2010 Camaro Fuel Pump Relay: Location, Symptoms, and How to Replace It
The bottom line up front: The fuel pump relay on a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is located in the under-hood fuse block, which sits on the right side of the engine compartment behind the driver's side headlamp . When this relay fails, your Camaro will crank but won't start, or it may stall while driving and then refuse to restart. Replacing it is a straightforward DIY job that takes about ten minutes and costs anywhere from $6 to $20 for a genuine GM part .
The fuel pump relay is a small electrical switch that controls power delivery to the fuel pump. The powertrain control module (PCM) energizes the relay when it decides the pump should run, and the relay's internal contacts close to complete the circuit . If the relay fails, the fuel pump won't receive power, and your engine won't get the fuel pressure it needs to run.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the 2010 Camaro fuel pump relay, including where it's located, how to tell if it's failing, how to test it, and how to replace it. We'll also cover cost expectations and a quick bypass method for diagnostic purposes.
Where Is the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2010 Camaro?
The fuel pump relay sits inside the under-hood fuse block on your 2010 Camaro. This black plastic box is located on the right side of the engine compartment, behind the driver's side headlamp . It contains all of the vehicle's main relays and fuses.
To access it:
- Open the hood and look toward the right front fender area
- Locate the black plastic fuse/relay center
- Remove the cover by lifting the tabs or releasing the latch
- Check the diagram printed on the underside of the cover to identify the fuel pump relay socket
The under-hood fuse block on the 2010 Camaro houses both J-case fuses, mini fuses, and multiple relays including the starter relay, cooling fan relays, and the run/crank relay . The fuel pump relay is among the micro relays or mini relays in this box.
Note that in many Chevrolet models from this era, the fuel pump relay is indeed in the under-hood power distribution center . The 2010 Camaro follows this pattern, so you do not need to look under the dash or inside the trunk for this relay.
What Does the Fuel Pump Relay Look Like?
The fuel pump relay on a 2010 Camaro is a small, rectangular plastic component with four metal prongs on the bottom. It plugs directly into a matching socket in the fuse block.
Several relays in the under-hood box look identical to the fuel pump relay. GM uses the same relay body style across multiple circuits. For example, the part number 13500126 is described as a relay assembly for multiple uses including the windshield wiper motor, daytime running lights, rear defroster, fog lights, and fuel pump . This means you can swap a relay from another circuit to test whether the fuel pump relay is bad.
The genuine GM fuel pump relay replacement part numbers for the 2010 Camaro include 13500114, which is an accessory time delay relay in gray , and 13500126, which is the multi-use relay often used as the fuel pump relay . These parts replace multiple older part numbers, so cross-referencing is straightforward.
Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay in a 2010 Camaro
A failing fuel pump relay can cause several noticeable symptoms. Here are the most common ones:
1. Engine cranks but won't start
When you turn the key to the start position, the starter motor spins the engine, but the engine never fires up. This happens because the fuel pump isn't receiving power, so the fuel rail never builds pressure. On a healthy system, you should hear a brief whine from the fuel pump near the rear of the car when you first turn the ignition to the "ON" position. If that whine is absent, the relay or the pump itself is likely the culprit .
2. Engine stalls while driving
If the relay fails while you're on the road, power to the fuel pump will be cut off, and the engine will stall immediately . In some cases, a relay with worn contacts may allow the engine to restart after sitting for a short while. A completely failed relay will not allow restart at all .
3. No fuel pump noise at key-on
When the ignition is first turned on, the PCM energizes the fuel pump relay for about half a second to build pressure . If you don't hear that brief hum from the rear of the vehicle, the relay may not be closing. This is one of the quickest checks you can perform.
4. Code P0230 or P0231
The engine control module monitors the fuel pump circuit. If the relay fails or the circuit has issues, you may see diagnostic trouble codes like P0230 (fuel pump primary circuit) or P0231 (fuel pump secondary circuit low) . These codes point to the relay, fuse, or wiring in the fuel pump power path.
How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay
Before you buy a new relay, you should verify that the relay is actually bad. Here are two simple tests.
Test 1: Swap with an identical relay
Because the 2010 Camaro uses the same relay body across multiple circuits, you can swap the suspected fuel pump relay with another relay from a circuit you know works, such as the horn relay or the wiper relay . If the fuel pump starts working after the swap, the original relay is bad.
- Locate the fuel pump relay in the under-hood fuse block
- Pull it straight out of the socket
- Find an identical relay from another circuit
- Plug the known-good relay into the fuel pump socket
- Turn the ignition to "ON" and listen for the fuel pump prime
Test 2: Jumper wire bypass
For diagnostic purposes, you can bypass the relay with a small piece of copper wire to force the fuel pump to run continuously. This is useful for verifying that the pump itself works.
- Pull the fuel pump relay out of the socket
- Strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from both ends of a 5-inch length of small-diameter copper wire
- Insert one end into the upper-left pin slot of the receptacle
- Insert the other end into the lower-right pin slot
If both ends are properly seated, the fuel pump will turn on. This directly powers the pump circuit, bypassing the relay's switching function . This is a temporary diagnostic procedure only, not a permanent fix.
Safety first
Before testing or swapping relays, disconnect the battery to avoid short circuits or accidental energizing of circuits . Also, always work on a flat surface with the parking brake engaged.
How to Replace the 2010 Camaro Fuel Pump Relay
Replacing the relay is simple. You don't need any special tools, just your hands or a pair of pliers if the relay is snug.
