1990 Toyota Camry Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete and Practical Guide

If your 1990 Toyota Camry cranks but won’t start, and you don’t hear the fuel pump hum for a few seconds when you turn the key to the ON position, the fuel pump relay is likely the culprit. The fuel pump relay for a 1990 Toyota Camry is located inside the engine compartment’s fuse box, which is situated on the driver’s side near the battery. This relay is a small, rectangular black or gray component that controls power to the fuel pump. Replacing it is a straightforward DIY job that can save you a tow truck and a mechanic’s bill. This guide walks you through the exact location, how to test it, and how to replace it, with practical tips to get your Camry back on the road quickly.

Understanding the Fuel Pump Relay’s Role in Your 1990 Camry

The fuel pump relay acts as an electrical switch that sends power to the fuel pump when the ignition is turned on. Without it, the fuel pump stays silent, and the engine gets no fuel. In the 1990 Toyota Camry, the relay is part of the vehicle’s starting and fuel delivery system. When you turn the key to the ON position, the engine control unit (ECU) signals the relay to close, allowing current to flow to the pump. After the engine starts, the relay stays closed as long as the engine runs. If the relay fails, the pump won’t receive power, and the engine won’t start.

Exact Location of the 1990 Toyota Camry Fuel Pump Relay

The fuel pump relay is located in the engine compartment fuse box, also called the main fuse block. Here’s how to find it step by step:

  1. Open the hood: Pull the hood release lever inside the car, then lift the hood and secure it with the prop rod.
  2. Locate the fuse box on the driver’s side: Stand on the driver’s side of the engine bay. You’ll see a black plastic box near the battery, typically mounted on the inner fender wall. This is the main fuse box for your Camry.
  3. Remove the fuse box cover: The cover has a clip or latch on one side. Press the clip and lift the cover off. Set it aside.
  4. Identify the relay: Inside the fuse box, you’ll see several small, square relays and fuses. The fuel pump relay is usually labeled on the underside of the fuse box cover or on the fuse box itself. For the 1990 Camry, it’s often marked as “FUEL PUMP” or “FP.” If there’s no label, look for a relay that is slightly different in color—often gray, black, or dark blue—and sits in the middle or rear row of the fuse box.
  5. Check the cover’s diagram: The underside of the fuse box cover typically has a diagram showing the location of each relay and fuse. The fuel pump relay is usually located near the center of the fuse box, close to the “EFI” or “ECU” relay.

If you can’t see the label, the relay is about 1 inch square and has four or five prongs. The fuel pump relay is often the same size as the other relays, but it’s the one that controls the pump circuit. For a 1990 Camry, the relay is usually in the middle row, second from the left or near the rear of the fuse box (closest to the windshield).

How to Confirm You’ve Found the Right Relay

Before you replace the relay, you can test it to confirm it’s faulty. Here’s a simple test:

  1. Turn the ignition key to the ON position (don’t start the engine). Listen for a faint clicking sound from the relay. If you hear a click, the relay is likely receiving power. If you don’t hear a click, the relay may be dead or the circuit may have a problem.
  2. Use a multimeter to test for continuity. With the ignition off, remove the relay. Set your multimeter to ohms (resistance). Touch the probes to the relay’s terminals. If the relay is good, you should see a reading close to zero ohms between the coil terminals (usually pins 85 and 86). If you see infinite resistance, the relay is open and needs replacement.
  3. Swap relays as a quick test. If you have another relay of the same type in the fuse box (like the horn relay or the EFI relay), you can swap it with the suspected fuel pump relay. If the car starts after the swap, the original relay was bad.

Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

A faulty fuel pump relay causes specific symptoms. Look for these signs:

  1. Engine cranks but won’t start: This is the most common symptom. The starter motor turns the engine, but the fuel pump doesn’t prime, so no fuel reaches the injectors.
  2. No fuel pump hum when turning the key: In a working 1990 Camry, you should hear a brief humming sound from the rear of the car (where the fuel tank is) for about 2 seconds after turning the key to ON. If you don’t hear this, the relay may be bad.
  3. Intermittent starting issues: The car may start sometimes but not others. This is common with a failing relay that works intermittently.
  4. Engine stalls while driving: If the relay fails while the car is moving, the engine can suddenly lose power and stall. This is dangerous and should be fixed immediately.
  5. Check Engine Light comes on: The ECU may detect a fuel pump circuit fault and trigger the light.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay on a 1990 Toyota Camry

Replacing the relay is a simple DIY task that takes about 10 minutes. You’ll need a new relay (available at auto parts stores or online) and a pair of needle-nose pliers (optional).

