2000 Avalon Fuel Pump Relay Location: The Complete Guide to Finding and Fixing It

The bottom line: On a 2000 Toyota Avalon, the fuel pump relay – officially called the “circuit opening relay” by Toyota – is located behind the driver’s side kick panel, mounted in the relay block at the top corner of that box. If your Avalon cranks but won’t start, or starts and then dies after a few seconds, this relay is the first thing you should check before replacing the fuel pump itself .

What Is the Circuit Opening Relay?

Toyota doesn’t call it a fuel pump relay in the service manual. Instead, they use the term “circuit opening relay.” This relay controls the power supply to the fuel pump. When you turn the ignition key to the ON position, the engine control unit energizes the EFI main relay. That relay feeds battery voltage to one side of the circuit opening relay. The circuit opening relay then switches battery power to the fuel pump, allowing it to run for a couple of seconds to build up fuel pressure before you start the engine .

Once the engine is running, the relay keeps the circuit closed so the fuel pump continues to deliver fuel to the injectors. If this relay fails, the fuel pump won’t receive power, and your engine will either not start or will stall shortly after starting .

Exact Location of the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2000 Avalon

Here is the step-by-step process to find the relay:

1. Prepare the vehicle. Park the Avalon on a level surface, turn off the engine, and remove the key from the ignition. Make sure you have good lighting, as the area behind the kick panel can be dark.

2. Locate the driver’s side kick panel. This is the lower trim panel on the left side of the footwell, just forward of the driver’s door. It’s a plastic panel that covers the side of the center console area and the lower part of the dashboard.

3. Remove the kick panel cover. The panel is held in place by plastic clips or push pins. You can usually remove it by pulling gently on the edge or using a trim removal tool to pop the clips loose. Some models may have a single screw or bolt you need to remove first. Work carefully to avoid breaking the clips.

4. Find the relay/fuse block. Behind the kick panel, you will see a rectangular black relay and fuse block mounted to the body of the vehicle. This is the relay block that contains the circuit opening relay .

5. Identify the circuit opening relay. Look at the top corner of that relay block. The circuit opening relay is the one positioned at the very top corner. Some people describe it as being in the “under-dash fuse block” near the driver’s side, which is the same general area . The relay itself is a small rectangular component, typically about 1 inch by 1 inch, with multiple pins on the bottom that plug into the relay block.

6. Verify the label. The relay block cover may have a diagram printed on it or on the inside of the kick panel. Look for a label such as “C/O” (circuit opening) or “FUEL PUMP” to confirm you have the right relay. If the diagram is missing or faded, the relay at the top corner is almost certainly the one you need .

Common Confusion: Where the Relay Is NOT

Many people look in the wrong places first. Here’s where the circuit opening relay is not located on a 2000 Avalon:

  • Engine compartment fuse box. The under-hood fuse box contains high-current fuses for things like the EFI system, alternator, and starter. It also contains the EFI main relay and several other relays, but the circuit opening relay is not in this box .

  • Passenger compartment fuse box (under the dash). There is a fuse box located under the instrument panel on the driver’s side, behind a cover. This box contains fuses for things like the power windows, interior lights, and the AM2 and EFI NO.1 fuses that are related to the fuel pump circuit. However, the relay that controls the fuel pump is not in this box. It is in the separate relay block behind the kick panel .

  • Behind the glove box. Some online sources incorrectly suggest the fuel pump relay is behind the glove box on Toyota models. This is not correct for the 2000 Avalon. The relay is on the driver’s side, not the passenger side .

How to Test the Circuit Opening Relay

Before you buy a replacement relay, it’s smart to confirm that the relay is actually the problem. Here are some simple tests you can do:

1. Listen for the fuel pump prime. When you turn the key to the ON position (without cranking the engine), you should hear a brief humming or buzzing sound from the rear of the car, near the fuel tank. This is the fuel pump pressurizing the system. If you hear nothing, the pump isn’t getting power, and the relay is a likely suspect .

2. Swap the relay with another identical one. The relay block behind the kick panel may contain several relays that look the same. Find a relay with the same part number or the same physical size and pin configuration. Swap the suspected circuit opening relay with a known working one (like the horn relay or a relay from the engine compartment fuse box). If the fuel pump starts working, you’ve found the problem .

