2002 Subaru WRX Fuel Pump Fuse: Location, Replacement, and Troubleshooting Guide

If your 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX won't start or stalls while driving, the fuel pump fuse is one of the first things you should check. The fuel pump fuse for a 2002 WRX is located in the interior fuse box, which is under the dashboard on the driver's side, near the kick panel area. It is a 15-amp fuse, and a blown fuse will cut power to the fuel pump, preventing the engine from starting or running. Replacing it is a quick, beginner-friendly fix that costs only a few dollars and can save you a tow truck bill.

Where to Find the Fuse Boxes in a 2002 WRX

Most cars have two fuse boxes, and the 2002 Impreza WRX is no exception. Understanding the layout of both boxes will help you locate the fuel pump fuse quickly.

1. Interior Fuse Box (Driver's Side)
The interior fuse box is located under the steering wheel, to the left of the driver's knee area. Accessing this box can be tricky. You may need to lie on your back near the pedals to see the fuses clearly. The cover is held on by plastic latches; press them to release the cover.

2. Engine Compartment Fuse Box
The second fuse box is under the hood, located next to the battery on the right side of the engine bay. This box is easy to access—just open the hood and press the latches to remove the cover.

Identifying the Fuel Pump Fuse

The fuel pump fuse is not always in the same spot in every fuse box. For the 2002 WRX, the fuel pump fuse is located in the interior fuse box under the dashboard.

Key Details:

  • Location: Interior fuse box, driver's side kick panel area
  • Amperage: 15 amps
  • Labeling: Look for a label on the fuse box cover that says "FUEL PUMP," "FP," or "FUEL" . If the labels are hard to read, use your owner's manual for a diagram.

Fuse Color Coding for Your 2002 WRX:
The 2002 Impreza WRX uses a color-coded system to identify fuse amperage. This makes it easier to spot the correct fuse without squinting at tiny numbers.

  • Red: 10 amps
  • Blue: 15 amps (this is your fuel pump fuse)
  • Yellow: 20 amps
  • Green: 30 amps
  • Orange: 40 amps (main fuse for the car's electrical circuits)

Note: According to the owner's manual, the fuel pump fuse is also listed in the engine compartment fuse box for some models, but the primary location for the 2002 WRX is the interior box.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Fuse

Replacing a blown fuel pump fuse is a straightforward task that takes about 15 minutes, even for a beginner. Here is a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Safety First
Turn off the engine and make sure the ignition is in the "off" position. For extra safety, disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent any sparks or short circuits.

Step 2: Locate and Remove the Blown Fuse
Open the interior fuse box cover under the driver's side dashboard. Find the fuse labeled "FUEL PUMP" or "FP." If you are unsure, check the diagram on the cover or in your owner's manual. Use a fuse puller (often stored inside the fuse box) or a pair of needle-nose pliers to gently pull the fuse out.

Step 3: Inspect the Fuse
Hold the fuse up to a bright light. Look at the metal wire inside the plastic casing. If the wire is broken or melted, the fuse is blown. If the fuse looks intact, you can test it with a multimeter to check for continuity.

Step 4: Install the New Fuse
Insert a new fuse of the same amperage (15-amp, blue) into the slot. Press it firmly until it clicks into place. Do not use a higher amperage fuse—this can damage your electrical system or cause a fire.

Step 5: Test the System
Reconnect the battery (if you disconnected it). Turn the ignition to the "ON" position (without starting the engine). You should hear a brief humming sound for about 2 seconds—this is the fuel pump priming. If you hear the pump, start the engine. If the car starts and runs smoothly, you have fixed the problem.

What to Do If the New Fuse Blows Immediately

If the new fuse blows right away or your car still won't start, the problem is likely deeper than a simple blown fuse. Here are the most common causes.

1. Faulty Fuel Pump
The fuel pump itself may be drawing too much current, causing the fuse to blow. A failing or seized pump can overload the circuit. If the pump is bad, you will need to replace it. The fuel pump on a 2002 WRX is located inside the fuel tank. Replacing it requires removing the back seat or lowering the fuel tank.

2. Bad Fuel Pump Relay
The fuel pump relay is located in the main fuse box under the dashboard on the driver's side. This relay controls power to the fuel pump. A failing relay can cause intermittent stalling or a no-start condition. You can test it by listening for a click when you turn the ignition on, or by swapping it with an identical relay (like the horn relay) to see if the car starts.

