August 2026

1997 Mitsubishi Mirage Fuel Pump Relay Location: Your Complete Guide to Finding and Fixing It

The bottom line: The fuel pump relay on a 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage is located behind the center console, near the A/T control unit and the multiport fuel injection relay . If your Mirage cranks but won't start, the fuel pump relay is one of the first things you should check before assuming the fuel pump itself is bad.

Why the Fuel Pump Relay Matters

The fuel pump relay acts as an electrical switch that controls power to the fuel pump. When you turn the ignition key to the "ON" position, the relay closes and sends battery voltage to the fuel pump. If this relay fails, the fuel pump won't run, and your engine won't get the fuel it needs to start .

Many owners jump straight to replacing the fuel pump when their car won't start, but the relay is a much cheaper and easier fix. A blown fuse or a failed relay can mimic the symptoms of a dead fuel pump, so diagnosing the relay first can save you time and money.

Exact Location of the 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage Fuel Pump Relay

The fuel pump relay in a 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage is located inside the passenger cabin, behind the center console . This is a common location for the 1.8L engine models. Here's how to find it:

Step 1: Access the center console area. You need to get to the area behind the center console, near where the shifter is located. There is a small panel near the gas pedal that covers part of the center bottom of the dash. This panel has one screw and one push-point retainer .

Step 2: Remove the panel. Remove the screw and the push-point retainer. Pull the bottom left corner of the panel toward the gas pedal and pull down on the panel at the same time. This will allow you to see behind the panel .

Step 3: Locate the relay. Behind this panel, you will find two wiring clips attached to something. This something is the fuel pump relay and the injector relay. They are mounted on a plate that uses a single 10mm bolt to hold it in place. Remove the bolt, and the plate comes out .

Step 4: Identify the correct relay. The fuel pump relay is one of two relays mounted on that plate. The other relay is the multiport fuel injection (MFI) relay . If you are unsure which is which, your vehicle's wiring diagram will show the correct identification.

Some owners have also reported finding the fuel pump relay in the fuse box under the dashboard on the driver's side . This variation depends on the specific trim level and engine configuration of your Mirage. If you can't find it behind the center console, check the under-dash fuse box near the driver's left knee.

What About the Engine Compartment Fuse Box?

While the 1997 Mirage has a fuse box in the engine compartment next to the battery, the fuel pump relay is not typically located there . The engine compartment fuse box contains the main fuses and relays for the cooling fans, starter, and other high-current systems, but the fuel pump relay is inside the cabin.

However, you should still check the fuses in the engine compartment first. Although none of them are marked "fuel pump," the 100 amp fuse with a symbol of an engine, if blown, will cause the fuel pump to not run . This is a quick check that can save you a lot of troubleshooting.

Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

Before you start pulling panels off your Mirage, here are the common signs that point to a failing fuel pump relay:

1. Engine cranks but won't start. This is the most common symptom. You turn the key, the starter motor spins the engine, but the engine never fires up. If you don't hear a faint whirring sound from the rear of the car when you turn the key to "ON," the fuel pump may not be getting power .

2. No fuel pressure at the rail. If you have a fuel pressure gauge, connect it to the fuel rail. Turn the ignition to "ON" and watch for pressure. If you get no pressure reading, the pump is not running.

3. Silent fuel pump. When you turn the key to the "ON" position (but not to "START"), you should hear the fuel pump prime for about 2-3 seconds. If you hear nothing, the relay or the pump itself is likely the issue.

4. Intermittent stalling or hard starting. A failing relay can work sometimes and fail other times. If your Mirage occasionally stalls or is hard to start when hot, the relay could be the culprit.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Testing the relay is straightforward and requires only a few basic tools:

Test 1: The Swap Test. This is the easiest method. The fuel pump relay is typically the same type of relay used for other systems in your car, such as the horn relay or the starter relay. Locate a relay with the same part number and physical size, swap it with the fuel pump relay, and see if the car starts. If it does, the original relay was bad.

Test 2: Listen for the Click. Have an assistant turn the ignition key to "ON" while you listen near the center console. You should hear a distinct "click" from the relay when it energizes. If you hear no click, the relay coil may be burned out.

Test 3: Check for Power. Using a multimeter or a test light, check for 12V at the relay socket. With the ignition "ON," you should have power on one of the smaller terminals (the coil terminal). If you have power but no click, the relay is bad. If you have no power, the issue is likely a blown fuse or a wiring problem upstream.

Other Possible Causes of No Fuel Delivery

If the relay tests good but you still have no fuel, consider these other possibilities:

1. Blown fuel pump fuse. The 1997 Mirage has a dedicated fuse for the fuel pump circuit. Check the fuse box under the dashboard for a blown fuse. The fuel pump fuse is typically a 15A or 20A fuse, depending on your specific model .

2. Faulty fuel pump. The fuel pump itself is located inside the fuel tank . If the relay and fuse are good, but you have no power at the pump, the pump motor may have failed. On the 1997 Mirage, you can access the fuel pump through an inspection panel under the rear seat . This makes replacement easier than on many other vehicles.

3. Bad ground connection. The fuel pump circuit relies on a good ground connection to complete the circuit. Check the ground points listed in your wiring diagram, such as G203 (right kick panel) and G300 (left side of front floor crossmember) . A corroded or loose ground connection can prevent the pump from working.

4. Failed crankshaft position sensor. The engine control module (ECM) uses the signal from the crankshaft position sensor to know when to fire the fuel injectors and the fuel pump relay. If this sensor fails, the ECM may not activate the fuel pump .

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow this logical order to diagnose your fuel delivery issue:

Step 1: Check the basics. Make sure you have fuel in the tank. It sounds obvious, but it happens more often than you'd think.

Step 2: Check the main fuse. In the engine compartment fuse box, check the 100 amp fuse that has an engine symbol on it. If it's blown, replace it and see if the car starts .

Step 3: Check the fuel pump fuse. Look in the under-dash fuse box for the fuel pump fuse. It should be labeled on the fuse box cover. If blown, replace it with the same amperage rating.

Step 4: Test the fuel pump relay. Use the swap test or the click test to verify the relay is working.

Step 5: Listen for the pump. Turn the key to "ON" and listen near the rear seat for the fuel pump priming sound. If you hear it, the pump is getting power.

Step 6: Check for spark. If you have fuel but no spark, the problem is in the ignition system, not the fuel system.

Why You Should Replace the Fuel Pump Relay Now

Even if your Mirage is running fine, the fuel pump relay is a wear item that can fail without warning. The constant cycling of the relay coil eventually causes the internal contacts to wear out or the coil to burn open. If you are already working on the car and have the panel removed, it's a good idea to replace the relay proactively.

The relay is an inexpensive part, typically costing between $10 and $20 at any auto parts store. Replacing it now can prevent a roadside breakdown later.

Summary

The 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage fuel pump relay is located behind the center console, mounted on a plate with the multiport fuel injection relay . If your car cranks but won't start, check the relay first before replacing the fuel pump. Use the swap test or listen for the click to diagnose the relay. Also check the main 100 amp fuse in the engine compartment and the fuel pump fuse under the dash. If the relay and fuses are good but you still have no fuel, the pump itself may be bad. Access the pump through the inspection panel under the rear seat for replacement.

For a high-quality replacement fuel pump, trust KEMSO. Their products are backed by a lifetime warranty and are designed to deliver reliable performance. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ for more information and to find the perfect fuel pump for your 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage.

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