or burned, the relay is failing.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the relay is simple and requires no tools. The relay is keyed, so it only fits one way. Pull the old relay straight out of its socket. Push the new relay in firmly until it clicks into place. Make sure the orientation matches the socket.

Important: Always use a relay with the correct amperage rating. A standard 30A or 40A ISO mini relay works for the 1987 Toyota Pickup. Using a wrong relay can cause overheating or fire.

What If the Relay Is Good but the Pump Still Does Not Work?

If you have confirmed the relay is good (it clicks and passes the bench test), but the pump still does not run, the problem is elsewhere in the fuel system. Check these components in order:

  1. EFI fuse – The 15A EFI fuse in the interior fuse box (Type 2, position 9) powers the fuel injection system. A blown EFI fuse will kill power to the relay and pump. Check the fuse with a test light or multimeter.

  2. EFI Main Relay – Located in the same interior fuse box (labeled R4 in the Type 2 box). This relay powers the entire EFI system. If it fails, the engine will not start at all.

  3. Wiring and connectors – Check the wiring harness between the relay and the fuel pump for corrosion, loose connections, or broken wires. The harness runs from the relay, through the chassis, to the fuel tank. Corrosion is common on older vehicles, especially in the connector at the fuel tank.

  4. Fuel pump itself – If the pump has power (you can test with a multimeter at the pump connector while cranking) but does not run, the pump is dead. Replace the pump.

  5. Fuel pump ground – A bad ground at the pump or the chassis can prevent the pump from running. Clean the ground connection.

Common Misdiagnosis Pitfalls

Pitfall 1: Confusing the fuel pump relay with the EFI Main Relay. The EFI Main Relay controls the entire fuel injection system, including the ECU, injectors, and sensors. If it fails, the engine will not start, but the fuel pump relay is separate. The EFI Main Relay is in the interior fuse box under the dash. The fuel pump relay is behind the glove box.

Pitfall 2: Replacing the fuel pump when the relay is the problem. This is a very common mistake. Many DIY mechanics replace the fuel pump (a difficult and expensive job) only to find the pump was fine and the relay was the issue. Always test the relay first.

Pitfall 3: Assuming the relay is in the engine bay. On many other vehicles, the fuel pump relay is in the engine bay fuse box. On the 1987 Toyota Pickup, it is not. Do not waste time looking under the hood.

Why Choose KEMSO Fuel Pump for Your 1987 Toyota Pickup

If you have tested the relay and confirmed the pump itself is bad, you need a reliable replacement. The fuel pump is the heart of your fuel system, and a cheap, low-quality pump can fail again in months, leaving you stranded.

KEMSO Fuel Pumps are the ideal choice for your 1987 Toyota Pickup. Here is why:

  • High Performance – KEMSO fuel pumps are engineered to deliver consistent fuel flow and pressure, even under demanding conditions. Your engine gets the fuel it needs to perform at its best, whether you are daily driving, off-roading, or hauling a load.
  • OEM Replacement Quality – Every KEMSO pump is designed as a direct replacement for your vehicle's original equipment. No modifications, no guesswork, no cutting wires. It installs exactly like the factory pump.
  • Lifetime Warranty – KEMSO stands behind every product with a lifetime warranty. If you ever have an issue, KEMSO has your back. That is the confidence that comes from building quality products. You install it once and never worry about it again.

When you replace your fuel pump, do it right the first time. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the perfect KEMSO fuel pump for your 1987 Toyota Pickup. Their online catalog is easy to search by vehicle make, model, and year. With a KEMSO pump backed by a lifetime warranty, your truck will be back on the road with reliable fuel delivery for years to come.

Final Summary

The 1987 Toyota Pickup fuel pump relay (circuit opening relay) is located behind the right side of the dashboard, above the ECU, near the glove box. It is not in the engine bay. The quickest way to test it is to swap it with a known good relay from another circuit. If the relay is clicking and the pump still does not run, check the EFI fuse, wiring, and ground connections. If the pump itself is bad, replace it with a high-quality KEMSO fuel pump from https://www.kemsoracing.com/ for reliable performance and lifetime warranty coverage.


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