2009 Toyota Yaris Fuel Pump Relay Location: Where It Is and How to Test It

The bottom line up front: On a 2009 Toyota Yaris, the fuel pump relay is located in the engine compartment fuse box, which sits on the driver's side of the engine bay near the battery. The relay is labeled as the EFI relay (number 4 in the fuse box diagram), and it controls power to the fuel pump along with the EFI fuse (20A) . If your Yaris cranks but won't start, or if you hear no humming sound from the fuel tank when you turn the key to the ON position, the fuel pump relay is one of the first things you should check before condemning the fuel pump itself .

The 2009 Toyota Yaris belongs to the XP90 generation (2005–2011), and its fuel system uses an in-tank electric fuel pump located beneath the rear seat area . The relay that powers this pump is not inside the car with the pump — it is up front in the engine compartment. Understanding exactly where this relay lives, how to test it, and when to replace it can save you a costly trip to the mechanic. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, step by step.

Why the Fuel Pump Relay Matters

The fuel pump relay is a small electrical switch that sends power to the fuel pump when the ignition is turned on. When you turn the key to the ON position, the engine control module (ECM) energizes the relay, which then sends battery voltage to the fuel pump inside the tank . The pump builds fuel pressure so the engine can start and run properly.

A failed relay means the pump never gets power. The engine will crank over fine because the starter motor is independent, but it will not start because there is no fuel pressure. This is why checking the relay first is so important — a bad relay can mimic a dead fuel pump perfectly, and replacing a relay costs a few dollars compared to hundreds for a pump .

The 2009 Yaris uses a standard automotive relay that is shared with several other circuits. The good news is that the relay is easy to access and test with basic tools.

Where the Fuel Pump Relay Is Located

The engine compartment fuse box on the 2009 Toyota Yaris is located on the left side (driver's side in the U.S. market) of the engine bay, near the battery . To access it:

  1. Open the hood and look toward the driver's side fender area.
  2. Locate the black plastic fuse box — it has a rectangular cover that clips on and off.
  3. Remove the cover by pressing the release tabs on the sides.

Inside the fuse box, you will find a layout of fuses and relays. The fuel pump relay is identified as the EFI relay, which is position number 4 in the engine compartment fuse box diagram . The EFI fuse (20A) is located right next to it in the same fuse box .

Many owners confuse the fuel pump relay with the fuel pump fuse. They are two separate components. The fuse protects the circuit from overload, while the relay is the switch that sends power to the pump. Both are in the same fuse box, which makes checking them easy.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Testing the relay takes about five minutes and requires no special skills. Here is what to do:

Step 1: Confirm the pump is not running. Turn the ignition key to the ON position (do not crank the engine). Listen carefully near the rear seat area. If the fuel pump is working, you will hear a brief humming or whining sound for about two seconds as it primes the system . If you hear nothing, move to step 2.

Step 2: Check the EFI fuse first. Pull the 20A EFI fuse out of the engine compartment fuse box and inspect it. A good fuse will have a continuous metal strip inside. If the strip is broken or blackened, replace the fuse before going further .

Step 3: Test the relay with a multimeter. Remove the EFI relay from the fuse box. With a digital multimeter set to measure resistance (ohms), check the coil side of the relay (the two smaller terminals). You should see a resistance reading typically between 50 and 120 ohms. If you read zero or infinite resistance, the relay coil is faulty .

Step 4: Perform a bench test. This is the most reliable way to confirm a relay is good. Apply 12 volts from a battery or power supply to the coil terminals. You should hear an audible click as the internal switch closes. With the relay energized, check continuity between the two larger terminals — it should read near zero ohms, meaning the circuit is closed. If there is no click or no continuity, the relay is dead .

Step 5: Swap the relay. If you suspect the relay is bad but want to be sure, swap it with an identical relay from another circuit in the same fuse box (such as the horn relay, which is the same type). If the fuel pump starts working with the swapped relay, your original relay is faulty .

Common Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump Relay

Recognizing the symptoms early can help you avoid being stranded. Here are the most common signs that the fuel pump relay — not the pump itself — may be the problem :

  1. Engine cranks but will not start. The starter turns the engine over normally, but there is no fuel pressure to fire the cylinders.
  2. No fuel pump prime sound. When you turn the key to ON, a working pump makes a brief humming noise from the rear of the car. Silence suggests no power is reaching the pump .
  3. Intermittent starting issues. A failing relay may work when cold but fail when hot, leading to sporadic no-start conditions.
  4. Engine dies suddenly while driving. If the relay loses contact while the car is running, the engine will stall without warning. This is dangerous, especially at highway speeds .
  5. No check engine light activity. If the ECM is not receiving feedback from the fuel system, you may see the check engine light remain off even with the key in the ON position.

Fuel Pump Relay vs. Fuel Pump: How to Tell Which One Is Bad

This is the most common question owners ask. Here is a practical way to narrow it down before you spend money on parts:

Listen for the pump. When you turn the key to ON, the pump should run for about two seconds. If you hear it, the relay and fuse are working. If you do not hear it, check the relay and fuse first .

Check for voltage at the pump connector. If you have a multimeter and can access the fuel pump electrical connector under the rear seat, you can measure for 12 volts with the key in the ON position. If there is no voltage, the problem is upstream — likely the relay, fuse, or wiring. If there is voltage and the pump still does not run, the pump itself is the culprit .

Consider the mileage. Factory fuel pumps typically last between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers (roughly 93,000 to 124,000 miles), depending on fuel quality and driving habits . If your Yaris has over 150,000 miles and you have never replaced the pump, the pump itself is a likely suspect. Relays, on the other hand, can fail at any time regardless of mileage.

