1995 Nissan 240SX Fuel Pump Relay Location: The Complete Guide for DIY Owners
The fuel pump relay on a 1995 Nissan 240SX is located in the fuse box under the driver's side dashboard, near the steering column. In some cases, it may also be found in the engine bay relay box above the battery. The relay is often labeled as "EGI pump" on the fuse box diagram.
If your 1995 Nissan 240SX cranks but won't start, stalls unexpectedly, or loses power during acceleration, the fuel pump relay is one of the first components you should check. This guide walks you through exactly where to find it, how to test it, and what to do if it's bad.
What the Fuel Pump Relay Does
The fuel pump relay is an electrical switch that controls power to the fuel pump. When you turn the ignition key to the ON position, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) sends a signal to the relay. The relay then closes the circuit, allowing electricity to flow from the battery to the fuel pump. This lets the pump pressurize the fuel system before you start the engine.
A failed relay means the fuel pump never gets power. Without fuel pressure, the engine cannot start or will stall while driving.
Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay
Before you start digging for the relay, it helps to know what you are looking for. Common symptoms of a failing fuel pump relay on a 1995 Nissan 240SX include:
- Engine cranks but will not start. This is the most common symptom. The starter turns the engine over, but there is no fuel delivery.
- Engine stalls intermittently. The car may run fine for a while, then suddenly die without warning.
- Loss of power during acceleration. If the relay is failing intermittently, the fuel pump may cut out under load.
- No fuel pump priming noise. When you turn the key to ON, you should hear a brief whirring sound from the rear of the car. If you hear nothing, the relay may not be sending power to the pump.
Of course, these symptoms can also point to a bad fuel pump, a blown fuse, or a faulty ECU. But the relay is easy to check and should be your first stop.
Where to Find the Fuel Pump Relay on a 1995 Nissan 240SX
There are two possible locations for the fuel pump relay on a 1995 Nissan 240SX, depending on the specific trim and configuration of your car.
Location 1: Under the Driver's Side Dashboard (Most Common)
This is the primary location for the vast majority of 1995 240SX models.
How to access it:
- Sit in the driver's seat and look under the dashboard on the left side, near the steering column.
- Locate the fuse box. It is a rectangular plastic box mounted to the metal frame.
- Remove the fuse box cover. It is usually held on by clips or a small screw. You may need to pull firmly but carefully.
- Look at the diagram printed on the inside of the fuse box cover. The fuel pump relay is often labeled as "EGI pump" or simply "Fuel Pump."
- The relay itself is a small, rectangular component, usually black or blue in color. It plugs into a socket in the fuse box.
In the 1995-1998 S14 chassis, the fuel pump relay is located under the driver's side kick panel. You will see a set of relays there. The fuel pump relay is the one with four black wires going to it. Next to it, you will typically find a blue relay and a black relay.
Location 2: Engine Bay Relay Box (Less Common)
Some 1995 240SX models have the fuel pump relay in the engine compartment.
How to access it:
- Open the hood.
- Locate the relay box or fuse panel. It is usually positioned above the battery, near the driver's side fender.
- Open the relay box cover. It may have clips or screws.
- Check the diagram on the inside of the cover. Look for a relay labeled "Fuel Pump" or "EGI."
Even though this location is less common, it is worth checking if you cannot find the relay under the dashboard.
How to Identify the Correct Relay
Mistaking the fuel pump relay for another relay is a common mistake. Here are some tips to get it right:
- Check the fuse box diagram. This is the most reliable method. The diagram on the cover will show you exactly which relay is for the fuel pump.
- Look for labels. Some relays have their function printed directly on the body. However, labels can fade over time.
- Listen for the click. Have a helper turn the ignition key to the ON position (do not start the engine). Place your hand on the relay you suspect is the fuel pump relay. You should feel a distinct click when the relay engages. If you feel nothing, that relay may not be the one, or it may be faulty.
- Compare with a known good relay. If you have another relay of the same type in the fuse box, you can swap them. If the car starts after swapping, the original relay was bad.
How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay
Testing the fuel pump relay is straightforward and requires only a multimeter. Here are the steps, based on the most common under-dash location for the 1995 240SX.
Step 1: Locate the Relay Plug
Once you have removed the relay, look at the socket where it plugs in. The socket has numbered pins. For the 1995-98 S14, the relay plug has four pins.
Pin configuration:
- Pin 1: Gets power from the ignition switch. You should see 12V here when the key is in the ON position.
- Pin 2: Ground signal from the ECU. You can check for continuity between Pin 2 and a ground point while the key is in the ON position. This signal will only be present for a couple of seconds after turning the key.
- Pin 3: Power source from the battery. This is wired to the 15 AMP fuel pump fuse.
- Pin 5: Supplies power to the fuel pump. This pin should have continuity to the fuel pump plug.
Step 2: Bench Test the Relay
Remove the relay from the car. To bench test it:
- Connect a 12V power source (like a car battery) to Pin 1 and Pin 2 of the relay. It does not matter which wire goes to positive or negative.
