2009 Scion xD Fuel Pump Relay Location: Where It Is and How to Test It

The bottom line up front: On a 2009 Scion xD, the fuel pump relay is located inside the engine compartment fuse box, which sits on the left side of the engine bay. This relay controls power to the electric fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank. If your xD cranks but won't start, or if you hear no hum from the fuel tank when you turn the key to the ON position, the fuel pump relay is one of the first components you should check.

The 2009 Scion xD uses a standard Toyota-style relay for the fuel pump circuit. The relay itself is a small rectangular plastic box that plugs into a socket in the fuse box. It works like a switch: when you turn the ignition key, the relay closes and sends power to the fuel pump, which then pressurizes the fuel system so the engine can start. Without a working relay, the pump gets no power, and the engine will not fire.

Many owners confuse the fuel pump relay with the fuel pump itself. The pump is a physical unit that sits inside the gas tank and pushes fuel through the lines. The relay is an electrical switch that tells the pump when to run. If the relay fails, the pump never receives electricity. If the pump itself fails, it may hum but deliver no pressure. Knowing which one is bad saves you both time and money.

Where Exactly Is the Engine Compartment Fuse Box?

Open the hood and look toward the driver's side of the vehicle. The engine compartment fuse box is mounted on the left side of the engine bay, near the strut tower. It is a black plastic box with a removable lid. Press the tab on the side of the lid, lift it off, and set it aside. The fuse box diagram printed on the underside of the lid shows the position of every fuse and relay.

On the 2009 xD, the fuel pump relay is one of the relays in this box. It is labeled and positioned according to the fuse map. If the diagram on the lid is faded or missing, refer to the owner's manual or look for the relay with the same part number as a standard Toyota multi-purpose relay.

Which Fuse and Relay Control the Fuel Pump?

The 2009 Scion xD routes fuel pump power through two separate components: a fuse and a relay. The fuse protects the circuit from overcurrent, and the relay switches the circuit on and off.

In the engine compartment fuse box, the fuse associated with the fuel pump circuit is the EFI fuse, rated at 20 amps. This fuse also powers the multiport fuel injection system and the engine control module. If this fuse blows, the engine may crank but will not start.

The EFI relay works together with the fuel pump. When the ignition switch is turned to the START or ON position, the engine control module grounds the relay coil, which closes the relay contacts and sends power to the fuel pump. This relay is the same style used for other circuits in the vehicle, such as the cooling fan or air conditioning clutch.

On the 2009 Scion xD, the engine compartment fuse box houses the EFI relay and the main fuel pump relay. Toyota also lists a separate fuel pump relay part number that fits the xD, confirming that it is a serviceable component.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2009 Scion xD

Testing the relay takes about ten minutes. You do not need special tools, just a multimeter and a good pair of hands.

Step 1: Locate the relay. Pull the relay out of its socket by gripping it firmly and rocking it gently from side to side. The relay has either four or five prongs on the bottom, depending on the exact version.

Step 2: Check for continuity. Set your multimeter to the ohms setting. Touch the probes to the two coil terminals on the relay. You should see a reading between 60 and 120 ohms. If the reading is infinite (OL), the relay coil is open, and the relay is dead.

Step 3: Apply power to the coil. Connect a 12-volt battery or power source to the coil terminals. When power is applied, you should hear a click as the internal switch closes. With power still applied, check the continuity between the two switch terminals. You should see near-zero resistance. Release power, and the switch should open again.

Step 4: Compare with a known good relay. If you have any doubt, swap the relay with an identical one from another circuit, such as the horn relay, which is the same part number on many Toyotas. Install the suspect relay into the known-good circuit and see if that circuit works.

Signs That the Fuel Pump Relay Is Failing

A bad relay rarely fails instantly. It usually shows symptoms first. Watch for these warning signs on your 2009 xD:

  1. No sound from the fuel pump. Turn the key to the ON position without cranking the engine. You should hear a short whirring noise from the rear of the car, near the fuel tank. If you hear nothing, the relay is not sending power to the pump.

  2. Engine cranks but does not start. If the starter spins the engine normally but the engine never fires, the fuel system may not be pressurized. The relay is one of the first suspects.

  3. Intermittent starting issues. If the car starts fine sometimes and fails other times, the relay contacts may be worn. As the relay heats up, the contacts may open, cutting power to the pump.

  4. Stalling while driving. If the relay fails while the engine is running, the fuel pump loses power, and the engine stalls. This is rare but dangerous, so test the relay if you experience unexpected stalling.

  5. Fuel pump runs constantly. If the relay contacts stick closed, the pump may run even after the engine is off. This drains the battery and puts extra wear on the pump.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the relay is one of the simplest repairs on the 2009 Scion xD. You do not need to remove any panels or lift the car.

