1991 Toyota Camry Fuel Pump Relay Location: The Complete Guide to Finding and Fixing It

If your 1991 Toyota Camry cranks but won’t start, the fuel pump relay is one of the first things you should check. On the 1991 Camry, the fuel pump relay is located inside the engine compartment fuse box, typically near the battery. More specifically, the relay is part of the engine bay fuse/relay box mounted on the driver’s side strut tower or near the air filter housing. Open the fuse box cover, and you’ll find a diagram on the underside labeling the relay – it’s usually called the “Circuit Opening Relay” or the “EFI Main Relay.” If you own a 1991 Camry and your car died on the highway, or it turns over but won’t fire, this guide will walk you through exactly where to find the fuel pump relay, how to test it, and what to do if it’s bad.

Why the Fuel Pump Relay Matters

The fuel pump relay is a small but critical electrical switch that controls power to the fuel pump. When you turn the ignition key to the “ON” position, the Engine Control Module (ECU) sends a signal to the relay, which then closes and sends battery voltage to the fuel pump. The pump then pressurizes the fuel system so the engine can start and run. If the relay fails, the fuel pump won’t get power, and your engine will crank but never start – even if the pump itself is perfectly good. This is a common failure point on the 1991 Camry, and it’s much easier to test and replace than dropping the fuel tank to check the pump.

Many owners mistakenly replace the fuel pump when the real problem is just a bad relay. On the 1991 Camry, the fuel pump relay is actually part of a two-relay system: the EFI Main Relay and the Circuit Opening Relay (sometimes called the fuel pump relay). The Circuit Opening Relay is the one that directly controls the fuel pump. Both relays are located in the engine compartment, but their exact positions can vary slightly depending on your engine type (2.2L 4-cylinder or 3.0L V6) and whether your car is a sedan or wagon.

Exact Location of the Fuel Pump Relay on a 1991 Toyota Camry

Here is the step-by-step process to find the relay:

Step 1. Open the hood and look at the engine compartment fuse box. On the 1991 Camry, the main fuse/relay box is located on the driver’s side of the engine bay, near the battery and strut tower. It’s a black plastic rectangular box with a removable lid. If you have a 2.2L 4-cylinder engine (5S-FE), the fuse box is usually right next to the air filter housing. On V6 models (3VZ-FE), it’s in the same general area but may be positioned slightly differently.

Step 2. Remove the fuse box cover. Press the tabs on the sides of the cover and lift it off. Flip the cover over and look at the diagram printed on the underside. This diagram shows the location and function of every fuse and relay in the box. On the 1991 Camry, the fuel pump relay is typically labeled as “Circuit Opening Relay” or “EFI MAIN.”

Step 3. Identify the relay. The relay is a small, rectangular, black or dark gray component with multiple metal pins sticking out of the bottom. It looks different from the flat blade fuses. In the 1991 Camry engine bay fuse box, you will find several relays. The Circuit Opening Relay controlling the fuel pump is usually located in the R1 position on the diagram. On some models, especially the 1991-1994 models with the 2.2L engine, the Circuit Opening Relay may be located in a separate, smaller relay box mounted on the passenger side inner fender or behind the glove box inside the cabin. However, the most common location for the 1991 MY is the main engine bay fuse box.

Step 4. If you can’t find it in the engine bay, check under the dash. Some 1991 Camry owners have reported the Circuit Opening Relay being located inside the passenger compartment, behind the right side of the dashboard near the ECU. One owner reported finding the ECU (and the relay) under the center console, behind a black plastic shield on the passenger side, after pulling back the carpet. The wiring diagram for the 1991 Camry 2.2L lists the Circuit Opening Relay as being in “J/B #3 (Behind Glove Box).” So if you’ve checked the engine bay and found nothing, the relay might be hiding behind the glove box.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay on a 1991 Camry

Once you’ve located the relay, you need to figure out if it’s working. The easiest way to test the fuel pump relay is to bypass it temporarily. This is a common diagnostic technique used by mechanics for decades.

Method 1: The Bypass Test (Jumper Wire)

  1. Locate the Data Link Connector (DLC) under the hood. On the 1991 Camry, this is a small gray or black plastic box near the driver’s side strut tower. It’s often called the “diagnosis plug.”
  2. Open the DLC cover. Inside, you’ll see several metal terminals. Look for the terminals labeled “+B” (battery positive) and “FP” (fuel pump).
  3. Use a short piece of wire or a paperclip to connect the +B terminal to the FP terminal. Make sure the ignition is OFF before you do this.
  4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position (do not start the engine). You should hear the fuel pump in the fuel tank humming or buzzing for a few seconds. If you hear the pump, it means the pump itself is good, and the problem is likely the relay, the fuse, or the wiring between the relay and the DLC connector.
  5. If you don’t hear the pump, try starting the engine. If the engine starts and runs with the jumper wire in place, the relay is definitely bad. Remove the jumper wire immediately after testing.

Method 2: Swap the Relay

Another simple test is to swap the fuel pump relay with an identical relay in the same fuse box. Look for a relay that has the same part number or the same number of pins. For example, on the 1991 Camry, the EFI Main Relay may be identical to the Circuit Opening Relay. Swap them. If the car starts after the swap, the relay you removed is faulty. This is a quick, no-tools-required test.

What If the Relay Is Good But the Car Still Won’t Start?

