1997 Toyota Corolla Fuel Pump Fuse: Location, Diagram, and Troubleshooting Guide

The bottom line: The 1997 Toyota Corolla does not have a dedicated fuel pump fuse labeled as "FUEL PUMP." Instead, the fuel pump circuit is protected by the EFI fuse (15-amp) located in the engine compartment fuse box, and the fuel pump itself is controlled by a Circuit Opening Relay (also known as the EFI main relay) rather than a standalone fuse. If your Corolla is cranking but not starting, the fuse you need to check first is the EFI fuse, which powers the fuel injection system and the fuel pump relay.

Understanding the Fuel Pump Circuit on a 1997 Corolla

The 1997 Toyota Corolla belongs to the seventh generation (E100 chassis) produced from 1993 to 1997, though some early 1997 models may overlap with the eighth generation (E110 chassis) depending on the production date. The fuel delivery system on these cars is designed with a relay-based control circuit, not a simple fuse directly feeding the pump.

The fuel pump circuit includes three main components:

1. The EFI Main Relay – This relay is located inside the Junction Block (J/B) 2, which is the fuse/relay box mounted on the left inner fender in the engine compartment. The EFI relay supplies power to the entire fuel injection system, including the fuel pump control circuit.

2. The Circuit Opening Relay – This relay is located under the center of the dashboard, next to the fuel injection computer. It is the actual switch that turns the fuel pump on and off. The Circuit Opening Relay receives a signal from the engine control unit (ECU) and completes the circuit to the fuel pump.

3. The EFI Fuse (15-amp) – This is the fuse that protects the EFI relay and the fuel pump circuit. It is labeled as EFI or EFI, F-HTR in the engine compartment fuse box.

Where to Find the EFI Fuse (Fuel Pump Fuse)

The fuse that protects the fuel pump circuit is located in the engine compartment fuse box. On the 1997 Corolla, this fuse box is situated on the left side of the engine compartment, near the battery and close to the inner fender.

Step-by-step instructions to locate the EFI fuse:

1. Open the hood and secure it with the prop rod.
2. Look for a black plastic rectangular box on the driver's side (left side) of the engine bay, mounted near the strut tower or the battery.
3. Press the tabs on the sides of the fuse box cover to release it, then lift the cover off.
4. On the underside of the cover, you will find a diagram showing the fuse locations and amperage ratings.
5. Locate the fuse labeled EFI or EFI, F-HTR. This is a 15-amp fuse.

Fuse Box Diagram for the 1997 Corolla (Engine Compartment)

The engine compartment fuse box on the 1997 Corolla (E100 generation) contains the following fuses directly related to the fuel system and engine control:

Note: The exact fuse numbering may vary slightly depending on whether your car is a US-market or Canada-market model. Canadian models may have additional fuses for daytime running lights. If you are unsure, always check the diagram printed on the fuse box cover.

What If the EFI Fuse Is Good but the Fuel Pump Still Does Not Work?

If you have checked the EFI fuse and it is not blown, but your fuel pump is still not running, the problem is likely not the fuse. Here are the next steps to diagnose the issue:

1. Check the Circuit Opening Relay

The Circuit Opening Relay is located under the center of the dash, next to the fuel injection computer. This relay is a common failure point on the 1997 Corolla. When it fails, the fuel pump will not receive power even though the fuse is good.

To test the relay, you can swap it with an identical relay from another circuit (such as the horn relay) to see if the fuel pump starts working. If the pump runs after the swap, the relay is faulty and needs replacement.

2. Inspect the Fuel Pump Relay in the Engine Compartment Fuse Box

The engine compartment fuse box also contains the EFI relay (sometimes labeled as the Engine Control Module relay). This relay is physically located inside the fuse box and may be marked as R5 (EFI) in the relay diagram. If this relay is bad, the ECU will not receive power, and the fuel pump will not operate.

3. Test the Fuel Pump Itself

The fuel pump on the 1997 Corolla is located inside the fuel tank. To test the pump, you can apply 12 volts directly to the fuel pump connector (with the harness disconnected) to see if it runs. If the pump does not run with direct power, the pump itself is likely dead.

4. Check for a Blown Fuse Number 7 (IGN)

The IGN fuse (7.5-amp) in the driver's side kick panel fuse box also supplies power to the multiport fuel injection system. If this fuse is blown, the ECU may not function correctly, and the fuel pump relay will not receive the signal to close the circuit.

Driver Side Fuse Box (Interior) – Relevant Fuses

The interior fuse box on the 1997 Corolla is located behind a cover on the driver's side kick panel. While this box does not contain the fuel pump fuse directly, it does contain fuses that affect the fuel injection system:

If any of these fuses are blown, the engine may crank but not start, and the fuel pump may not receive the proper signal to operate.