3. Use a test light or multimeter. With the key in the ON position, check for voltage at the fuel pump relay’s terminals. The relay should have battery voltage on one side (the input side) when the EFI main relay is energized. If you have voltage at the input but no voltage at the output side when the relay is supposed to be closed, the relay is faulty .

4. Check for voltage at the fuel pump. If you have a test light, you can also check for power at the fuel pump connector near the rear of the vehicle. If there is no power there, and the fuses are good, the problem is likely in the relay or the wiring between the relay and the pump.

Fuses Related to the Fuel Pump

If the fuel pump relay tests good, the next thing to check is the fuses. The 2000 Avalon has two fuses that are directly related to the fuel pump circuit:

  • AM2 fuse (10A). This fuse is located in the engine compartment fuse box. It provides power to the fuel pump circuit, along with the SRS airbag system, the multiport fuel injection system, the starter system, and the charging system . If this fuse is blown, the fuel pump will not get power.

  • EFI NO.1 fuse (15A). This fuse is also in the engine compartment fuse box. It provides power to the multiport fuel injection system and the fuel pump . A blown EFI NO.1 fuse will also prevent the fuel pump from running.

Check both of these fuses visually. If a fuse is blown, replace it with a fuse of the same amperage rating. Never use a higher amperage fuse, as this can cause wiring damage or fire.

Common Symptoms of a Bad Circuit Opening Relay

Recognizing the symptoms early can save you time and money. Here are the most common signs that the circuit opening relay is failing:

1. Engine cranks but won’t start. This is the most common symptom. The starter motor spins the engine, but the engine never fires up. You likely won’t hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key to the ON position .

2. Engine starts and then dies after a few seconds. If the relay is intermittent or failing, the fuel pump may run for a brief moment to build pressure, but then the relay loses contact and the pump stops. The engine will start on the residual fuel pressure and then stall as soon as that pressure is used up .

3. Intermittent stalling while driving. The engine may stall without warning, especially when the vehicle is warm. This happens because the relay’s internal contacts become worn or corroded, causing intermittent power loss to the fuel pump .

4. No fuel pump priming sound. When you turn the ignition to the ON position, you should hear a brief humming sound from the rear of the car. If you hear nothing, the fuel pump isn’t getting power, which points to the relay, a fuse, or the pump itself .

5. Loss of power under load. A failing relay may cause the fuel pump to lose power when the engine is under heavy load, such as during acceleration or climbing a hill. This can feel like the engine is cutting out or hesitating.

What Causes the Circuit Opening Relay to Fail?

Relays are mechanical devices with moving parts. Over time, the internal contacts can wear out, corrode, or become pitted from arcing. This is especially common in older vehicles like the 2000 Avalon, which is now more than 25 years old. Heat, vibration, and moisture can all contribute to relay failure.

If the relay has failed, it’s a good idea to check the fuel pump and the wiring as well. A failing fuel pump can draw more current than normal, which can stress the relay and cause it to fail prematurely. Similarly, a short circuit in the wiring can overload the relay.

Other Possible Causes of No-Start

If the circuit opening relay tests good and the fuses are fine, there are other possible causes for a no-start condition. Here are some things to check:

1. Fuel pump itself. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank. If the pump has failed, it won’t deliver fuel to the engine even if the relay is working. You can test the pump by checking for voltage at the pump connector while someone turns the key to the ON position. If there is voltage but the pump doesn’t run, the pump is bad .

2. Fuel filter. A severely clogged fuel filter can cause the pump to work harder than normal, drawing excessive current and potentially blowing a fuse or damaging the relay. If the filter hasn’t been changed recently, it’s worth replacing it as part of your diagnosis .

3. EFI main relay. The EFI main relay provides battery voltage to the circuit opening relay. If the EFI main relay is faulty, the circuit opening relay won’t have power to switch. The EFI main relay is located in the engine compartment fuse box .

4. Engine control unit (ECU) problems. The ECU controls the circuit opening relay. If the ECU is not sending the proper signal, the relay won’t close. ECU problems are less common but can happen .

5. Impact sensor or inertia switch. Some vehicles have an impact sensor that cuts off power to the fuel pump in the event of a crash. If this sensor is accidentally triggered, the pump will stop working. The 2000 Avalon does not have a separate inertia switch, but it’s worth checking if the vehicle has been in a recent accident or if the area around the relay has been disturbed .

