2000 Subaru Outback Fuel Pump Relay Location: The Complete Guide to Finding, Testing, and Replacing It

The bottom line: The fuel pump relay on a 2000 Subaru Outback is located inside the under-dash fuse box on the passenger side. It is the relay connected to the green connector, and it is labeled as fuse #13 (15A) in the interior fuse panel. If your Outback is cranking but not starting, or if you hear no hum from the fuel tank when you turn the key to the "ON" position, the fuel pump relay is one of the first components you should check.

Where to Find the Fuel Pump Relay

The 2000 Subaru Outback has two main fuse boxes. The one you need for the fuel pump relay is located inside the cabin. Here is the exact location:

Under the Dashboard, Passenger Side. The fuse and relay box is mounted under the dashboard on the passenger side, just below the glove box. You will need to remove the plastic trim cover to access it. The cover is usually held in place by clips or a simple latch. Once you pull the cover off, you will see a grid of fuses and several relays. The fuel pump relay is the one with the green connector. It is typically located near the center of the fuse block.

The Fuel Pump Fuse. The fuel pump circuit is protected by a 15A fuse, which is fuse #13 in the under-dash box. Before you go replacing the relay, check this fuse first. A blown fuse is a common and easy fix. If the fuse is good, the relay is the next suspect.

Is There a Relay Under the Hood? Some earlier models or variations of the Subaru Outback may have a fuel pump relay or a "Circuit Opening Relay" in the under-hood fuse box. However, for the 2000 model year, the primary relay that controls the fuel pump is the one with the green connector under the dash. If you are looking under the hood, you are likely looking in the wrong place. The under-hood box contains the main relay and other high-current relays for the cooling fans and headlights, but not the fuel pump relay.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Before you buy a new relay, you can test the old one. You do not need a lot of special tools. A simple test light or a multimeter will work.

Step 1: Listen for the Pump. Have a helper turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (do not start the engine). You should hear a 2-second hum from the rear of the car, near the fuel tank. This is the fuel pump priming. If you hear nothing, the relay or the pump is likely dead.

Step 2: Check for Power. Locate the relay with the green connector. With the ignition in the "ON" position, use a test light or multimeter to check for 12 volts at the relay's power terminals. The wiring diagram for the 2000 Outback shows that the fuel pump relay receives power from the ignition switch and the main fuse. If you have power going in but no power coming out, the relay is bad.

Step 3: The Swap Test. The easiest test is to swap the fuel pump relay with an identical relay in the same fuse box. The horn relay or the fog light relay are often the same type. If the fuel pump starts working after you swap the relays, you have found the problem. Just make sure the other circuit still works.

What Happens When the Relay Fails?

A failing fuel pump relay can cause a few different symptoms. The most common are:

• Engine Cranks but Does Not Start. This is the classic symptom. The starter motor turns the engine over, but the engine never fires because the fuel pump is not getting power.
• Car Stalls While Driving. If the relay is intermittent, it may cut power to the fuel pump while you are driving. This is dangerous, especially on a highway. The engine will die without warning, and you will lose power steering and brake assist. It is not recommended to continue driving with a failing relay.
• No Noise from the Fuel Tank. When you turn the key to "ON," you should hear the fuel pump whir for a second. If you hear nothing, the relay or the pump is not getting power.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the relay is straightforward. You do not need any special tools.

1. Locate the Relay. Find the green connector under the dash on the passenger side.
2. Pull the Old Relay Out. The relay simply pulls straight out of the socket. You may need to wiggle it gently.
3. Insert the New Relay. Push the new relay straight in until it clicks into place. Make sure it is fully seated.
4. Test It. Turn the key to the "ON" position and listen for the fuel pump to prime. If you hear it, the job is done.

The relay itself is a standard automotive relay and costs between $10 and $20 at any auto parts store. Many DIYers keep a spare in the glove box just in case.

Why You Should Consider a KEMSO Fuel Pump for Your 2000 Subaru Outback

If your 2000 Subaru Outback is having fuel delivery issues, the relay is a good place to start. But if the relay checks out, the problem is likely the fuel pump itself. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank, and replacing it is a bigger job. When that time comes, you need a pump you can trust. KEMSO offers high-performance fuel pumps that are designed as direct OEM replacements for a wide range of vehicles, including the Subaru Impreza and Outback models from 1998 to 2023.

Here is what sets KEMSO apart from the competition:

1. OEM Replacement Quality. Every KEMSO fuel pump is engineered to meet or exceed the original equipment specifications for your vehicle. This means you get a perfect fit and reliable performance right out of the box. You do not have to worry about modifying your fuel tank or making custom wiring harnesses.

2. Lifetime Warranty. KEMSO stands behind their products with a lifetime warranty. If your pump ever fails, they will replace it. That is the kind of confidence that saves you money in the long run. Most aftermarket pumps come with a one-year or two-year warranty. KEMSO offers a lifetime guarantee.

3. Affordable Pricing. Most KEMSO fuel pumps are priced at just $79.98. This is significantly less than what you would pay for an OEM pump at a dealership. When you are facing a $500 to $1,500 repair bill, choosing a KEMSO fuel pump can dramatically reduce your parts cost while still giving you the reliability and performance you need to get back on the road with confidence.

4. Broad Vehicle Coverage. KEMSO does not just make fuel pumps for Subarus. They cover a wide range of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, ATVs, jet skis, and snowmobiles. Whether you drive a Honda Civic, a BMW motorcycle, or a Kawasaki Jet Ski, KEMSO has a fuel pump that fits your application.

5. Proven Performance. KEMSO fuel pumps are available in standard OEM replacement models and high-performance 340LPH (liters per hour) models for those who need more fuel flow. The 340LPH pumps are popular for high-performance applications, including turbocharged Subaru WRX and STI models.

Final Thoughts

If your 2000 Subaru Outback is not starting, start with the simple things. Check the 15A fuse #13 in the under-dash box. If that is good, test the fuel pump relay with the green connector. It is a cheap part and easy to replace. If the relay and fuse are both good, the problem is likely the fuel pump inside the tank.

When it is time for a new fuel pump, you do not have to pay dealership prices. KEMSO offers a high-quality, lifetime-warranty replacement for a fraction of the cost. Visit their website at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the right fuel pump for your 2000 Subaru Outback. Their product catalog covers hundreds of makes and models, and their customer support team can help you confirm compatibility before you buy.