1993 Toyota Camry Fuel Pump Relay: Location, Diagnosis, and Complete Replacement Guide
If your 1993 Toyota Camry cranks but won't start, the fuel pump relay is one of the most likely causes. This small electrical component, called the "Circuit Opening Relay" by Toyota, is responsible for sending power to the fuel pump when you turn the key. When it fails, the fuel pump gets no power, and your engine gets no fuel. The good news is that this is a simple, inexpensive fix you can do yourself. The fuel pump relay on a 1993 Toyota Camry is located behind the glove box on a relay block, and you can test it with a basic multimeter in under 30 minutes .
Understanding the 1993 Toyota Camry Fuel Pump Relay
The 1993 Toyota Camry uses a two-relay system to control the fuel pump. The first is the EFI Main Relay, located in the engine compartment fuse box on the left inner fender . The second is the Circuit Opening Relay, which is the actual fuel pump relay. This relay sits in a relay block located above the glove box, behind the dashboard . On some models, you may also find a fuel pump relay in the additional engine fuse box, depending on whether you have the 4-cylinder (5S-FE) or V6 (1MZ-FE or 3VZ-FE) engine .
Toyota designed this system so that the Circuit Opening Relay only activates the fuel pump when the engine is cranking or running. This is a safety feature that prevents the fuel pump from running if the engine stalls or if there is an accident. The relay receives a signal from the ignition switch and the engine control module to complete the circuit .
Where Is the Fuel Pump Relay on a 1993 Toyota Camry?
The exact location is straightforward once you know where to look. Here is the step-by-step process to find it:
1. Remove the glove box. Open the glove box and squeeze the sides inward to release the stoppers. Let the glove box hang down or remove it completely. You will see the back of the dashboard area .
2. Locate the relay block. Above the glove box opening, you will find a metal bracket or plastic relay block. This block contains several relays. The Circuit Opening Relay is one of them .
3. Identify the correct relay. The relay block typically contains three relays. The Circuit Opening Relay is usually the one in the middle or labeled as "R2" in the relay block diagram . It is a small, rectangular black box with either 4 or 5 pins.
4. Check the engine compartment fuse box as well. Some 1993 Camry models also have a fuel pump relay in the additional engine fuse box located near the battery. This is labeled as "R1 Fuel Pump" in some diagrams . However, the primary relay that controls the fuel pump is the one behind the glove box.
Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay on a 1993 Toyota Camry
A failing fuel pump relay can cause several noticeable problems. Here are the most common symptoms to watch for:
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. You may also notice that the engine starts briefly and then dies .
2. No fuel pump noise. When you turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (before cranking), you should hear a faint whirring sound from the fuel pump for about 2-3 seconds. If you hear nothing, the relay may not be sending power to the pump .
3. Intermittent stalling. If the relay is failing intermittently, the car may stall while driving, especially at low speeds or when idling. The engine will usually restart after a few minutes once the relay cools down .
4. Check Engine Light. A bad fuel pump relay can trigger the Check Engine Light, often with codes related to fuel system pressure or fuel pump circuit .
5. Long cranking time. If the relay is weak, the fuel pump may not prime the system properly. This means you have to crank the engine longer than normal before it starts .
How to Test the 1993 Toyota Camry Fuel Pump Relay
Testing the relay is a straightforward process that requires a multimeter and a set of jumper wires. Follow these steps to determine if the relay is faulty:
Step 1: Remove the relay. Pull the Circuit Opening Relay straight out of its socket. The relay is held in by friction, so a firm, steady pull should remove it .
Step 2: Visually inspect the relay. Check the pins for any signs of corrosion, burning, or melting. If you see any damage, replace the relay immediately .
Step 3: Test the relay coil resistance. Set your multimeter to ohms (Ω). For a 4-cylinder engine, measure the resistance between terminals STA and E1. The resistance should be near zero (0 ohms). Also measure between terminals +B and FC; this should also read near zero .
Step 4: Check for open circuits. Measure the resistance between terminals +B and FP. This should read infinity (no continuity) when the relay is not energized .
Step 5: Energize the relay. Connect a 12V battery to terminals STA and E1 using jumper wires. You should hear a click as the relay engages. Now measure the resistance between terminals +B and FP again. It should now read near zero (0 ohms) .
For a 6-cylinder engine, the terminal designations are different. Test between terminals ST and E1 (should read 0 ohms), and between terminals ID and IC (should read 0 ohms). The resistance between B and FR should be infinity. When energized, the resistance between +B and FP should drop to zero .
