1993 Toyota Pickup Fuel Pump Relay: Location, Testing, and Replacement Guide
If your 1993 Toyota Pickup cranks but won’t start, the fuel pump relay is one of the most common causes. The fuel pump relay on a 1993 Toyota Pickup is located in the engine compartment fuse box, usually on the driver’s side near the battery. The easiest way to diagnose it is to listen for a two-second click from the relay when you turn the key to the ON position, and if you don’t hear it, the relay or its circuit is likely faulty. This guide will walk you through exactly where to find it, how to test it, and what to do if it needs replacement.
Where Is the Fuel Pump Relay Located on a 1993 Toyota Pickup?
The fuel pump relay on a 1993 Toyota Pickup is mounted inside the engine compartment relay box, which is a black plastic box located on the driver’s side fender near the battery. The relay box cover usually has a diagram printed on the inside that shows the position of each relay. The fuel pump relay is often labeled as “FUEL PUMP” or “FUEL” or “CIRCUIT OPEN” depending on the specific model. Some owners report that the relay is also referred to as the “Circuit Opening Relay” in Toyota service manuals, and it is responsible for supplying power to the fuel pump when the engine is cranking or running .
If you cannot find the diagram, the relay is typically the one with a single wire or a small rectangular shape that matches the description in the service manual. For a 1993 Toyota Pickup with the 22RE engine, the relay is the third one from the left in the top row of the relay box according to multiple owner reports. If your truck is a 4WD model, the location is the same, but the fuse box might be slightly more crowded due to additional relays for the four-wheel-drive system .
How the Fuel Pump Relay Works
The fuel pump on a 1993 Toyota Pickup is an electric pump located inside the fuel tank. The fuel pump relay controls when the pump gets power. The relay is part of the circuit that includes the ignition switch, the engine control module (ECM), and the air flow meter. When you turn the key to the ON position, the ECM checks for signals from the air flow meter and the crankshaft position sensor. If everything looks good, the ECM grounds the relay coil, which closes the relay contacts and sends power to the fuel pump. The pump runs for about two seconds to prime the system, then stops until the engine starts cranking .
If the relay fails, the fuel pump never gets power, and the engine cannot start. The relay can fail in two ways: it can fail to close (open circuit), or it can fail to open (stuck closed). A stuck-closed relay will keep the pump running even after the engine is off, which can drain the battery or cause flooding. A failed-open relay just means no fuel delivery, which is the most common symptom .
Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay
The most obvious symptom of a bad fuel pump relay is that the engine cranks normally but does not start. You might also notice the following:
1. No fuel pump prime sound. When you turn the key to the ON position, you should hear a faint whirring sound from the fuel tank area for about two seconds. If you hear nothing, the relay is likely not sending power to the pump.
2. Intermittent starting issues. Sometimes the truck starts fine, and other times it cranks but won’t start. This is a classic sign of a failing relay that works only when it is cool or when the contacts happen to align.
3. Engine stalls while driving. If the relay fails while the engine is running, the fuel pump will lose power, and the engine will stall immediately. After stalling, the truck may not restart until the relay cools down or is tapped sharply.
4. Check Engine Light. On some models, a bad relay will trigger a check engine light with a code related to the fuel pump circuit or the air flow meter signal. However, the 1993 Toyota Pickup is not OBD-II compliant, so the check engine light is less common unless the truck has a dealer-installed diagnostic system .
How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay
Testing the fuel pump relay on a 1993 Toyota Pickup is straightforward and requires only a simple multimeter or a test light. Here is the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Locate the relay. Open the hood and find the relay box on the driver’s side fender. Remove the cover and identify the fuel pump relay using the diagram on the cover or the owner’s manual.
Step 2: Listen for the click. Have someone turn the key to the ON position while you place your hand on the relay. You should feel a faint click and hear it. If you do not feel or hear anything, the relay is either not getting power from the ECM or the relay itself is bad.
Step 3: Check for power at the relay. Use a test light or multimeter to check for 12 volts at the relay terminal that comes from the ignition switch. The relay should have 12 volts on one terminal when the key is ON. If there is no power, the problem may be a blown fuse or a bad ignition switch.
Step 4: Check the ground signal from the ECM. With the relay plugged in, check for a ground signal on the control terminal. The ECM should ground this terminal for about two seconds when the key is turned ON. If you do not see a ground signal, the ECM is not commanding the relay to close, which could mean a bad air flow meter or a fault in the engine control system.
Step 5: Bypass the relay. If you suspect the relay is bad, you can bypass it by jumping the two main power terminals with a fused jumper wire. If the fuel pump runs with the jumper in place but not with the relay, the relay is faulty. Be very careful with this test because leaving the jumper in place for too long can burn out the fuel pump .