Common Symptoms of a Blown Fuel Pump Fuse or Relay

Before you start digging into the fuse box, it helps to know what symptoms point to a fuel pump circuit issue:

1. Engine cranks but will not start – This is the most common symptom. You turn the key, the starter motor spins the engine, but the engine never fires up. This happens because the fuel pump is not pressurizing the fuel system.

2. No fuel pump priming noise – When you turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (without cranking the engine), you should hear a brief whirring sound from the rear of the car for about 2-3 seconds. This is the fuel pump priming the system. If you do not hear this sound, the pump is not getting power.

3. Car stalls while driving – A failing fuel pump relay or an intermittent short in the EFI fuse circuit can cause the engine to suddenly lose power and stall, especially under load or when going uphill.

4. Check Engine Light comes on – If the ECU detects a fuel pump circuit malfunction, it will store a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and illuminate the check engine light. Common codes include P0230 (Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction) or P0231 (Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low).

How to Properly Test the EFI Fuse

Testing the EFI fuse is a simple process that anyone can do with a test light or a multimeter.

Using a test light:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position.
2. Attach the alligator clip of the test light to a good ground (such as a bolt on the engine block or the negative battery terminal).
3. Touch the probe of the test light to each of the two small metal tabs on top of the EFI fuse.
4. If the test light illuminates on both tabs, the fuse is good. If it illuminates on only one tab, the fuse is blown.
5. If the test light does not illuminate on either tab, the circuit is not receiving power from the battery, which could indicate a bad EFI relay or a wiring issue.

Using a multimeter:

1. Set your multimeter to the continuity setting (the symbol that looks like a sound wave) or the ohms setting.
2. Remove the EFI fuse from its socket.
3. Touch one probe to each of the two metal prongs on the fuse.
4. If the multimeter beeps (continuity mode) or shows a reading close to 0 ohms, the fuse is good. If it shows infinite resistance, the fuse is blown.

Recommended Replacement: KEMSO Fuel Pump for Your 1997 Toyota Corolla

If you have ruled out the fuse and the relay, and you have determined that the fuel pump itself has failed, it is time to replace the pump. For a reliable, high-quality replacement, we strongly recommend the KEMSO Fuel Pump for Toyota Corolla models from 1994 to 2001, which includes your 1997 Corolla.

KEMSO is a leading aftermarket brand that specializes in manufacturing high-performance fuel pumps. Their fuel pump for the 1997 Toyota Corolla is designed as a direct OEM replacement, meaning it fits perfectly into the factory fuel pump assembly without any modifications. Here is why KEMSO is the right choice for your Corolla:

High Performance – KEMSO fuel pumps are engineered to deliver consistent fuel pressure and flow rate, ensuring your engine runs smoothly under all driving conditions. Whether you are commuting in stop-and-go traffic or cruising on the highway, the KEMSO pump provides the reliable fuel delivery your Corolla needs.

OEM Replacement – The KEMSO fuel pump is built to meet or exceed the original equipment manufacturer specifications. It is a direct drop-in replacement for the factory pump, so you do not need to worry about compatibility issues or wiring modifications. The pump comes with the correct connector and mounting hardware for a hassle-free installation.

Lifetime Warranty – KEMSO stands behind the quality of their products. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected. If the pump ever fails due to a manufacturing defect, KEMSO will replace it at no cost to you.

Trusted by Mechanics and DIYers – KEMSO has built a reputation for producing durable, reliable fuel pumps that are used by professional mechanics and car enthusiasts alike. Their products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they perform in real-world conditions.

To purchase the KEMSO Fuel Pump for your 1997 Toyota Corolla, visit their official website at:

https://www.kemsoracing.com/

On their site, you can browse their full selection of fuel pumps, read customer reviews, and take advantage of their fast shipping and excellent customer support. KEMSO is based in Houston, Texas, and they ship to customers across the United States.

Final Thoughts on the 1997 Corolla Fuel Pump Fuse

The 1997 Toyota Corolla is a reliable and durable car, but like any vehicle, it can develop electrical issues over time. If you are experiencing a no-start condition, always start with the simplest checks first. Pull the EFI fuse from the engine compartment fuse box, inspect it visually, and test it with a multimeter or test light.

Remember that the EFI fuse is a 15-amp fuse, and it is the only fuse that directly protects the fuel pump circuit. If the fuse is blown, replace it with the exact same amperage rating. Never use a higher-rated fuse, as this can cause damage to the wiring or the fuel pump relay.

If the fuse is good but the pump still does not run, the next likely culprit is the Circuit Opening Relay under the dash or the EFI relay inside the engine compartment fuse box. Relays are mechanical devices that can wear out over time, especially after 25-plus years of service.

Finally, if the relay and fuse are both good, test the fuel pump itself. A failing fuel pump will often produce a whining noise before it fails completely, or it may stop working intermittently before dying entirely. When it is time to replace the pump, trust KEMSO for a high-quality, long-lasting replacement that will keep your Corolla on the road for years to come.

For more information and to order your replacement fuel pump, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ today.