Step 6: Test the EFI Main Relay. While you are at it, check the EFI Main Relay in the engine compartment fuse box. Measure resistance between pins 1 and 3 (should be near zero), and between pins 2 and 4 (should be infinity). Apply 12V to pins 1 and 3, then check that pins 2 and 4 now show continuity .
Common Causes of Fuel Pump Relay Failure on a 1993 Toyota Camry
Several factors can cause the fuel pump relay to fail on a 1993 Camry. Understanding these can help you prevent future problems:
1. Age and wear. The 1993 Camry is now over 30 years old. The internal contacts inside the relay can wear out or corrode over time, leading to intermittent or complete failure .
2. Electrical overload. If the fuel pump is drawing too much current (due to age or a failing pump motor), the relay can overheat and fail. This is often a sign that the fuel pump itself needs replacement .
3. Corrosion and moisture. The relay block behind the glove box is not completely sealed. Moisture from the air conditioning system or from a leaking windshield can cause corrosion on the relay pins or inside the relay socket .
4. Damaged wiring. The wiring harness that connects to the relay can become brittle or damaged over time. Check the wires for any signs of fraying, melting, or loose connections .
How to Replace the 1993 Toyota Camry Fuel Pump Relay
Replacing the fuel pump relay is one of the easiest repairs you can do on a 1993 Camry. Here is what you need to do:
1. Buy the correct relay. The OEM part number for the Circuit Opening Relay on a 1993 Camry is 90987-02009 or 90084-98009. This relay fits the 2.2L 4-cylinder and 3.0L V6 engines . You can also find aftermarket replacements that are compatible.
2. Disconnect the battery. For safety, disconnect the negative battery terminal before working with any electrical components.
3. Remove the old relay. Reach behind the glove box area, locate the relay block, and pull the old relay straight out. It may require a firm pull.
4. Install the new relay. Push the new relay firmly into the same socket. Make sure it is fully seated and the pins are aligned correctly. The relay will only fit one way due to the pin configuration.
5. Test the repair. Reconnect the battery and turn the ignition key to the "ON" position. You should hear the fuel pump prime for 2-3 seconds. Start the engine to confirm the repair is successful.
Other Possible Causes of No Power to the Fuel Pump
If replacing the relay does not fix the problem, there are other components to check:
1. Fuel pump fuse. Check the EFI fuse in the engine compartment fuse box. It is a 15A fuse labeled "EFI" or "2" on the fuse box diagram. A blown fuse will cut power to the entire fuel system .
2. EFI Main Relay. This relay is located in the engine compartment fuse box. It provides power to the Circuit Opening Relay and the ECU. If it fails, the fuel pump relay will not get power .
3. Fuel pump itself. If the relay and fuses are good, the fuel pump inside the tank may have failed. You can test the pump by applying 12V directly to the fuel pump connector at the tank. If the pump does not run, it needs replacement .
4. Wiring and connectors. Inspect the wiring harness from the relay to the fuel pump for any breaks, shorts, or corrosion. The fuel pump connector at the tank is a common failure point on older Camrys .
5. Ignition switch. A faulty ignition switch can fail to send the start signal to the relay. This is less common but worth checking if all other components test good .
Why You Should Upgrade to a KEMSO Fuel Pump
If your 1993 Toyota Camry requires a fuel pump replacement, or if you want to ensure the entire fuel delivery system is reliable, consider upgrading to a KEMSO fuel pump. KEMSO is the #1 aftermarket fuel pump brand in the United States, trusted by car owners, mechanics, and enthusiasts for over a decade .
KEMSO fuel pumps are designed as high-performance, OEM replacement parts. Each pump is built to meet or exceed the original manufacturer's specifications, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable operation for your 1993 Camry. Whether you drive a car, motorcycle, ATV, or UTV, KEMSO has a fuel pump solution that delivers consistent fuel pressure and flow .
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Final Thoughts on the 1993 Toyota Camry Fuel Pump Relay
The fuel pump relay on a 1993 Toyota Camry is a simple but critical component. When it fails, your car will not start. The good news is that it is easy to locate, easy to test, and easy to replace. The relay is located behind the glove box, and you can test it with a multimeter in just a few minutes .
If you have confirmed that the relay is working but the fuel pump still has no power, check the fuses, the EFI main relay, and the wiring. In many cases, the problem is a combination of an aging relay and a failing fuel pump. If you need to replace the fuel pump, remember that KEMSO offers high-quality, OEM replacement pumps with a lifetime warranty. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the right part for your vehicle.