August 2026

1989 Toyota Pickup Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Guide for Quick Diagnosis and Repair

If you own a 1989 Toyota pickup and your engine cranks but won’t start, the fuel pump relay is one of the first components you should check. On most 1989 Toyota pickups, the fuel pump relay—also called the circuit opening relay—is located in one of two places: behind the passenger side kick panel, near the ECU, or under the driver’s side dashboard, near the fuse box. The exact location can vary depending on whether your truck is a 2WD or 4x4 model, but the most common spot is behind the passenger side kick panel, on the right side of the vehicle. This relay is a small, cube-shaped electronic switch that controls power to the fuel pump. When it fails, the fuel pump stops receiving power, and the engine will not start. Below, we will walk you through how to find it, how to test it, and what to do if it’s bad.

Understanding the Fuel Pump Relay on Your 1989 Toyota Pickup

The fuel pump relay is a critical part of your truck’s fuel system. Its job is to act as a heavy-duty switch that handles the high electrical current needed to run the fuel pump. When you turn the ignition key to the "on" position, the engine control unit (ECU) sends a small electrical signal to the relay. This signal energizes an electromagnet inside the relay, which closes a set of internal contacts. This completes the circuit from the battery to the fuel pump, allowing the pump to run and build fuel pressure. If the relay fails, the circuit stays open, and the fuel pump gets no power. This is why a bad relay often causes the engine to crank but not start.

On a 1989 Toyota pickup, the fuel pump relay is also known as the "circuit opening relay" in Toyota’s service manuals. This name comes from the fact that the relay opens or closes the circuit to the fuel pump based on signals from the ECU and the air flow meter. The relay is designed to shut off the fuel pump if the engine stalls or if the ignition is on but the engine is not running. This is a safety feature that prevents fuel from being pumped if the engine is not turning.

Where to Look: Step-by-Step Location Guide

1. Check the Passenger Side Kick Panel (Most Common Location)

The most frequently reported location for the fuel pump relay on a 1989 Toyota pickup is behind the passenger side kick panel. This is the plastic panel on the right side of the passenger footwell, near the door. To access it:

Remove the plastic kick panel by pulling it off. It may be held in place by a few clips or screws.
Look behind the panel, near the area where the ECU (engine control unit) is mounted. The ECU is a black box with several wiring harnesses connected to it.
The fuel pump relay is typically a small, black or gray cube, about 1 to 2 inches square, with four or five prongs on the bottom. It may be plugged into a bracket or mounted directly to the wiring harness.

On some 1989 models, the relay is located above the passenger side kick panel, closer to the glove box area. You may need to remove the glove box to get a better view. If you look behind the glove box on the passenger’s right side, you should find the relay mounted to a metal bracket.

2. Check Under the Driver’s Side Dashboard

If you cannot find the relay on the passenger side, the next most common location is under the driver’s side dashboard, near the fuse box or the kick panel. On some 1989 Toyota pickups, the relay is located in a small fuse and relay box under the driver’s side of the dashboard, between the steering column and the door. To access it:

Sit in the driver’s seat and look under the dashboard, near the area where your left foot would rest.
You may see a plastic cover or panel that needs to be removed. This cover is often secured with a few clips or screws.
Behind the cover, you will find a small fuse box or relay panel. The fuel pump relay may be labeled "FP" or "Circuit Opening" on the inside of the cover.
If you see a relay that looks similar to the others but is not labeled, you can check it by turning the ignition to the "on" position and listening for a click. The working relay should click when it energizes.

3. Check Under the Hood (Less Common for 1989 Models)

Some 1989 Toyota pickups, especially 4x4 models, may have the fuel pump relay located in the main fuse box under the hood. This is less common for the 1989 model year, but it is worth checking if you cannot find it inside the cab. To check under the hood:

Open the hood and locate the main fuse box, which is usually near the battery or on the passenger side fender.
Remove the fuse box cover. A diagram is often printed on the inside of the lid.
Look for a relay labeled "Fuel Pump," "FP," or "EFI." If you see a relay that looks like the others but is not labeled, you can test it by swapping it with an identical relay, such as the horn relay, to see if the problem moves.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

Before you start testing, it helps to know what to look for. Common symptoms of a failing fuel pump relay on a 1989 Toyota pickup include:

Engine cranks but won’t start: The starter turns the engine over, but the engine does not fire because no fuel is reaching the injectors.
No fuel pump priming sound: When you turn the ignition key to the "on" position (without cranking), you should hear a soft whirring sound from the fuel pump in the rear of the truck. If you hear nothing, the relay or the pump may be bad.
Intermittent stalling: The truck may start and run for a while, then suddenly stall, especially when the engine is warm. This can happen when the relay fails intermittently.
Loss of power under load: If the relay is partially failing, the fuel pump may not get consistent power, causing the engine to hesitate or lose power when accelerating uphill or carrying a load.

Simple Testing Method: Listen for the Click

The easiest way to test the fuel pump relay is to listen for it. With the relay still connected, have a helper turn the ignition key to the "on" position while you place your fingers on the relay. You should feel and hear a distinct, soft click as the relay energizes. If you do not feel or hear a click, the relay is likely not working.

