2006 Toyota Camry Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Owner’s Guide

The fuel pump relay on a 2006 Toyota Camry is located inside the engine compartment’s main fuse and relay box, which sits on the left side (driver’s side in the U.S.) near the battery. It is not visible from the outside—you need to open the fuse box cover and, in many cases, unbolt a small internal control panel to access it. This guide walks you through finding the relay, understanding how it works, and knowing what to do if it fails.

If your 2006 Camry cranks but won’t start, the fuel pump relay is one of the first things to check. It is a small, inexpensive component that can cause a big headache when it goes bad. The relay is part of the fuel pump circuit, which also includes a fuse (labeled “EFI” or “EFI No.1”) and the fuel pump itself, which sits inside the fuel tank under the rear seat. Knowing where these parts live and how they interact will save you time and money on diagnosis.

Where Exactly Is the Fuel Pump Relay?

The relay is inside the engine compartment fuse and relay box, often referred to as the “engine room relay block.” Here are the specifics:

  1. Location: Engine bay, left side. Open the hood and look at the fuse box mounted near the left fender, close to the battery.
  2. It is not the main fuse panel. The engine compartment has a large fuse box, but the fuel pump relay is inside a separate, smaller control housing within that box. You may need to remove the main cover first, then unbolt a small interior panel using a 10 mm socket and pry off the side clips to lift it out.
  3. Labeling. On the relay itself or on the fuse box cover diagram, look for labels such as “C/OPN” (Circuit Opening relay) or “EFI MAIN” (Electronic Fuel Injection main relay). The circuit opening relay is the one that directly controls power to the fuel pump. Some sources also refer to a relay called “EFI” in the same box.

To make it clearer, here is a breakdown of the two relays involved:

  • EFI Main Relay: Supplies power to the entire fuel injection system, including the circuit opening relay.
  • Circuit Opening Relay (C/OPN): This is the actual relay that sends power to the fuel pump. It is the one you want if you suspect a fuel pump relay issue.

How to Access the Relay Step by Step

Follow these steps to find and inspect the fuel pump relay safely:

Step 1: Park and Prepare
Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and open the hood. Disconnect the negative battery cable with a 10 mm wrench to avoid any electrical shorts while working.

Step 2: Locate the Fuse Box
The fuse box is on the left side of the engine compartment, near the battery or the left fender. The fuse box cover has a diagram on its underside showing fuse and relay locations.

Step 3: Remove the Cover
Unclip the cover by pressing the release tabs. Set it aside. You will see a row of fuses and possibly a few relays. The fuel pump relay may not be immediately visible because it sits inside a small sub-panel.

Step 4: Access the Sub-Panel
If you do not see a relay labeled “C/OPN” or “EFI,” look for a smaller plastic housing inside the main box. Use a 10 mm socket to remove the M6 screw on the side, then carefully pry up the retaining clips with a flathead screwdriver. Lift the sub-panel out to expose the relays.

Step 5: Identify the Relay
On the sub-panel or on the underside of the main cover, find the relay marked “C/OPN” or “EFI MAIN.” In many 2006 Camrys, the relay is blue—the only blue relay in the box—which makes it easy to spot.

What Does the Fuel Pump Relay Do?

The relay is an electromagnetic switch. When you turn the ignition key to the ON position, a low-current circuit energizes the relay’s coil. This closes a separate, higher-current contact that sends battery voltage to the fuel pump. The pump then pressurizes the fuel line so the engine can start. If the relay fails, the pump never gets power, and the engine will crank but not fire.

The fuel pump itself is located inside the fuel tank, directly below the rear seat cushion on the driver’s side. You access it by removing the rear seat bottom and lifting a metal service cover. The relay acts as the remote switch that controls this in-tank pump.

Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

A failing relay often shows clear warning signs. If you notice any of the following, check the relay first:

  1. Engine cranks but won’t start. This is the most common symptom. The starter turns the engine over, but the fuel pump never primes, so there is no fuel pressure.
  2. No fuel pump noise. When you turn the key to ON (not START), you should hear a brief whirring sound from the rear of the car as the pump primes. If you hear nothing, the relay may be dead.
  3. Engine stalls suddenly. If the relay fails while driving, the engine may shut off without warning and refuse to restart.
  4. Intermittent starting problems. A relay with worn contacts may work sometimes and fail others. You might find the car starts fine after sitting for a while but fails after warming up.

