2001 Volvo V70 Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Guide for DIY Troubleshooting and Replacement

The fuel pump relay on a 2001 Volvo V70 is located inside the Central Electronic Module (CEM), which is mounted under the dashboard on the driver's side, above the pedals. This is the most important thing to know if your car won't start or dies shortly after starting. The relay is a small, rectangular component that plugs directly into the CEM, and it is often the same relay used for the front fog lights. If your V70 cranks but refuses to run, or if it starts for just a few seconds and then dies, the fuel pump relay should be one of the first things you check.

The 2001 Volvo V70 is a reliable vehicle, but like any car from that era, electrical components can fail over time. The fuel pump relay is a common failure point, and knowing exactly where it is and how to test it can save you a trip to the mechanic and a lot of money. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from locating the relay to testing it, replacing it, and what to do if the relay isn't the problem.

Understanding the Fuel Pump Relay in Your 2001 Volvo V70

The fuel pump relay is an electromagnetic switch that controls power to the fuel pump. When you turn the ignition key to the "on" position, the Engine Control Module (ECM) sends a signal to the relay, which then closes and sends battery voltage to the fuel pump. The pump runs for about three to five seconds to prime the fuel system, and then it stops until the engine starts or you crank the engine.

If the relay fails, the fuel pump never gets power, and the engine won't start. The relay is designed to handle high current, but over time, the internal contacts can wear out, burn, or stick, causing intermittent or complete failure.

Precise Location of the Fuel Pump Relay

Many owners and even some repair manuals mistakenly say the fuel pump relay is in the engine compartment fuse box. That is incorrect for the 2001 Volvo V70. The relay is not under the hood.

  1. Under the Driver's Side Dashboard: The relay is located inside the passenger compartment, on the driver's side. You need to look up under the dashboard, above the pedal area.
  2. Inside the Central Electronic Module (CEM): The relay is not a standalone unit. It plugs directly into the CEM. The CEM is a black box that contains many of the car's control modules and relays.
  3. Accessing It: To see the relay, you will need to remove the lower dash panel on the driver's side. This panel is usually held in place by two Torx screws (size T20 or T25). Once the panel is removed, you will see the bottom of the CEM.
  4. Identifying the Relay: On the bottom of the CEM, you will see one or two small, rectangular relays plugged in side by side. If your car has front fog lights, there will be two relays. One is for the fuel pump, and the other is for the fog lights. They are identical relays.

A Simple Test: Swap the Relays

Before you buy any parts, you can perform a quick and easy test. Since the fuel pump relay and the fog light relay are the same part and are located right next to each other on the CEM, you can simply swap them.

  1. Locate the two relays on the bottom of the CEM.
  2. Carefully pull both relays straight out of their sockets. They are small and should come out with a gentle tug.
  3. Swap their positions. Put the relay that was in the fuel pump position into the fog light position, and vice versa.
  4. Try to start the car. If the car starts and runs normally now, the problem was the relay. The relay that was in the fuel pump socket is faulty. If the car still won't start, the relay is likely not the problem, and you should move on to checking the fuse and the pump itself.

Checking the Fuel Pump Fuse

If swapping the relays doesn't fix the problem, the next step is to check the fuel pump fuse. A blown fuse is an easy fix.

The fuel pump fuse for the 2001 Volvo V70 is a 15-amp fuse located in the passenger compartment fuse box. This fuse box is located at the left end of the dashboard (the driver's side end). Open the end cover, and look for the fuse labeled "33" or "Fuel pump." According to the owner's manual and wiring diagrams, this is fuse number 33 and is rated at 15 amps.

  1. Remove the fuse using the fuse puller tool that is usually stored in the fuse box cover.
  2. Inspect the metal strip inside the fuse. If it is broken or melted, the fuse is blown.
  3. Replace it with a new 15-amp fuse. Never use a fuse with a higher amperage rating, as this can cause electrical damage or a fire.
  4. Try to start the car. If the new fuse blows immediately, there is a short circuit in the fuel pump wiring or the pump itself, which will require further diagnosis.

Testing the Fuel Pump Relay with a Multimeter

If you want to be more thorough, you can test the relay itself using a digital multimeter (DVOM). This will tell you if the relay's coil is working and if the internal switch is closing properly.

The relay has five pins. To test it, you need to identify the terminals. Based on the wiring diagrams for the 2001 V70, the terminal numbers are typically:

  • Terminal 15 (Coil Positive): This is the ignition-switched power feed to the relay coil.
  • Terminal 31 (Coil Negative): This is the ground for the relay coil.
  • Terminal 31b (ECM Control): This is the signal wire from the ECM that tells the relay to turn on. When the ECM wants the pump to run, it grounds this terminal.
  • Terminal 87 (Output): This is the output that sends power to the fuel pump.
  • Terminal 30 (Input): This is the constant battery power input to the relay.

