2005 Mitsubishi Outlander Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Guide for Owners

The 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander fuel pump relay is located behind the glove box (passenger compartment fuse box) on the driver's side interior fuse panel, and a second fuel pump relay is found in the engine compartment relay box on the left side. If your Outlander is experiencing hard starting, stalling, or loss of power, the fuel pump relay is one of the first things you should check before replacing the fuel pump itself. This guide walks you through exactly where to find both relays, how to test them, and what to do if they fail.

Where Exactly Is the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander?

The 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander actually has two fuel pump relays, not just one. Knowing the exact location of both will save you time when diagnosing problems.

Location 1: The Passenger Compartment Fuse Box (Behind the Glove Box)

The primary fuel pump relay — labeled Fuel Pump Relay (1) — is located in the interior fuse box behind the storage compartment on the instrument panel.

Steps to access it:

1. Open the glove box (storage compartment) on the passenger side.
2. Pull the storage compartment toward you while lifting it up to remove it entirely.
3. Locate the fuse panel behind where the glove box was.
4. Look for the relay labeled R1 — this is Fuel Pump Relay (1). It is the first relay in the row of relays at the top of the fuse block.

Inside this passenger compartment fuse box, you'll find eight relays arranged at the top of the block:

• R1: Fuel Pump Relay (1) — controls the primary fuel pump circuit
• R2: Heated Front Seats Relay
• R3: Fuel Pump Relay (2) — secondary relay for the fuel pump circuit
• R4: Relay Socket for Additional Equipment
• R5: Rear Fog Light Relay
• R6: Power Windows Relay
• R7: Heater Fan Motor Relay
• R8: Rear Window Defroster Relay

Location 2: The Engine Compartment Fuse Box

The second fuel pump relay — Fuel Pump Relay (2) — is located in the engine compartment relay box on the left side of the engine compartment (driver's side, near the battery).

Steps to access it:

1. Open the hood and look on the left side of the engine bay.
2. Locate the black fuse/relay box mounted near the battery.
3. Push the lock lever and remove the fuse block cover.
4. Inside the main fuse block, find fuse No. 24 — a 15A fuse labeled "Fuel pump."
5. The actual fuel pump relay (2) is one of the relays mounted on the fuse block. According to the wiring diagrams, the fuel pump relay (2) is part of the relay group inside this box.

Important note: The 2005 Outlander fuel pump relay circuit uses two relays operating together. The battery voltage flows through Fuel Pump Relay (1) to power Fuel Pump Relay (2). When the Engine Control Unit (ECU) turns on the power transistor, it energizes Relay (2), which then supplies battery voltage to the fuel pump itself.

What Does the Fuel Pump Fuse Look Like and Where Is It?

The fuel pump fuse is separate from the relay and also easy to locate. In the engine compartment fuse box, look for fuse No. 24, rated at 15A, clearly labeled "Fuel Pump." This fuse protects the fuel pump circuit from electrical overloads. If this fuse is blown, the fuel pump won't receive power even if the relay is working perfectly.

In the passenger compartment fuse box, the fuel pump is indirectly related to fuse No. 8 (7.5A), which powers the engine control system and the fuel pump relay circuit.

How to Test the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander Fuel Pump Relay

Before spending money on a new fuel pump, testing the relay is straightforward and can save you hundreds of dollars. Here's how to do it:

The "Listen and Feel" Method

This is the easiest first step and requires no tools.

1. Have a helper turn the ignition key to the ON position (but do not start the engine).
2. Listen near the passenger side fuse box for a faint "click" sound — this is the relay engaging.
3. Place your finger on the relay itself. You should feel a slight vibration when it activates.
4. If you hear nothing and feel nothing, the relay is likely not closing the circuit.

The Continuity Test Method

For a more thorough check, you can test the relay with a multimeter:

1. Remove the relay from its socket by gently pulling it straight up.
2. Identify the relay terminals. Most fuel pump relays have 4 pins: two for the coil (control circuit) and two for the switch (power circuit).
3. Test the coil: Set your multimeter to resistance (ohms). Measure resistance between terminals No. 2 and No. 3. You should get a reading between 50–120 ohms. If you get infinite resistance (open circuit), the coil is burned out.
4. Test the switch contacts: With no power applied, measure resistance between terminals No. 1 and No. 4. You should read infinite resistance (no continuity) because the switch is normally open.
5. Apply 12V power to terminals No. 2 (negative) and No. 3 (positive). Now measure terminals No. 1 and No. 4 again — you should now read near-zero resistance (continuity).

If the relay fails any of these tests, replace it immediately.

Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

The 2005 Outlander will show specific warning signs when the fuel pump relay is failing. These symptoms closely mimic a bad fuel pump, so testing the relay first is critical.

