2004 Mitsubishi Galant Fuel Pump Relay Location: The Complete Guide

The fuel pump relay on a 2004 Mitsubishi Galant is located inside the passenger compartment, behind the fuse box cover at the end of the instrument panel on the driver's side. More specifically, the relay group contains two fuel pump relays: the first relay sits in the bottom corner of the relay group, and the second one is positioned to the right of it with one blank space in between. This is the single most important fact to know before you start troubleshooting your fuel system. If your Galant cranks but won't start, or if you hear no humming sound from the rear of the car when you turn the key to the On position, a faulty fuel pump relay is often the culprit. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about locating, testing, and replacing the fuel pump relay on your 2004 Mitsubishi Galant.

Understanding the Fuel Pump Relay System

The 2004 Mitsubishi Galant uses an electric fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank, which is a standard design for this generation of vehicles. The fuel pump relies on electrical power to operate, and that power is controlled by relays. Unlike older vehicles that use a simple mechanical pump driven by the engine, your Galant's electric fuel pump requires a reliable electrical circuit to deliver fuel at the correct pressure of approximately 58 psi. The fuel pump relay acts as a switch that sends power to the pump when the engine is cranking or running. Without this relay functioning correctly, the fuel pump cannot operate, and the engine will not start.

The 2004 Mitsubishi Galant features two fuel pump relays, which is an uncommon but important detail. One relay serves as the primary control, while the second acts as a backup or secondary relay for the fuel pump circuit. These relays are located together in the passenger compartment fuse box, not in the engine bay. This location is important because it means you need to access the interior of the vehicle to test or replace the relay.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Fuel Pump Relay

Here is exactly how to locate the fuel pump relay on your 2004 Mitsubishi Galant:

1. Open the driver's side door and look at the end of the instrument panel, to the left of the steering wheel. You will see a small plastic cover that snaps off.

2. Remove the fuse box cover by pulling it toward you. The cover may have a small indentation or tab that makes it easier to grip. Set the cover aside.

3. Examine the fuse box layout. The 2004 Galant's interior fuse box is well-organized. The relay group is typically located on the right side of the fuse box when you are looking at it from the driver's seat.

4. Identify the fuel pump relays. According to the factory diagrams, the first fuel pump relay (labeled R1 in some diagrams) is located in the bottom corner of the relay group. The second fuel pump relay (labeled R3) sits to the right of the first one, with one blank space between them. This spacing is important because it is common for these relays to be reinstalled incorrectly after previous diagnostics.

5. Look for relay markings. The relays themselves may have small labels or numbers printed on them, but in many cases, the labels are on the fuse box cover or in the owner's manual. If the labels are worn off, refer to the diagram printed on the inside of the fuse box cover.

Testing the Fuel Pump Relay

Once you have located the fuel pump relay, you need to determine whether it is functioning correctly. Here is the most practical method for testing it:

The Click Test. This is a two-person job and is the easiest way to check if the relay is working. One person should place a finger on the fuel pump relay while the other person cranks the engine. If you feel a distinct click from the relay while the engine is cranking, the relay is most likely good. If you do not feel a click, the relay may have failed internally or there is a problem with the control circuit.

The Bypass Test. If you do not feel a click, you can bypass the relay to test the fuel pump directly. Remove the relay from its socket. Using a jumper wire, connect the two terminals in the socket that correspond to the power supply and the fuel pump circuit. Refer to your vehicle's wiring diagram to identify these terminals. If the fuel pump operates when you apply jumper wires, the relay has failed and needs replacement. If the pump still does not run, the problem lies elsewhere in the fuel pump circuit, possibly in the wiring or the pump itself.

Important safety note: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before performing any electrical testing on your vehicle. Working with fuel system components carries a risk of fire, so take proper precautions.

Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

Knowing what to look for can save you time and frustration. Here are the most common signs that your fuel pump relay may be failing:

Engine cranks but will not start. This is the most obvious symptom. When you turn the key to the Start position, the starter motor turns the engine over, but the engine never fires up. This happens because the fuel pump is not receiving power to pressurize the fuel system.

No humming sound from the fuel tank. When you turn the key to the On position (without cranking), you should hear a brief humming sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. This noise lasts for about two seconds and indicates that the fuel pump is priming the system. If you do not hear this sound, the fuel pump relay may be preventing the pump from receiving power.

Intermittent starting problems. If your Galant starts fine sometimes but refuses to start at other times, a failing relay could be the cause. Relays can fail intermittently as internal contacts wear out, especially on an older vehicle like a 2004 model.