Step 1: Turn off the engine and remove the key. Make sure the ignition is off before you touch any electrical components.

Step 2: Remove the old relay. Pull it straight out of the socket. Do not force it; if it is stuck, wiggle it gently.

Step 3: Install the new relay. Align the prongs with the socket and push down firmly until it seats. Make sure it clicks into place.

Step 4: Test the circuit. Turn the ignition to the ON position and listen for the fuel pump prime. If you hear the whir, the relay is working.

Step 5: Replace the fuse box lid. Snap the lid back on and close the hood.

Most aftermarket relays that fit the 2009 Scion xD are interchangeable with OEM Toyota relays. When buying a replacement, look for a relay rated for the same amperage and with the same pin configuration as the original.

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

Diagnosing this properly saves you from spending money on parts you do not need. Here is a simple decision tree:

Test the pump first, not the relay, if you hear a hum. If the fuel pump makes noise when you turn the key, it is receiving power. In that case, the relay is likely fine, and the problem is probably low fuel pressure, a clogged fuel filter, or a failing pump.

Test the relay if you hear no hum. If the pump is silent, check whether power reaches the pump connector. If power is present and the pump still does not run, the pump is bad. If no power reaches the pump, work backward through the relay and fuse.

Check the fuse before the relay. A blown EFI fuse can mimic a bad relay. Pull the fuse, inspect the wire element inside, and replace it if it is blown. Use a fuse of the same amperage rating.

Additional Fuses and Relays Related to the Fuel System

The 2009 Scion xD has several other fuses and relays that support the engine management system. Knowing where they live helps you troubleshoot more effectively.

The EFI fuse (20A) in the engine compartment fuse box supplies power to the fuel injection system. The EFI2 fuse (10A) powers the engine control module. The ETCS fuse (10A) protects the electronic throttle control system. These fuses are all located in the same engine compartment fuse box.

The fuel pump shut-off system is another safety feature to know about. If the vehicle is involved in a collision, this system cuts power to the fuel pump to prevent fire. After a collision, you must reset the system by turning the engine switch to the ACC or LOCK position and then restarting the engine. If the car will not start after a crash, check this system first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does a fuel pump relay cost for a 2009 Scion xD?
A: A genuine OEM relay typically sells for around $15 to $25. Aftermarket relays are often cheaper, in the $8 to $15 range. This is one of the least expensive parts you will ever replace on the xD.

Q: Can I drive my Scion xD with a bad fuel pump relay?
A: No. If the relay fails completely, the engine will not start or will stall while driving. The relay is not a maintenance item you can bypass safely. Replace it as soon as you suspect a problem.

Q: How long does a fuel pump relay last?
A: Most relays last the life of the car. However, heat and vibration in the engine bay can accelerate wear. If you have an older xD with high mileage, replacing the relay preventively is a low-cost insurance policy.

Q: Is the fuel pump relay the same as the EFI relay?
A: No. The EFI relay and the fuel pump relay are separate components, although they are related. On the 2009 xD, the EFI relay is also located in the engine compartment fuse box and controls the main fuel injection system. The fuel pump relay controls the pump specifically.

Recommended: KEMSO Fuel Pump for Your Scion xD

If you determine that your 2009 Scion xD needs a new fuel pump rather than just a relay, we strongly recommend considering a KEMSO brand fuel pump. KEMSO fuel pumps are known for their high-performance design and are built as direct OEM replacements, meaning they bolt in exactly like the factory part without any modifications.

KEMSO stands behind every product with a lifetime warranty, which gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected. Whether you drive your xD as a daily commuter or use it for weekend adventures, a KEMSO fuel pump delivers reliable fuel pressure and consistent performance for years to come.

To browse the full range of KEMSO fuel pumps for your vehicle and many other makes and models, visit the official KEMSO website at https://www.kemsoracing.com/.

Final Thoughts

The fuel pump relay on your 2009 Scion xD is a small part with a big job. It sits in the engine compartment fuse box on the left side of the engine bay. When it fails, your car will not start, and when it works, you barely think about it.

Testing and replacing the relay is straightforward. With a multimeter and ten minutes, you can determine whether the relay is the culprit or whether the fuel pump itself needs attention. If the pump is bad, choose a quality replacement like the KEMSO brand to keep your xD running smoothly.

Remember the order of diagnosis: check the fuse first, then the relay, then the pump. Most of the time, the issue is a simple electrical fault you can fix in your driveway. And if you ever need the exact fuse layout or relay positions, refer to the diagram under the fuse box lid or consult the owner's manual for your specific model year.

For more tips on maintaining your Scion xD, including fuse box diagrams and relay assignments, you can always look up the official Toyota parts catalog or trusted automotive repair resources. And when it is time to buy parts, remember that KEMSO offers quality fuel pumps backed by a lifetime warranty at https://www.kemsoracing.com/.


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