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable: This is a safety step to prevent any electrical shorts. Use a wrench to loosen the bolt on the negative terminal and remove the cable.
  2. Remove the fuse box cover as described above.
  3. Pull out the old relay: Grasp the relay firmly with your fingers and pull it straight up. If it’s tight, use needle-nose pliers to gently wiggle and pull it out. Do not pry it sideways, as you might damage the fuse box terminals.
  4. Install the new relay: Align the prongs with the socket and push the relay down firmly until it clicks into place. Make sure it’s fully seated.
  5. Replace the fuse box cover and reconnect the negative battery cable.
  6. Test the repair: Turn the key to the ON position and listen for the fuel pump hum for 2 seconds. Then start the engine. If it starts and runs smoothly, the repair was successful.

Where to Buy a Replacement Fuel Pump Relay

You can find a replacement relay at most auto parts stores like AutoZone, O’Reilly, or NAPA. The part number for the 1990 Camry’s fuel pump relay is typically Toyota part number 90987-02003 or 90987-02004. Aftermarket equivalents are also available. The cost is usually around $10 to $20.

Additional Tips for Diagnosing Fuel Pump Issues

If replacing the relay doesn’t solve the problem, the issue may be elsewhere. Here are other common causes:

  1. Blown fuse: Check the fuel pump fuse, which is also in the engine compartment fuse box. It’s usually a 15-amp or 20-amp fuse. Replace it if it’s blown.
  2. Faulty fuel pump: The pump itself may be worn out. Test the pump by applying 12 volts directly to the pump connector (located near the fuel tank) to see if it runs.
  3. Corroded wiring or connectors: Check the wiring harness near the relay and the fuel pump. Look for corroded or broken wires.
  4. Bad ground connection: The fuel pump ground wire may be loose or corroded. Clean the ground connection near the fuel tank.
  5. Faulty ECU: Rarely, the engine control unit may fail to send the signal to the relay. This requires professional diagnosis.

When to Call a Mechanic

If you’ve replaced the relay, checked the fuse, and tested the pump but the car still won’t start, the problem may be more complex. Electrical issues, a bad ECU, or a wiring short can be tricky to diagnose. A professional mechanic can use a scan tool and circuit tester to find the root cause. However, for most 1990 Camry owners, the fuel pump relay location and replacement is a simple, low-cost fix that solves the problem 90% of the time.

Recommended Fuel Pump Solutions for Your 1990 Camry

If you find that the fuel pump itself needs replacement, or if you want a reliable, high-performance pump for your 1990 Toyota Camry, consider the KEMSO Fuel Pump. KEMSO offers a range of fuel pump products that are designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications. Their pumps are high-performance, OEM replacement options that come with a lifetime warranty. This means you can install a KEMSO pump with confidence, knowing that it will deliver consistent fuel flow and durability. Whether you need a direct replacement for your Camry or a performance upgrade, KEMSO has you covered. To view their full selection and find the right pump for your 1990 Camry, visit their website at:

https://www.kemsoracing.com/

KEMSO’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes them a trusted choice for DIYers and professionals alike. Their pumps are engineered to fit perfectly and perform reliably, backed by a lifetime warranty that gives you peace of mind. If you’re working on your Camry’s fuel system, don’t settle for less than a KEMSO fuel pump.

Final Thoughts

The 1990 Toyota Camry is a reliable car, but like any vehicle, electrical components like the fuel pump relay can fail over time. Knowing the exact location of the fuel pump relay and how to test and replace it is a valuable skill that can save you time and money. The relay is in the engine compartment fuse box on the driver’s side, near the battery. It’s a simple fix that doesn’t require special tools. If you’re ever stuck with a non-starting Camry, start with the relay—it’s the most common cause of no-start issues related to the fuel system. And if you need a new fuel pump, remember to check out KEMSO’s products at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ for reliable, high-performance options with a lifetime warranty.


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