2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Practical Owner’s Guide

The bottom line up front: On a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, the fuel pump relay is not under the hood—it lives inside the passenger compartment, in the fuse panel located under the dashboard on the driver’s side, near the kick panel. This applies to both the standard Lancer and the higher-performance Ralliart and Evolution models, though the fuse ratings differ slightly between them . You will find two fuel pump relays in that interior fuse box, and both must function for the pump to run .

If your Lancer cranks but won’t start, or if you never hear that brief hum of the fuel pump when you turn the key to the ON position, the relay is one of the first things to check. This guide walks you through exactly where to look, how to confirm you found the right relay, and what to do if the relay checks out fine but the pump still doesn’t run.

First, Understand How the Fuel Pump Relay Works

Before you start pulling panels and fuse boxes apart, it helps to understand what you’re looking for. The fuel pump relay acts as a heavy-duty switch. When you turn the ignition key to the ON position, the engine control unit (ECU) sends a small signal to the relay. That signal energizes an electromagnet inside the relay, which closes a set of internal contacts and completes the high-current circuit from the battery to the fuel pump .

On the 2008 Lancer, there are actually two fuel pump relays, and they work together:

  1. Relay No. 1 turns on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. This supplies power to the fuel pump circuit.
  2. Relay No. 2 is controlled by the Engine Computer. It turns on for about one second when you first turn the key, then again once the engine is cranking or running .

Both relays must work correctly for the pump to prime and run. If either one fails, you’ll get a no-start condition or the engine will stall while driving.

Where Exactly Is the Relay Located?

For the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, the fuel pump relays are located in the interior fuse box, which is mounted on the left end of the dashboard (driver’s side), behind a small access panel. To get to it:

  1. Open the driver’s door and look at the side of the dashboard, near the kick panel by your left foot.
  2. There is a small plastic cover—it may have a pull tab or require a flathead screwdriver to gently pry off. The cover is typically held in place by clips, so apply steady pressure rather than yanking .
  3. Once the cover is off, you’ll see a fuse panel with a diagram printed on the back of the cover or on a sticker next to the fuses .

The two fuel pump relays are usually labeled R1 and R3 on the fuse box diagram. R1 is the fuel pump relay (No. 1) and R3 is the second fuel pump relay (No. 2). They are small, cube-shaped components with four or five metal prongs on the bottom .

Some sources describe the relay group as being in the "dash" or under the dash fuse panel. For the 2008 Lancer, the interior fuse box is also sometimes referred to as the "passenger compartment fuse box." The physical location is the same—under the dash on the driver’s side .

Important: The 2008 Lancer also has a main fuse box under the hood, near the battery. That box contains fuses and relays for many systems, but the fuel pump relay is not there. The fuel pump fuse, however, is in the engine bay fuse box—more on that below .

How to Confirm You’ve Found the Right Relay

Fuse boxes are packed with relays that look identical, so it’s easy to grab the wrong one. Here’s how to make sure you’re looking at the fuel pump relay:

  1. Check the fuse box diagram. The interior fuse box cover (or the owner’s manual) will have a diagram showing which relay is which. Look for labels like "Fuel Pump Relay" or "Fuel Pump Relay No. 2" .
  2. Listen for the click. Have a helper turn the ignition key to the ON position (without cranking the engine). Place your fingers gently on the suspected relay. You should feel and hear a distinct click as it energizes. The fuel pump relay will click once when the key is turned to ON, then again after about a second when the pump primes .
  3. Follow the wiring. If you’re still unsure, trace the wiring from the relay. On the Lancer, the fuel pump wiring runs from the relay back to the fuel tank, which is located under the rear seat area .

If you don’t hear the click or feel the relay activate, that’s a strong sign the relay has failed and needs replacement.

Check These Fuses First

If the fuel pump isn’t running, the relay might not be the culprit. Before you replace anything, check the fuses that protect the fuel pump circuit. The 2008 Lancer has two fuses related to the fuel pump:

  • Fuse No. 10 – a 15-amp fuse located in the under-hood fuse box, near the battery .
  • Fuse No. 8 – a 7.5-amp fuse located in the interior fuse box (the same one that holds the relays), on the left end of the dash .

A blown fuse is one of the most common reasons the fuel pump stops working. Fuses are cheap and easy to replace, so always check them before spending money on a relay or pump.

For the 2008 Lancer Evolution and Ralliart models, the fuel pump fuse in the engine bay is rated at 20 amps instead of 15 amps .

What If the Relay Is Fine but the Pump Still Won’t Run?

