2010 Chevy Malibu Fuel Pump Relay: Location, Symptoms, and How to Test It Quickly

The fuel pump relay on a 2010 Chevy Malibu is not under the hood. It sits inside a fuse block located in the trunk, on the left side behind the trim panel. On a V6 model, the relay is position #57 and the fuse is #25, but the exact numbers are printed on the block cover for your specific engine and trim level. If your Malibu cranks but will not start, or if you hear no hum from the fuel pump when you turn the key to the ON position, the relay is one of the first things to check before you spend money on a new pump.

Many owners expect to find this relay in the underhood fuse box because that is where most older Chevrolet models place it. On the 2010 Malibu, General Motors chose a different spot. The trunk-mounted fuse block is easy to confuse with the rear fuse panel, but once you know what you are looking for, the job takes about ten minutes. This guide walks you through the exact location, the symptoms of a bad relay, how to test it, and how to reset the fuel pump system without any special tools.

Where Exactly Is the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2010 Malibu?

The rear fuse block is on the left side of the trunk, behind the trim panel. To reach it, open the trunk, remove the spare tire cover if needed, and pull back the carpet or the felt trim panel on the driver's side of the trunk cavity. The fuse block is a black plastic box, roughly five by seven inches in size, and the cover has a diagram printed on it that shows every relay and fuse position.

The relay number and fuse number vary depending on whether your Malibu has the 2.4L four-cylinder engine, the 3.5L V6, or the 3.6L V6. On the 3.6L V6, the relay is number 57 and the fuse is number 25, according to an owner's report. The same block is used on the Pontiac G6, so if you find a diagram for that vehicle, it will match your Malibu.

Do not expect to see the word "fuel pump" on the fuse box cover. The diagram will show a code or a number. Look for a relay that is listed as "Fuel Pump," "FP," or one of the engine control relays. If the cover is missing or the markings are worn, consult your owner's manual for the fuse box diagram. The manual has a complete layout of both the underhood fuse box and the rear fuse block, and it will tell you exactly which relay controls the fuel pump for your specific trim level.

It is worth noting that the 2010 Malibu does not have a dedicated fuel pump reset switch or an inertia switch like some older Ford models. If the car stalls after a bump or a collision, the system does not cut power through a separate reset button. Instead, the fuel pump is controlled entirely through the relay, the fuse, and the powertrain control module. This means that a no-start condition after an impact usually points to a relay or electrical issue, not a reset switch.

What Does the Fuel Pump Relay Do on a 2010 Malibu?

The relay is an electromagnetic switch that sends battery voltage to the fuel pump when the engine is cranking or running. When you turn the key to the ON position, the powertrain control module briefly energizes the relay for about two seconds to prime the fuel system. You can hear this as a short hum coming from the rear of the car, near the fuel tank.

Once the engine starts, the relay stays closed and the fuel pump runs continuously to maintain pressure in the fuel rail. The 2010 Malibu uses a returnless fuel system, which means the pump does not circulate fuel back to the tank. Instead, the fuel pressure regulator sits inside the fuel tank module and keeps pressure steady at roughly 55 to 62 psi at the rail. If the relay fails, the pump receives no power, the fuel rail loses pressure, and the engine will crank forever without starting.

A weak relay can also cause intermittent problems. The contacts inside the relay can wear out over time, causing the pump to lose power only when the relay heats up or when the car hits a bump. This is why a car might start fine cold, then stall after twenty minutes of driving, and then refuse to restart until the relay cools down.

Five Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay on a 2010 Malibu

1. The engine cranks but will not start. This is the most common symptom. The starter turns the engine over, but there is no fuel pressure, so the engine never fires. If you turn the key to the ON position and do not hear the fuel pump prime for two seconds, suspect the relay first.

2. The car stalls suddenly while driving. A failing relay can drop power to the fuel pump at random times. The engine will shut off without warning, and you will have to pull over. After a few minutes, the relay may cool down enough to work again, which makes the problem hard to diagnose.

3. The fuel pump runs constantly even with the key off. This is a less common symptom, but it can happen if the relay contacts weld together internally. The pump will keep running after the key is removed, draining the battery and potentially flooding the engine.