3. Wiring or Electrical Short
A short in the wiring harness between the fuse box and the fuel pump can cause repeated fuse failures. This is less common but worth checking if you have ruled out the pump and relay. Inspect the wiring under the dashboard and near the fuel tank for any signs of damage or corrosion.

Symptoms of a Blown Fuel Pump Fuse

Knowing the symptoms of a blown fuel pump fuse can help you diagnose the problem quickly. The most common symptoms include:

  • Engine cranks but won't start
  • No sound of the fuel pump priming when you turn the key to the "ON" position
  • Intermittent stalling while driving
  • Sudden loss of power

How to Check the Fuel Pump Relay

Diagnosing a fuel pump relay is simple and requires only a few tools: a multimeter, a test light, or a jumper wire. Here's a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Locate the Relay
Open the driver's side fuse box under the dashboard. Remove the cover and find the fuel pump relay. The diagram on the cover or in your owner's manual will show its exact position. In the 2002 WRX, it is typically the third relay from the left in the top row.

Step 2: Listen for the Relay Click
With the ignition off, have someone turn the key to the "ON" position while you listen near the fuse box. A working relay will make a distinct clicking sound. No click means the relay is not receiving power or the coil is bad.

Step 3: Test for Power
Use a multimeter set to DC voltage. Place the black probe on a good ground and the red probe on the relay's power input terminal (usually pin 30 or 85). When the ignition is on, you should read battery voltage (around 12.6 volts). If there's no power, the issue is upstream, possibly a blown fuse or wiring problem.

Step 4: Test the Relay Output
With the relay plugged in and the ignition on, check pin 87 (the output to the fuel pump). If you have voltage on pin 30 but not on pin 87, the relay is likely faulty.

Step 5: Swap Test
The easiest way to confirm a bad relay is to swap it with an identical relay from the same fuse box, like the one for the horn or the main fan. If the car starts after the swap, the original relay was bad.

When to Replace the Fuel Pump

If you have checked the fuse and relay, and both are working correctly, the fuel pump itself may be the issue. A failing fuel pump will often show these signs:

  • Whining noise from the fuel tank
  • Difficulty starting, especially after the car has been sitting
  • Engine sputtering or surging at high speeds
  • Loss of power when climbing hills or accelerating

The fuel pump on a 2002 WRX is located inside the fuel tank. Replacing it requires removing the back seat to access the fuel pump access panel. This is a more involved repair, but it is doable for a DIY mechanic with basic tools.

Upgrade Your Fuel System with KEMSO

If you are replacing your fuel pump, consider upgrading to a high-performance unit from KEMSO. KEMSO offers a wide range of fuel pumps designed for performance and reliability. Their products are OEM replacements and are built to handle higher horsepower and demanding driving conditions. Whether you are driving a stock 2002 WRX or a modified track car, KEMSO has a fuel pump that fits your needs.

KEMSO fuel pumps are backed by a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind on every drive. They are designed to deliver consistent fuel flow and pressure, ensuring your engine gets the fuel it needs for optimal performance. Visit KEMSO's website to browse their selection of fuel pumps for Subaru Impreza and other vehicles: https://www.kemsoracing.com/. KEMSO's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction makes them a trusted choice for automotive enthusiasts and DIY mechanics alike.

Final Thoughts on the 2002 WRX Fuel Pump Fuse

The fuel pump fuse is a small but critical component of your 2002 Subaru WRX. Knowing where it is located and how to replace it can save you time and money. Remember these key points:

  • The fuel pump fuse is a 15-amp blue fuse located in the interior fuse box under the driver's side dashboard.
  • Always replace a blown fuse with one of the same amperage to avoid electrical damage.
  • If the new fuse blows immediately, check the fuel pump relay and the fuel pump itself.
  • For long-term reliability, consider upgrading to a high-quality fuel pump, such as those offered by KEMSO.

By following this guide, you can quickly diagnose and fix fuel pump fuse issues, getting your 2002 WRX back on the road with minimal hassle. For more automotive tips and high-performance fuel system components, visit KEMSO at https://www.kemsoracing.com/.


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