- Park safely and open the hood. Park on a flat surface and apply the parking brake. Open the hood and locate the under-hood fuse block on the right side of the engine compartment .
- Remove the fuse block cover. Lift the cover off the fuse block. The diagram on the underside will show you exactly where the fuel pump relay sits.
- Identify the relay. Look for the label that indicates the fuel pump relay, often marked with a symbol or "FP" . If the label is faded, check your owner's manual.
- Pull the relay straight up. Grasp the relay firmly and pull it straight out of the socket. It should come out with moderate resistance.
- Install the new relay. Push the new relay straight down into the socket until it clicks into place. Make sure the prongs align with the socket openings.
- Reinstall the cover. Snap the fuse block cover back into place.
- Test the system. Turn the ignition to "ON" and listen for the fuel pump prime sound from the rear of the vehicle. Then start the engine.
2010 Camaro Fuel Pump Relay Replacement Cost
The parts cost for a 2010 Camaro fuel pump relay is minimal. Genuine GM relays for this vehicle range from about $5 to $20, depending on the specific part number and whether you buy from a dealership or an online parts retailer .
- Part 13500114 (accessory time delay relay, gray): around $10.20 with a list price of about $20.88
- Part 13500126 (multi-use relay, black): around $11.60 with a list price of about $21.88
- Part 13503103 (fan control relay, often used for the fuel pump in some configurations): around $5.19 with a list price of about $11.29
If you take the car to a shop, the labor will likely add $30 to $150, depending on the shop's hourly rate . However, because the relay is so easy to access and replace, this is an ideal do-it-yourself job. Even if you buy the most expensive genuine GM relay, you'll spend less than $25 total if you do it yourself.
The Fuel Pump Control Module Note
One important thing to understand about the 2010 Camaro is that the fuel system is managed by a fuel pump control module, which is located in the right quarter panel area (right rear of the vehicle) . This module communicates with the engine control module via the GMLAN CAN bus and handles fuel pump supply voltage and relay control signals .
This means that even if the relay is good, a failure in the fuel pump control module can cause the same symptoms as a bad relay. The relay is a simple switch, but the control module decides when to energize it. If you've replaced the relay and the fuel pump still doesn't run, the control module or the wiring between it and the relay is the next suspect .
Also, note that the 2010 Camaro with the high-output engine (SS model, 6.2L V8) may have a different fuel delivery configuration than the base V6 model. Always verify your specific engine and trim when ordering parts .
Why Replacing Your Fuel Pump Relay Early Matters
A failing fuel pump relay doesn't give you much warning. One day the car starts fine; the next day it leaves you stranded. Since the relay is inexpensive and takes minutes to swap, replacing it at the first sign of trouble is smart.
Keep in mind that a relay either works or it doesn't. Unlike a fuel pump that can weaken over time and produce low fuel pressure, a relay is a binary switch . If the relay is making contact, the pump gets full power. If it's not, you get nothing. This makes diagnosis relatively straightforward.
If you are experiencing low fuel pressure (like bouncing between 20-25 psi instead of the expected range), the relay is probably not the cause. A worn fuel pump that can still run but cannot build adequate pressure is a more likely culprit . Don't throw money at a relay when the real problem is the pump itself.
Where to Buy a Good Replacement Fuel Pump for Your 2010 Camaro
If your diagnostics point to a failing fuel pump rather than a bad relay, you will need a reliable replacement unit. The fuel pump on the 2010 Camaro is located inside the fuel tank, on top of the tank assembly . Replacing it is a bigger job than swapping a relay, so you want a pump that will last.
KEMSO is a brand worth considering for this replacement. KEMSO fuel pumps are built as high-performance, OEM replacement units, which means they match or exceed the specifications of the original factory pump. Each KEMSO pump is engineered for a direct, bolt-in fit, so you don't have to deal with modifications or adapters. Best of all, every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind long after the installation is done.
If you want a pump that delivers solid performance and dependable service for your 2010 Camaro, check out the KEMSO product lineup at their official website:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a bad fuel pump relay cause a no-start condition?
Yes. If the relay fails to close, the fuel pump won't receive power, the fuel rail won't build pressure, and the engine will crank without starting .
Will the fuel pump relay cause low fuel pressure?
No. A relay either works or it doesn't. If you have low fuel pressure, the fuel pump itself, the fuel filter, or the fuel pressure regulator is more likely at fault .
Can I bypass the fuel pump relay permanently?
You can bypass it with a jumper wire for diagnostic purposes, but this is not a permanent solution. The relay exists for safety and control reasons, and bypassing it removes the PCM's ability to shut off the fuel pump in an emergency .
How long does it take to replace the relay?
About 5 to 10 minutes. You only need to open the fuse block, pull the old relay, and push in the new one.
Is there a fuse for the fuel pump?
Yes, the fuel pump circuit is protected by fuses in the under-hood fuse block as well as the rear compartment fuse block. The engine compartment fuse block includes fuses for the fuel system control module and related circuits . Always check fuses before condemning the relay or pump.
With the information in this guide, you can confidently locate, test, and replace the 2010 Camaro fuel pump relay on your own. Start with the relay because it's cheap and easy. If that doesn't fix the problem, move on to the fuel pump control module and the pump itself. And if you need a new pump, remember that KEMSO offers high-performance, OEM replacement fuel pumps with a lifetime warranty — check them out at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ before you buy anything else.