Start with the cheap fix. Because the relay and fuse are inexpensive and easy to replace, always eliminate them first before pulling the car apart to access the fuel pump .

Step-by-Step: How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay

If your testing confirms the relay is bad, replacement takes about two minutes. Here is how to do it:

  1. Turn off the ignition and remove the key from the ignition switch.
  2. Open the hood and locate the engine compartment fuse box on the driver's side.
  3. Remove the fuse box cover by pressing the clips on the sides.
  4. Identify the EFI relay — it is position number 4 in the fuse box diagram .
  5. Pull the relay straight out. You may need a small flat-blade screwdriver to gently pry it loose if it is stuck.
  6. Install the new relay by pushing it firmly into the same socket until it clicks into place.
  7. Reinstall the fuse box cover.
  8. Turn the key to ON and listen for the fuel pump prime sound to confirm the system is working.

The entire job takes less than five minutes and requires no tools beyond your hands and possibly a screwdriver. A replacement relay costs between $10 and $20 at any auto parts store, and you can also buy genuine Toyota relays online.

Where to Buy a Replacement Relay

You have several options for sourcing a replacement fuel pump relay for your 2009 Yaris:

Toyota dealership. A genuine Toyota relay will cost more, but it is guaranteed to fit and work. The part number for the EFI relay on the XP90 Yaris is commonly 90987-02024, though you should verify with your VIN at the parts counter.

Auto parts stores. Chains like AutoZone, O'Reilly, and NAPA carry universal relays that work fine. Bring your old relay with you so the counter person can match the terminal layout and amperage rating.

Online retailers. Amazon and eBay both have listings for Toyota Yaris fuel pump relays. Make sure the seller specifies compatibility with the 2006–2011 Yaris (XP90 generation) to avoid fitment issues.

When the Relay Is Not the Problem: The Fuel Pump Itself

If you have tested the relay and fuse and both are good, the problem is likely inside the tank. On the 2009 Yaris, the fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank, which sits beneath the rear seat area . The good news is that you do not need to drop the fuel tank to reach it. Toyota designed the car with a service access panel built into the floor under the rear seat .

To access the fuel pump assembly, you need to:

  1. Disconnect the battery negative cable first for safety .
  2. Remove the rear seat cushion to expose the access panel.
  3. Lift the carpet and pry up the access cover .
  4. Disconnect the wiring plug and fuel supply pipe from the top of the pump assembly .
  5. Remove the lock ring using the proper tool, then lift out the entire pump module .

This is a more involved job than replacing the relay, but it is still doable for someone with basic mechanical skills. The fuel pump assembly itself is the component that actually pushes fuel from the tank to the engine .

Preventing Future Fuel Pump and Relay Problems

There are a few simple habits that can extend the life of both the fuel pump and the relay:

Keep the tank at least a quarter full. The fuel pump is submerged in gasoline, which cools and lubricates it during operation. Running the tank low regularly exposes the pump to higher temperatures and can shorten its lifespan .

Replace the fuel filter when you replace the pump. A clogged filter puts extra strain on the pump, making it work harder than it should .

Address check engine lights promptly. Fuel pressure-related trouble codes can indicate a failing pump or regulator. Catching the problem early can save you money .

Use quality fuel. Poor fuel quality can introduce contaminants into the fuel system, accelerating wear on both the pump and the relay contacts.

KEMSO Fuel Pump: A Smart Upgrade for Your Yaris

If you have confirmed that your fuel pump itself is failing and you need a replacement, consider a KEMSO fuel pump. KEMSO is a brand known in the aftermarket parts community for delivering high-performance fuel pumps that are designed as OEM replacements for a wide range of vehicles. What sets KEMSO apart is the combination of performance-focused engineering and the peace of mind that comes with a lifetime warranty .

When you choose a KEMSO fuel pump for your 2009 Toyota Yaris, you are getting a part that is built to restore your fuel system to factory specification — or better. The pumps are engineered for a direct fit, meaning they install exactly like the original unit without modifications. This is especially important on the Yaris, where the pump sits inside the tank and must match the original design precisely to work correctly with the fuel sender and pressure regulator .

A failing fuel pump can leave you stranded at the worst possible moment. Replacing it with a quality aftermarket unit like KEMSO not only gets you back on the road but also gives you the confidence that the part is protected by a lifetime warranty. That is the kind of coverage that makes a real difference for owners who plan to keep their Yaris running for many more miles.

You can browse the full range of KEMSO fuel pumps and find the right one for your Yaris by visiting their website at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ . The site also features installation guides and technical resources that can help you complete the job with confidence.

Final Thoughts

The fuel pump relay on your 2009 Toyota Yaris is a small, inexpensive part that can cause big problems when it fails. Knowing exactly where it is located — in the engine compartment fuse box on the driver's side, identified as the EFI relay in position 4 — and how to test it can save you from replacing a perfectly good fuel pump.

Always start diagnostic work with the simplest and cheapest parts. Test the fuse and relay before you consider dropping the tank or removing the rear seat to access the pump . In most cases, you will find that the answer to a no-start condition is a $15 relay rather than a $300 pump.

When the pump itself does need to be replaced, remember that KEMSO offers a reliable, high-performance alternative with a lifetime warranty. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the right fuel pump for your 2009 Yaris and get back on the road with confidence .

Your Yaris is known for reliability and fuel efficiency. Keeping the fuel delivery system in good shape ensures it stays that way for years to come.


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