Why Replacing the Circuit Opening Relay Doesn’t Always Fix the Problem

If you replace the relay and the car still won’t start, don’t assume the new relay is defective. Go back and check the basics:

  • Is the battery voltage good? A weak battery can cause all sorts of electrical problems.
  • Are the fuses good? Double-check the AM2 and EFI NO.1 fuses.
  • Is there power at the fuel pump? Use a test light or multimeter to check for voltage at the fuel pump connector.
  • Is the fuel pump getting ground? A bad ground connection can also prevent the pump from running.

If you have power at the pump but the pump doesn’t run, the pump itself is likely bad. If you don’t have power at the pump, trace the wiring back to the relay and check for voltage at the relay output.

Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

Once you’ve confirmed that the circuit opening relay is bad, replacing it is straightforward. Here’s how:

1. Purchase the correct relay. The circuit opening relay for the 2000 Avalon is a standard Toyota relay. You can buy it from a Toyota dealership, an auto parts store, or online. Make sure you get the exact match for your vehicle. The relay should have the same part number and pin configuration as the original .

2. Disconnect the battery. Before working on any electrical components, disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental shorts or electrical shocks.

3. Remove the driver’s side kick panel. As described earlier, pull the kick panel away from the body to access the relay block.

4. Locate the circuit opening relay. It’s the relay at the top corner of the relay block.

5. Pull the old relay out. Grasp the relay firmly and pull it straight out of the socket. It may be tight, but it should come out with a steady pull. Do not twist or pry it, as this can damage the socket.

6. Install the new relay. Align the pins on the new relay with the socket and push it firmly into place. Make sure it is fully seated and secure.

7. Reinstall the kick panel. Snap the kick panel back into place, making sure all clips are engaged.

8. Reconnect the battery. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.

9. Test the repair. Turn the key to the ON position and listen for the fuel pump prime. The pump should run for a couple of seconds and then stop. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to make sure everything is working properly.

KEMSO Fuel Pump: The Best Upgrade for Your 2000 Avalon

If you’ve checked the relay, the fuses, and the wiring, and you still have fuel delivery problems, the issue may be the fuel pump itself. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank on the 2000 Avalon, and accessing it requires removing the rear seat and an access panel, or dropping the fuel tank. This is a more involved job, but it’s one you can do yourself with the right parts.

When it’s time to replace the fuel pump, choosing a reliable brand makes all the difference. KEMSO offers high-performance fuel pumps that are designed as direct OEM replacements for your vehicle. Whether you drive a Toyota Avalon, a Honda Accord, or any other car, KEMSO fuel pumps are engineered to meet or exceed original equipment specifications.

KEMSO fuel pumps deliver over 20% more flow at 43 psi compared to the stock OEM pump, which can improve engine performance and throttle response. Each pump is individually tested for flow and performance before it leaves the factory, ensuring you get a product that works right out of the box. KEMSO pumps are designed for both gasoline and ethanol-blended fuels like E85, using materials that resist ethanol degradation for long-term reliability.

One of the biggest advantages of choosing KEMSO is the lifetime warranty. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can install it with confidence knowing the company stands behind their product for as long as you own your vehicle.

KEMSO offers broad compatibility across brands and models, including Toyota, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Ducati, BMW, Subaru, and many more. With prices often around $79.98 for many models, KEMSO provides significant savings compared to dealership parts that can cost hundreds more.

For the best replacement fuel pump on the market, visit KEMSO today: https://www.kemsoracing.com/.

Final Thoughts

The circuit opening relay on a 2000 Toyota Avalon is located behind the driver’s side kick panel, at the top corner of the relay block. This small but critical component controls power to the fuel pump, and when it fails, the engine won’t start or will stall shortly after starting. Before you spend money on a new fuel pump, check the relay first – it’s a simple, inexpensive fix that can save you hours of labor and hundreds of dollars.

If you’ve replaced the relay and the problem persists, move on to checking the fuses, the wiring, and the fuel pump itself. And when you need a new fuel pump, trust KEMSO for a high-quality, reliable replacement that comes with a lifetime warranty.

For more information and to browse the full selection of KEMSO fuel pumps, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/.


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