• Engine cranks but won't start: The most common sign. You can hear the starter turning the engine, but the engine never fires up because no fuel is reaching the injectors.
• Intermittent stalling: The engine may run fine for a while, then suddenly die without warning. After a few minutes, it may restart again. This is a classic relay failure pattern where the relay contacts overheat and lose connection.
• No fuel pump priming sound: When you turn the key to ON, a healthy system produces a 1–2 second whirring sound from the rear of the vehicle (the fuel pump pressurizing the system). If you hear nothing, the relay may not be sending power to the pump.
• Engine starts but runs rough or lacks power: A failing relay may not deliver full voltage to the pump, resulting in low fuel pressure.
• Check Engine Light is on: The ECU monitors the fuel pump circuit and will log fault codes if the circuit is open or the relay fails to engage.

Other Common Causes of Fuel Pump Relay Failure

While relays can simply wear out over time, several specific issues are known to affect the 2005 Outlander:

• Corrosion and moisture: Some Outlander owners have reported that the original relays could condense moisture in bad weather, causing intermittent failure. Mitsubishi later addressed this by replacing relays with a vented type.
• Overheating: If the fuel pump itself is drawing too much current (due to age or a partially seized pump motor), the relay coil can overheat and burn out.
• Vibration damage: The relay is a mechanical device with moving contacts. Years of driving vibration can cause the internal spring or contacts to wear out.

Step-by-Step Fuel Pump Relay Replacement

If you have confirmed the relay is bad, replacement takes about 15 minutes.

1. Safety first: Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent any accidental shorts.
2. Access the relay: Remove the glove box as described above to access the passenger compartment fuse box.
3. Remove the old relay: Use a firm, steady pull to remove the relay from its socket. Do not twist or rock it excessively.
4. Identify the correct replacement: The fuel pump relay for the 2005 Outlander is a standard 4-pin, 12V relay. Most auto parts stores carry a compatible replacement. Check that the terminal layout matches your old relay.
5. Install the new relay: Push the new relay firmly into the socket until it clicks into place.
6. Reconnect the battery and test: Turn the key to ON and listen for the fuel pump priming sound. Start the engine and verify normal operation.

Fuel Pump Relay vs. Fuel Pump: Which One Is Bad?

This is the most common diagnostic dilemma for Outlander owners. Here's a quick way to tell them apart without expensive tools:

Simple test: If you can hear the relay clicking but the pump doesn't run, the problem is likely the pump or its wiring. If you hear no click at all, start with the relay.

2005 Mitsubishi Outlander Fuel System Quick Reference

For reference, the 2005 Outlander fuel system operates at 3.5 bar (approximately 50.76 psi) with a flow rate of 90–95 liters per hour. The low-pressure fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank, while the high-pressure pump (for models equipped) is mounted near the engine.

The fuel pump relay (1) receives battery voltage from the ignition switch and grounds through the vehicle body. When the Engine-ECU sends a signal to the fuel pump relay (2), it closes the circuit and delivers full battery voltage to the fuel pump assembly.

When You Need More Than a Relay: Choosing the Right Fuel Pump

Sometimes, even after replacing a bad relay, the fuel pump itself has already been damaged by years of service or by running on a nearly empty tank repeatedly. If your Outlander has over 100,000 miles and you're replacing the relay, it's often wise to inspect the fuel pump condition as well.

If you need a high-performance, reliable replacement fuel pump for your 2005 Outlander or any other vehicle, consider KEMSO Fuel Pumps. KEMSO specializes in aftermarket fuel pumps that are built to OEM replacement specifications — meaning they match or exceed the quality of the factory part. Every KEMSO fuel pump undergoes rigorous performance testing to ensure consistent fuel pressure and flow. Best of all, KEMSO stands behind every product with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind long after the installation. Whether you drive a Mitsubishi Outlander, a BMW motorcycle, a Sea-Doo watercraft, or a Honda Civic, KEMSO has a fuel pump designed to fit perfectly and perform reliably. Check out the full lineup of KEMSO fuel pumps at: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Final thought: If your 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander is having fuel delivery issues, always check and test the fuel pump relay first. It's a cheap, easy, and fast fix compared to a full fuel pump replacement. The passenger compartment fuse box behind the glove box is where you'll find Fuel Pump Relay (1), and the engine compartment box holds both the fuel pump fuse (No. 24, 15A) and Fuel Pump Relay (2). A simple continuity test with a multimeter will tell you in under five minutes whether the relay is the culprit. If it is, a new relay will have your Outlander back on the road quickly and without draining your wallet.

For more information and to browse high-quality aftermarket fuel pumps with a lifetime warranty, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/