- Use your multimeter to check for continuity between Pin 3 and Pin 5.
- When power is applied, you should hear a click, and the multimeter should show continuity between Pin 3 and Pin 5.
- When power is removed, the continuity should break.
If the relay fails this test, it is defective and needs to be replaced.
Step 3: Check the Fuel Pump Plug
If the relay tests good, the problem may be elsewhere. Check the fuel pump plug at the tank.
- Locate the fuel pump plug (usually under the rear seat or access panel).
- Turn the key to the ON position.
- Check for 12V at the plug. If you are getting 12V, the fuel pump itself is likely bad.
- Check for continuity between the plug terminal with the black wire (terminal B) and the chassis ground.
- Check for continuity between terminal A on the plug and Pin 5 on the fuel pump relay.
Don't Forget the Fuse
Before you replace the relay, check the fuel pump fuse. It is a 15 AMP fuse located in the same fuse box under the dashboard. A blown fuse will cause the same symptoms as a bad relay. Replacing a fuse is a lot cheaper than replacing a relay.
How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay
Replacing the fuel pump relay on a 1995 Nissan 240SX is a simple job.
- Remove the old relay. Simply pull it straight out of the socket. It may require a firm tug.
- Install the new relay. Align the prongs with the socket and push it in until it is fully seated.
- Test the system. Turn the key to the ON position. You should hear the fuel pump prime for a couple of seconds.
- Start the engine. If the car starts and runs normally, you have solved the problem.
Make sure you buy a relay that is the correct type for your 240SX. Standard automotive relays are widely available at auto parts stores.
Why the Fuel Pump Relay Fails
Fuel pump relays are electromechanical components. Over time, the internal contacts can wear out, corrode, or stick. Heat and vibration from the engine bay can also cause the relay to fail. On a car that is now over 30 years old, like a 1995 240SX, it is not uncommon for the relay to be the original unit. Replacing it as preventative maintenance is a good idea.
What to Do If the Relay Is Not the Problem
If you have tested the relay and the fuse, and both are good, the issue may be one of the following:
- Bad fuel pump. The pump itself may have failed. This is a common problem on older 240SXs.
- Faulty ECU. The ECU sends the ground signal to the relay. If the ECU is bad, the relay will never activate.
- Wiring issues. A broken wire or a corroded connector between the relay and the fuel pump can prevent power from reaching the pump.
- Failed fuel pump driver. Some models have a fuel pump control module that can fail.
If you are not getting 12V at the fuel pump plug, but the relay is clicking and the fuse is good, trace the wiring from the relay to the pump. Look for cuts, breaks, or corrosion.
KEMSO Fuel Pumps: The Best Upgrade for Your 240SX
If you discover that your fuel pump is the real culprit, do not settle for a cheap, unreliable replacement. KEMSO is the US #1 aftermarket fuel pump manufacturer for cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs. Their fuel pumps are designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable performance for your vehicle.
KEMSO offers a high-performance 340LPH fuel pump that is a direct replacement for the 1995 Nissan 240SX. This pump delivers a massive 340 liters per hour of flow, which is more than enough for a stock engine and provides plenty of headroom for future upgrades. It operates at 58 psi and runs on 12V, drawing only 10 amps.
Why choose KEMSO over other brands?
-
Lifetime warranty. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty. If your pump ever fails due to a manufacturing defect, you get a replacement at no cost. This is a rare and valuable benefit in the automotive parts industry.
-
OEM replacement quality. KEMSO pumps are engineered to be a direct bolt-in replacement. No need to search for adapter kits or worry about poor fitment.
-
High performance. The 340LPH pump is built for high flow and high pressure, ensuring your engine gets the fuel it needs, even under hard acceleration or high load.
-
Affordable price. KEMSO fuel pumps are priced at a reasonable $79.98, which is often less than half the cost of dealer parts.
-
USA-based support. KEMSO offers expert assistance from USA technicians, ensuring you have peace of mind with your purchase.
Whether you are restoring a classic 240SX, building a drift car, or just keeping your daily driver running, a KEMSO fuel pump is the smart choice. Visit their website today to see the full selection and find the perfect pump for your vehicle.
Visit KEMSO Racing at: https://www.kemsoracing.com/
Final Thoughts
The fuel pump relay on a 1995 Nissan 240SX is located under the driver's side dashboard, in the fuse box near the steering column. It may also be found in the engine bay relay box above the battery. The relay is typically labeled as "EGI pump" on the fuse box diagram.
Testing the relay is simple and can save you hours of unnecessary troubleshooting. If the relay is bad, replacement is cheap and easy. If the fuel pump itself has failed, consider upgrading to a KEMSO high-performance pump. With a lifetime warranty and a price that is hard to beat, KEMSO is the brand trusted by DIY mechanics and professional shops across the country.
For more information on fuel pump replacement, relay testing, and to browse the full catalog of KEMSO fuel pumps, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ today.