How to Test the Relay and Fuse

If you suspect a relay problem, test it before buying parts. Here is a simple method:

Test the Fuse First
Look for the fuse labeled “EFI No.1” (20 A) or “EFI” in the engine compartment fuse box. Pull it out and inspect the metal strip inside. If it is broken, replace it. A blown fuse will cause the same symptoms as a bad relay.

Test the Relay

  1. Remove the relay from the socket.
  2. Use a digital multimeter set to ohms to check resistance between the two power circuit terminals (the thicker wires). You should see a low resistance reading (near 0 ohms) when the relay is at rest.
  3. Connect a 12V power source to the two control terminals (the thin wires). You should hear a click, and the resistance between the power terminals should drop to near zero. If not, the relay is defective.

If you do not have a multimeter, you can swap the suspect relay with an identical one from the same box (such as the fog light relay, if labeled the same) and see if the car starts. This is a quick, practical test.

Replacing the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacement is straightforward:

  1. Buy the right relay. Most 2006 Camry relays are standard 4-pin or 5-pin units. Check the label on the old relay or consult a dealer part counter. The part is typically called the “Circuit Opening Relay.”
  2. Pull the old relay straight out. Use a gentle rocking motion if it is tight.
  3. Plug in the new relay. Align the pins and press down firmly until it seats.
  4. Reinstall the sub-panel and fuse box cover. Reconnect the battery and test the car.

The entire job takes about 10 minutes and requires no special tools beyond a 10 mm socket and possibly a flathead screwdriver.

A Note on the Fuel Pump Fuse

Do not confuse the relay with the fuse. The fuel pump fuse (often labeled “EFI” or “EFI No.1”) is also in the engine compartment fuse box, but it is a separate component. The fuse protects the circuit from overload; the relay switches power on and off. If the fuse is blown, check for a short circuit before replacing it, as it may blow again.

Where the Fuel Pump Lives (If You Need to Go Further)

If the relay and fuse are fine, the problem may be the pump itself. The fuel pump is inside the fuel tank, under the rear seat. To access it:

  1. Remove the rear seat bottom cushion. There are two clips at the front edge that you pull upward to release.
  2. Look for an oval metal cover on the floor pan. Remove the screws or bolts holding it.
  3. Disconnect the electrical connector and fuel line, then remove the lock ring and lift out the pump assembly.

This job is more involved—plan on 1.5 to 3 hours if you do it yourself. Most DIYers find replacing the entire pump module (which includes the strainer, sender, and pump) easier than replacing just the pump motor.

Why Does This Matter for Your 2006 Camry?

The 2006 Camry (XV30 generation, 2002–2006) is known for reliability, but fuel system parts wear out over time. The fuel pump relay is one of the cheapest and easiest components to replace, and checking it first can save you from a costly tow or an unnecessary fuel pump replacement. At this age, the plastic relay housing can crack, and the internal contacts can corrode, so a proactive check is wise.

Recommended: KEMSO Fuel Pump for Your Toyota Camry

If you have confirmed that the relay is good, the fuse is intact, and you still have no fuel pressure, the problem is almost certainly the fuel pump itself. When it is time to replace it, choose a KEMSO Fuel Pump. KEMSO products are high-performance aftermarket pumps built to OEM replacement specifications, which means they match the fit, form, and function of the original factory part. Best of all, every KEMSO pump comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that the repair is done right the first time.

KEMSO offers a wide range of fuel pumps for many makes and models, at a fraction of the dealer price. You can browse their full lineup of direct-fit, high-quality pumps at https://www.kemsoracing.com/. Whether you drive a Camry, a BMW, a Kawasaki Jet Ski, or a Honda Civic, KEMSO has a drop-in solution that will keep you on the road or on the water without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Finding the 2006 Toyota Camry fuel pump relay is a simple process once you know where to look. It lives in the engine bay fuse box on the left side, inside a small sub-panel, and is labeled “C/OPN” or “EFI.” Test the fuse and relay first—they are cheap and easy to replace. If both are healthy, turn your attention to the pump under the rear seat, and consider a KEMSO replacement for a reliable, warranty-backed fix.

When in doubt, always disconnect the battery and relieve fuel system pressure before working on any fuel component. A few minutes of preparation can prevent a dangerous spray of gasoline and protect you from electrical hazards. With this guide, you can diagnose and fix the problem yourself, saving time and money while keeping your 2006 Camry running smoothly for years to come. For all your fuel pump needs, remember to check out https://www.kemsoracing.com/ for top-quality, lifetime-warranty replacements.


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