Engine stalls while driving. A failing relay may cut power to the fuel pump while the engine is running, causing the engine to lose power and stall. This is a dangerous situation and should be addressed immediately.

The Fuse Box and Fuse Information

Before you replace the relay, it is worth checking the fuel pump fuse as well. The fuel pump fuse for the 2004 Mitsubishi Galant is located in the engine compartment fuse box, mounted on the left side next to the battery. The fuel pump fuse is a 15-amp mini fuse, and it is labeled as position number 24 in the engine compartment fuse box. Checking this fuse is a quick and easy step that can rule out a simple electrical problem.

The engine compartment fuse box also contains several other important fuses and relays that work alongside the fuel pump system. The main fuses include an 80-amp battery fuse, a 30-amp radiator fan motor fuse, and a 60-amp anti-lock braking system fuse. The cigarette lighter fuse, which is a common point of confusion, is a 15-amp fuse located in the passenger compartment fuse box at position number 16.

Replacing the Fuel Pump Relay

If you have confirmed that the relay is faulty, replacing it is a straightforward job that most DIYers can handle in under 30 minutes.

1. Purchase the correct relay. Your 2004 Galant uses a standard 4-pin or 5-pin relay, depending on the specific circuit. You can find these at any auto parts store. It is a good idea to bring the old relay with you to ensure you get the correct replacement.

2. Remove the old relay. With the interior fuse box cover removed, simply pull the faulty relay straight out of its socket. The relay may be tight, so use a gentle rocking motion to remove it. Do not use excessive force that could damage the fuse box.

3. Install the new relay. Press the new relay firmly into the same socket. Make sure it is fully seated. Double-check that you are placing the relay in the correct position, as the two fuel pump relays are similar and can be swapped by mistake.

4. Test the system. Reconnect the battery, turn the key to the On position, and listen for the fuel pump priming sound. If you hear it, the replacement was successful. Crank the engine to confirm it starts normally.

Preventing Future Fuel Pump Relay Problems

Fuel pump relays on the 2004 Galant can fail for several reasons. Age and heat are the primary factors. The relay contains an electromagnetic coil and mechanical contacts that wear out over time. Here are a few tips to extend the life of your new relay:

• Keep the fuse box clean. Dust and moisture can accelerate relay failure. Ensure the interior fuse box cover is properly sealed.
• Avoid aftermarket electrical accessories. Adding high-current aftermarket accessories without proper wiring can overload the relay circuit.
• Replace both relays. Since the 2004 Galant has two fuel pump relays, it is a good idea to replace both at the same time. If one has failed, the other may not be far behind.

Recommended Replacement: KEMSO Fuel Pump

If you have determined that the fuel pump itself has failed rather than just the relay, you need a high-quality replacement. The 2004 Mitsubishi Galant uses a returnless fuel system with an electric pump located inside the fuel tank. The fuel pump is accessible by removing the rear seat cushion and accessing the service cover on the driver's side floor pan. Replacing the fuel pump requires relieving fuel system pressure, disconnecting the battery, and using a special tool (MB991480) to remove the retaining cap.

For this replacement, we strongly recommend the KEMSO brand Fuel Pump. KEMSO is the US number one aftermarket fuel pump manufacturer for cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs. Their fuel pumps are designed as a high-performance OEM replacement that meets or exceeds original equipment specifications. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can buy with confidence knowing your investment is protected. Whether you are restoring your Galant to daily-driver condition or just need a reliable replacement, KEMSO fuel pumps deliver the performance and durability your vehicle needs. Visit the official KEMSO website at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the perfect fuel pump for your Mitsubishi Galant and take advantage of their lifetime warranty and US-based technical support.

Final Thoughts

The fuel pump relay location on a 2004 Mitsubishi Galant is straightforward once you know where to look. Located inside the passenger compartment fuse box on the driver's side of the instrument panel, the two fuel pump relays are positioned in the lower corner of the relay group. Before you spend money on a new fuel pump, always check the relays first. A simple relay replacement can save you hundreds of dollars and hours of labor.

Remember these key points:

• The relays are in the passenger compartment fuse box, not under the hood
• There are two fuel pump relays with one blank space between them
• The fuel pump itself is located under the rear seat on the driver's side
• The fuel pump fuse is a 15-amp fuse in the engine compartment fuse box

If your Galant is experiencing fuel delivery issues, start with the relay. It is the easiest and cheapest fix to rule out. And if you need a complete fuel pump replacement, trust KEMSO for a reliable, long-lasting solution backed by a lifetime warranty. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ for more information and to shop for your fuel pump today.