If the relay clicks when you turn the key, the fuses look good, but the pump still doesn’t prime, there are a few other things to check:

1. The fuel pump itself. The most common cause of a no-start after confirming the relay and fuses are good is a failed pump. You can test it by listening for a hum from the rear of the car when you turn the key to ON. If you hear nothing, the pump might be dead .

2. Wiring issues. Damaged, frayed, or corroded wires in the fuel pump circuit can prevent power from reaching the pump. Check the wiring harness under the rear seat and along the fuel lines for visible damage .

3. The ECU or impact sensor. In some vehicles, an impact sensor (also called an inertia switch) cuts power to the fuel pump in the event of a crash. If this sensor is accidentally triggered, the pump won’t run. The ECU itself can also have issues that prevent it from controlling the relay properly .

4. A clogged fuel filter. If the fuel filter is badly clogged, the pump might work harder than normal, which can cause it to draw excessive current and blow a fuse, or simply fail to deliver enough fuel .

Common Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump Relay

Knowing the symptoms can help you catch a failing relay before it leaves you stranded. On a 2008 Lancer, the most common signs include:

  • Engine cranks but won’t start. This is the classic symptom. The engine turns over, but there’s no fuel pressure, so it never fires .
  • Intermittent stalling. If the relay is failing internally, it might work fine when cold but fail when it gets hot, causing the engine to die unexpectedly while driving .
  • No priming sound. When you turn the key to ON, you should hear a brief hum from the fuel pump near the rear of the car. If you don’t, the relay isn’t sending power to the pump .
  • Loss of power under load. A failing relay can cause the pump to lose power intermittently, which shows up as hesitation or sputtering when you accelerate .

If you experience any of these, start by checking the fuses and relay before assuming the pump needs to be replaced. A new relay is far cheaper and easier to install than a fuel pump.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the relay is a straightforward job you can do at home with basic hand tools. Here’s what to do:

  1. Disconnect the battery. Always disconnect the negative battery cable before working on any electrical components .
  2. Remove the interior fuse box cover. Pry off the plastic cover on the driver’s side of the dash.
  3. Locate the fuel pump relay. Use the diagram on the fuse box cover to find relays R1 and R3.
  4. Pull the relay straight out. Relays are held in by friction from their prongs—just grip it firmly and pull upward. Do not twist or rock it side to side, as that can bend the prongs or damage the socket.
  5. Install the new relay. Press it firmly into the socket until it clicks into place. Make sure it’s fully seated.
  6. Reconnect the battery and test. Turn the key to ON and listen for the fuel pump to prime. If you hear the hum, you’re good to go.

When buying a replacement relay, use the correct part. The original relay on some 2008 Lancers had known issues with internal contact failure, and Mitsubishi issued a recall for certain 2015-2016 models (recall SR-17-005) for defective power relays that could affect the fuel pump . While the 2008 model isn’t specifically covered by that recall, it’s worth buying a high-quality relay from a reputable brand to avoid future problems.

Buy a Reliable Replacement Fuel Pump from KEMSO

If your 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer’s fuel pump has failed, don’t settle for a cheap aftermarket part that might leave you stranded again. KEMSO offers a range of high-performance fuel pumps that are designed as OEM replacements—meaning they match the fit, form, and function of the original part, without the dealership markup.

KEMSO fuel pumps are built to deliver consistent fuel pressure under all driving conditions, whether you’re commuting in stop-and-go traffic or pushing the car hard on the highway. Every KEMSO Fuel Pump comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind long after the installation. If you ever have a problem, KEMSO stands behind their products.

Visit the KEMSO website today to find the right fuel pump for your 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Final Takeaways

A dead fuel pump or a faulty relay can turn your 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer into a very expensive paperweight. But with a little knowledge, you can diagnose and fix the problem yourself without paying a shop premium rates.

Here’s a quick recap of what you need to remember:

  1. The fuel pump relay is in the interior fuse box, under the dash on the driver’s side—not under the hood .
  2. There are two relays (R1 and R3), and both must work for the pump to run .
  3. Check the fuses first—15-amp fuse No. 10 in the engine bay and 7.5-amp fuse No. 8 in the interior box .
  4. If the relay clicks and fuses are good, suspect the pump itself or a wiring issue .
  5. Replace the relay if it fails—it’s a cheap, easy DIY job.

If the fuel pump does need replacing, choose a reliable brand like KEMSO for a high-quality, OEM-replacement part backed by a lifetime warranty. A good pump will keep your Lancer running reliably for years to come.


Back to blog