How to test:

  1. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms).
  2. Measure across the coil terminals (15 and 31). You should see a resistance reading, typically between 50 and 120 ohms. If you see an open circuit (infinite resistance), the coil is burned out.
  3. Set your multimeter to measure continuity (beep mode).
  4. Check the switch terminals (30 and 87). With the relay at rest (not powered), there should be no continuity (no beep).
  5. Apply 12 volts to the coil terminals (15 and 31). You can use a battery or a power supply. When you apply power, you should hear a click, and now there should be continuity between terminals 30 and 87.

Bypassing the Fuel Pump Relay for Testing

If you want to quickly test if the fuel pump itself is working, you can bypass the relay. This is a temporary test only, and you must use a fused jumper wire. Never use a paper clip or a bare wire, as this can cause a short circuit and damage your car's wiring.

  1. Locate the relay socket on the CEM (after removing the relay).
  2. Identify terminals 30 and 87. In the 2001 V70, the two wide spade connectors on the relay are terminals 3 and 5, which correspond to the power input and output.
  3. Connect a fused jumper wire between these two terminals.
  4. Turn the ignition key to the "on" position. The fuel pump should run continuously. You should be able to hear it humming from the rear of the car.
  5. If the pump runs, the issue is with the relay or its control circuit.
  6. If the pump does not run, the problem is with the fuse, the wiring, or the pump itself.

What to Do If the Relay and Fuse Are Good

If you have tested the relay and the fuse and they are both working, but the fuel pump still does not run, the problem is likely one of the following:

  1. The Fuel Pump Itself: The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank. On the 2001 V70, it is under the cargo area floor on the right side (passenger side). You can access it by removing the access panel inside the trunk. To test the pump, you can measure its resistance. The pump winding should have a resistance of about 1.0 to 1.5 ohms. If it reads significantly higher or shows an open circuit, the pump is dead.
  2. The Main Relay: The fuel system main relay supplies power to the fuel pump relay. This relay is located in the engine compartment fuse box (position 2/32). If this relay fails, the fuel pump relay will not receive power.
  3. Wiring or Ground Issues: Corroded or broken wires between the relay, the fuse, and the pump can cause a no-start condition. Check the ground connections, especially G104 (rear of left front fender) and G317 (rear of left rear door sill).

Recommended Replacement Parts: KEMSO Fuel Pump

When it is time to replace your fuel pump, you want a part that is reliable and built to last. KEMSO Fuel Pumps are an excellent choice for your 2001 Volvo V70. They are high-performance, OEM replacement pumps designed to deliver consistent fuel flow and pressure.

KEMSO fuel pumps are engineered to handle up to 600 horsepower, making them suitable for both standard and modified vehicles. They are built with precision and durability in mind, and they come with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected. Whether you need a direct replacement for your stock pump or a high-flow upgrade for better performance, KEMSO has a solution that fits your needs.

You can browse their full selection of fuel pumps and find the right fit for your vehicle at their website. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to explore their product lineup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When troubleshooting the fuel system on your 2001 Volvo V70, avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Using a paper clip or non-fused wire as a jumper. This can cause excessive current flow, heat buildup, and potential damage to the wiring harness. Always use a fused jumper wire when testing the relay.
  • Ignoring the main relay. The fuel system main relay (position 2/32) supplies power to the fuel pump relay. If this relay fails, the fuel pump relay will not receive power.
  • Replacing parts without proper diagnosis. Always test the relay, fuse, and pump before buying new parts. A simple test can save you from buying parts you do not need.
  • Using the wrong fuse amperage. Always replace fuses with the exact amperage rating specified in the owner's manual. Using a higher amperage fuse can cause electrical damage or fire.

Final Thoughts

The fuel pump relay on a 2001 Volvo V70 is a small but critical component. Its location inside the Central Electronic Module, under the driver's side dashboard, makes it easy to access and test. By following the diagnostic steps outlined in this guide, you can quickly determine if the relay is the source of your starting problems. If you need a new fuel pump, consider KEMSO for a reliable, high-performance replacement that comes with a lifetime warranty.

Remember, proper diagnosis is the key to a successful repair. Take your time, use the right tools, and always prioritize safety when working with the fuel system. For more information on high-quality fuel pumps, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/.


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