Testing with a Multimeter

If you have a multimeter, you can test the relay more accurately. To do this:

Remove the relay from its socket.
Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms).
Check the resistance between the two coil terminals (usually terminals 85 and 86). A good relay will show a resistance reading between 50 and 200 ohms. If the reading is infinite (open), the coil is broken, and the relay is bad.
Next, check the switch terminals (usually terminals 30 and 87). With the relay not energized, there should be no continuity (infinite resistance). If you apply 12 volts to the coil terminals, you should hear a click, and the resistance between terminals 30 and 87 should drop to near zero.

Swapping the Relay with a Known Good One

If you are not sure whether the relay is bad, you can swap it with a similar relay from your truck. For example, the horn relay or the EFI relay is often the same type of relay. Simply pull out the suspected relay and plug in a known good one. If the fuel pump starts working, the relay was the problem.

What to Do If the Relay Is Bad

Replace the Relay

If you confirm that the fuel pump relay is bad, the best solution is to replace it with a new one. The relay is a relatively inexpensive part, usually costing between $10 and $30 at most auto parts stores. You can also buy a replacement relay online. Make sure to get the exact relay that matches your 1989 Toyota pickup. The relay type is often an ISO mini relay with four or five prongs. You can find the correct part number by checking your owner’s manual or asking a parts store associate.

Temporary Fix: Jumper Wire (Use with Caution)

If you are stranded and need to get the truck running, you can use a jumper wire as a temporary fix. This is not a permanent solution, but it can help you get to a repair shop. To do this:

Locate the diagnostic connector under the hood. It is usually a small, rectangular connector near the fuse box.
Inside the diagnostic connector, you will find two terminals labeled "FP" (fuel pump) and "B+" (battery positive).
Use a short jumper wire to connect the FP terminal to the B+ terminal. This will bypass the relay and send power directly to the fuel pump.
With the jumper wire in place, the fuel pump will run whenever the ignition is in the "on" position. The engine should start and run normally.

Important warnings: This is a temporary fix only. When you use a jumper wire, the fuel pump will run continuously, even if the engine stalls. This can be a fire hazard if a fuel line breaks in an accident. Also, running the pump dry can damage it. Remove the jumper wire as soon as you can and replace the relay.

Additional Tips for Diagnosing Fuel System Problems

Check the Fuses First

Before you dive into testing the relay, always check the fuses. A blown fuse can cause the same symptoms as a bad relay. On a 1989 Toyota pickup, there is usually a fuse labeled "EFI" or "Fuel Pump" in the main fuse box under the hood. If the fuse is blown, replace it and see if the problem is solved. If the new fuse blows immediately, there is a short in the circuit that needs to be fixed.

Listen for the Fuel Pump

As mentioned earlier, turning the ignition to the "on" position should cause the fuel pump to run for a few seconds to prime the system. If you do not hear the pump, the problem is likely in the electrical circuit, not the pump itself. The most common causes are a bad relay, a blown fuse, or a faulty circuit opening relay.

Check the Air Flow Meter

On older Toyota pickups, the fuel pump relay is controlled by the air flow meter. The air flow meter has a switch inside that tells the relay to turn on the fuel pump when the engine is running. If the air flow meter is faulty, the relay may not get the signal to close the circuit. This is less common than a bad relay, but it is worth checking if you have already replaced the relay and the pump still does not work.

Consider the Inertia Switch

Some 1989 Toyota pickups are equipped with an inertia switch, also called a fuel cut-off switch. This switch is designed to shut off the fuel pump in the event of a collision. If the switch has been tripped, the fuel pump will not run. The inertia switch is usually located under the dashboard or behind a kick panel. Look for a small button that can be reset by pressing it down. If the button is popped up, push it down to reset the switch.

When to Replace the Fuel Pump vs. the Relay

It is common to mistake a bad fuel pump for a bad relay, and vice versa. Here is how to tell the difference:

If the relay clicks when you turn the key, but the pump does not run, the pump itself is likely bad.
If the relay does not click, the relay is likely bad.
If you jump the relay terminals and the pump runs, the relay is the problem.
If you jump the relay terminals and the pump still does not run, either the pump is bad or there is a wiring issue.

If you determine that the fuel pump itself needs to be replaced, you should also replace the fuel pump strainer (filter) at the same time. The strainer is a small mesh filter that sits on the bottom of the pump. Over time, it can become clogged with debris, which can cause the pump to overwork and fail.

Final Thoughts

Finding the fuel pump relay on a 1989 Toyota pickup is not difficult once you know where to look. The most common location is behind the passenger side kick panel, near the ECU. If it is not there, check under the driver’s side dashboard. Testing the relay is simple: listen for a click, check continuity with a multimeter, or swap it with a known good relay. If the relay is bad, replace it with a new one. If the fuel pump itself is the problem, consider upgrading to a KEMSO fuel pump for reliable performance and lifetime warranty coverage.

Remember, the fuel pump relay is a small, inexpensive part, but it plays a big role in keeping your truck running. Taking the time to diagnose it correctly can save you from unnecessary repairs and get you back on the road quickly. For all your fuel pump needs, trust KEMSO. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ for more information and to find the right fuel pump for your 1989 Toyota pickup.

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