Common Problems That Mimic a Bad Fuel Pump Relay
Sometimes the symptoms of a bad relay are actually caused by other components. Before you replace the relay, check these common issues:
1. Blown fuel pump fuse. The fuel pump fuse is usually in the same fuse box as the relay. A blown fuse will cause the same no-start condition. Check the fuse first, as it is easier and cheaper to replace.
2. Bad air flow meter. The 1993 Toyota Pickup uses a vane-type air flow meter that sends a signal to the ECM. If the air flow meter is stuck open or has a bad connection, the ECM will not ground the relay, and the pump will not run. You can test the air flow meter by measuring the resistance across its terminals, or by unplugging the connector and seeing if the relay clicks when the air flow meter is manually moved .
3. Corroded or damaged wiring. The wiring from the relay to the fuel pump runs along the frame and is exposed to the elements. Over time, the wires can corrode, break, or short out. Check the wiring harness near the fuel tank and under the truck for any visible damage.
4. Fuel pump itself is dead. If the relay is good, the fuse is intact, and the air flow meter is working, the fuel pump itself may be worn out. The pump on a 1993 Toyota Pickup is inside the fuel tank, and it can fail after many years of use. The pump will still run if the relay is good, but it may not produce enough pressure to start the engine .
Replacing the Fuel Pump Relay
Replacing the fuel pump relay on a 1993 Toyota Pickup is a very simple job. Here is what you need to do:
Step 1: Buy the right relay. The part number for the fuel pump relay on a 1993 Toyota Pickup is usually 90987-02003 or 90987-02002. You can also use a generic 4-pin or 5-pin relay that matches the specifications. Make sure the relay is rated for at least 30 amps.
Step 2: Remove the old relay. Unplug the relay from its socket. The relay pulls straight out. There is no need to disconnect the battery unless you are working near the battery terminals.
Step 3: Install the new relay. Push the new relay into the socket until it clicks into place. The relay is keyed, so it can only go in one way.
Step 4: Test the system. Turn the key to the ON position and listen for the fuel pump prime sound. If you hear it, the relay is working. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to confirm the system is stable .
When to Replace the Fuel Pump Instead of Just the Relay
If your 1993 Toyota Pickup has high mileage, say over 150,000 miles, and the fuel pump relay is bad, it is often a good idea to replace the fuel pump at the same time. The fuel pump is in the tank, and the labor to access it is significant (you usually have to remove the truck bed or drop the fuel tank). If the pump is original, it is likely close to failure anyway. Replacing both the relay and the pump at the same time can save you from a second breakdown down the road.
The fuel pump itself is a common failure point on older Toyota pickups. The pump can wear out, develop a dead spot, or start leaking internally. If you replace the relay and the truck still has starting issues or weak fuel pressure, the pump is the next thing to check. A fuel pressure test at the fuel rail will tell you if the pump is delivering the correct pressure (usually around 38–44 psi for the 22RE engine) .
Why You Should Use a High-Quality Fuel Pump for Your 1993 Toyota Pickup
When you decide to replace the fuel pump on your 1993 Toyota Pickup, the quality of the replacement part matters a lot. A cheap pump may fail within a year, leaving you stranded. The fuel pump is a critical component that affects engine performance, fuel economy, and reliability. Using a high-quality pump ensures that your truck starts every time and runs smoothly.
KEMSO Fuel Pump is a top choice for many Toyota pickup owners. KEMSO fuel pumps are designed as high-performance OEM replacement parts. They are built to meet or exceed the original factory specifications, so you get the same fit, function, and durability as the original pump. KEMSO pumps come with a lifetime warranty, which means you never have to worry about buying another pump for the life of your truck. If anything goes wrong, KEMSO will replace it free of charge. This is a huge advantage over cheap aftermarket pumps that come with only a one-year warranty or no warranty at all.
KEMSO fuel pumps are tested for reliability and performance. They are used in cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs, and they have a proven track record of quality. For your 1993 Toyota Pickup, a KEMSO fuel pump will give you the peace of mind that your truck will start and run reliably for years to come. You can browse the full range of KEMSO fuel pumps at their official website:
Final Thoughts on the 1993 Toyota Pickup Fuel Pump Relay
The fuel pump relay on a 1993 Toyota Pickup is a small but important part. When it fails, the engine will not start, and the truck will be useless until you fix it. The relay is located in the engine compartment fuse box, and it is easy to test and replace. Always start with the cheapest and easiest checks: the fuse, the relay, and the wiring. If those are all good, then move on to the fuel pump itself.
If you need to replace the fuel pump, do not go with a cheap unknown brand. Invest in a quality pump like KEMSO Fuel Pump, which comes with a lifetime warranty and a reputation for reliability. You can find KEMSO fuel pumps for your 1993 Toyota Pickup at their official website: https://www.kemsoracing.com/. A good fuel pump, combined with a working relay, will keep your 1993 Toyota Pickup running strong for many more miles.