If the relay tests good, the problem is elsewhere in the fuel system. Here are the next steps to check:

1. Check the EFI fuse and the AM2 fuse. The fuel pump circuit is protected by fuses. The 1991 Camry has an EFI fuse (15A) and an AM2 fuse (30A) in the engine compartment fuse box. A blown fuse will cut power to the fuel pump relay. Check these fuses with a test light or multimeter. If the fuse is blown, replace it and see if the car starts. If it blows again, you have a short circuit somewhere.

2. Check the fuel pump itself. Even if the relay clicks and the fuses are good, the fuel pump may be dead. On the 1991 Camry, the fuel pump is inside the fuel tank. You can access it by removing the rear seat cushion and the access panel on the floor. Disconnect the electrical connector at the top of the fuel pump assembly. Use a multimeter to check for battery voltage at the connector when someone turns the key to the “ON” position. If you have voltage but the pump doesn’t run, the pump is bad.

3. Check the fuel filter. A clogged fuel filter can mimic a bad fuel pump. The filter is located under the car, near the fuel tank or along the frame rail. If it hasn’t been changed in many years, replace it. One owner reported finding a clogged fuel line after verifying the pump was working.

4. Check the ECU (Engine Control Unit). The ECU controls the ground circuit for the fuel pump relay. If the ECU is faulty, it won’t ground the relay, and the pump won’t run. On the 1991 Camry, the ECU is located behind the passenger side kick panel or under the center of the dashboard. In one documented case, a 1991 Camry owner replaced the ECU and the car started, but then it died again because the ECU relay was also bad. This is a rare issue, but it can happen.

Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay on a 1991 Camry

Knowing the symptoms can save you hours of unnecessary work. Here are the most common signs that your fuel pump relay has failed:

  • Engine cranks but won’t start. This is the most obvious symptom. The starter motor turns the engine over, but there’s no fuel pressure, so the engine never fires.
  • Engine starts briefly then dies. Some owners have reported that the engine will start for a second or two and then stall immediately. This happens because the relay might work momentarily but then fails to keep the circuit closed.
  • No sound from the fuel pump. When you turn the key to the “ON” position, you should hear a brief whirring sound from the rear of the car (the fuel pump priming). If you hear nothing, the relay may not be sending power to the pump.
  • Car stalls while driving. If the relay fails while you’re on the highway, the engine will lose power and die suddenly. This is a safety hazard, and it’s exactly what happened to one 1991 Camry owner who posted on a forum.
  • Intermittent starting issues. Sometimes the car starts fine, other times it doesn’t. This is a classic sign of an electrical component that is failing due to heat or vibration. The relay may work when cold but fail when it gets hot.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay on a 1991 Camry

Replacing the fuel pump relay is a straightforward job that anyone can do in about 10 minutes. Here’s how:

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. This is a safety precaution to prevent any accidental shorts while you’re working with the electrical system.
  2. Locate the relay using the steps above.
  3. Remove the old relay. Grasp the relay firmly and pull it straight out of its socket. It may be tight, but it will come out with a steady pull. You can use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry it up if needed.
  4. Install the new relay. Line up the pins with the socket and push the new relay in until it clicks into place. Make sure it’s fully seated.
  5. Reconnect the battery. Turn the key to the “ON” position and listen for the fuel pump to prime. Try starting the engine.

Important: Always use a relay that is rated for the same amperage and has the same pin configuration as the original. The original relay on the 1991 Camry is a standard Toyota relay. You can buy a replacement at any auto parts store for about $15 to $30, or you can get a high-quality OEM replacement that will last much longer.

Why You Should Consider KEMSO Fuel Pumps for Your 1991 Camry

If you’ve tested the relay, the fuses, and the wiring, and you’ve confirmed that the fuel pump itself is bad, you need a reliable replacement. When it comes to fuel pumps, you don’t want to cut corners. A cheap pump can fail in a few months, leaving you stranded. That’s why we recommend KEMSO Fuel Pumps.

KEMSO is a brand that specializes in high-performance, OEM replacement fuel pumps. Their pumps are designed to meet or exceed the original equipment specifications for your 1991 Toyota Camry. This means you get a perfect fit, proper fuel pressure, and long-lasting reliability. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can be confident that your investment is protected. Whether you need a pump for a daily driver or a project car, KEMSO has the right solution.

You can browse the full selection of KEMSO fuel pumps and other performance parts at their official website: https://www.kemsoracing.com/. They offer fast shipping and excellent customer support to help you get back on the road quickly.

Final Thoughts on the 1991 Camry Fuel Pump Relay

The fuel pump relay on a 1991 Toyota Camry is a small part that can cause big headaches. If your car won’t start, don’t immediately assume the fuel pump is dead. Start with the relay – it’s easy to find, easy to test, and easy to replace. The relay is almost always in the engine compartment fuse box, but if you can’t find it there, check behind the glove box or under the center console.

Use the bypass test with a jumper wire to confirm whether the relay is working. If the car starts with the jumper wire, replace the relay. If the relay is good, move on to checking the fuses, the fuel pump, and the fuel filter. With a little patience and some basic tools, you can diagnose and fix the problem yourself without spending hundreds of dollars at a repair shop.

And if you do need a new fuel pump, remember that KEMSO offers high-performance, OEM replacement pumps with a lifetime warranty. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the right pump for your 1991 Toyota Camry and get back on the road with confidence.


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