4. There is a whining noise from the fuel tank. While this usually points to the pump itself, a relay that delivers inconsistent voltage can cause the pump to operate at odd speeds. The pump may whine louder than normal because it is not getting steady power.

5. The check engine light comes on with a fuel pressure code. On a 2010 Malibu, a low fuel pressure code like P0087 may appear when the relay fails intermittently. The code alone does not confirm a bad relay, but if you also have the no-start symptom, the relay is a likely culprit.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2010 Malibu

You do not need a mechanic to test the relay. With the rear fuse block exposed, you can perform two simple tests.

Step 1: Listen for the prime. Turn the key to the ON position without cranking the engine. You should hear a short hum from the rear of the car for about two seconds. If you hear nothing, move to the next step.

Step 2: Check the fuse. Find the fuel pump fuse in the rear fuse block. Pull it out and look at the metal strip inside. If the strip is broken or discolored, replace the fuse with the same amperage rating. A blown fuse is often the easiest fix and costs under five dollars.

Step 3: Swap the relay. The rear fuse block contains several relays that look identical. Find a relay with the same part number and the same terminal layout, preferably one that controls a non‑essential system like the rear window defroster or the horn. Pull the suspected fuel pump relay and insert the known-good relay into its socket. Turn the key to the ON position and listen for the pump prime. If the pump now runs, the original relay is bad and needs replacement.

Step 4: Test with a multimeter (optional). If you have a digital multimeter, set it to ohms and measure the resistance across the relay coil terminals. A healthy coil typically reads between 50 and 120 ohms. An open circuit, which shows infinite resistance, means the coil is burned out and the relay is dead. You can also apply 12 volts from a battery to the coil terminals and listen for a click as the relay closes.

If the relay tests fine and the fuse is good, the problem may be in the wiring between the relay and the pump, or the pump itself may be failing. At this point, it is worth measuring fuel pressure at the rail with a gauge. Low or zero pressure with a good relay points to the pump.

How to Reset the Fuel Pump System Without a Switch

Since the 2010 Malibu has no fuel pump reset button, you can reset the system by letting the powertrain control module cycle the relay. This is useful if the car stalled and you want to clear a temporary fault.

1. Turn the key to the ON position without starting the engine. Leave it there for about two minutes. This wakes up the control module and lets it run a self‑test on the fuel system.
2. Turn the key back to the OFF position and wait about ten seconds.
3. Turn the key to the ON position again and listen for the fuel pump prime. If you hear the hum, the system has reset.
4. Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. If the pump primes and the engine runs smoothly, the reset worked.

If the pump still does not run after this process, the relay, fuse, or pump itself needs attention.

How Much Does a Replacement Relay Cost?

A replacement fuel pump relay for a 2010 Chevy Malibu is inexpensive. Aftermarket relays from brands like Bosch, Standard Ignition, or ACDelco typically cost between $5 and $15 depending on the brand and terminal count. For example, a Bosch relay that fits 1997–2010 Malibu models sells for around $5.40, and an ACDelco relay for 2004–2012 models is about $13.20. The 2010 Malibu uses a four‑pin or five‑pin relay depending on the build date and trim level, so check the old relay before ordering a replacement.

Genuine GM relays are also available. The GM part that covers the fuel pump relay on many 2010 Malibu trims is part number 13503103, with a list price of about $11.29. You can buy it from a GM dealer or an online parts distributor, but an aftermarket relay from a reputable brand works just as well.

Before buying a new relay, compare the part number on your old relay with the one you plan to order. The terminal layout and the amperage rating must match, or the relay will either not fit or not handle the load.

Should You Replace the Fuel Pump or the Relay First?

If your Malibu will not start, it is tempting to assume the fuel pump is dead and spend several hundred dollars on a new pump. A fuel pump replacement on a 2010 Malibu is a labor‑intensive job because the pump sits inside the fuel tank and the tank has to be lowered or pulled. Depending on the shop, you might pay $600 to $900 for parts and labor.

The relay is the cheaper and easier first step. Test the relay before you replace the pump. If the relay is bad, you have solved the problem for under $15. If the relay is good, then the pump or the electrical supply to the pump needs closer inspection.

It is also worth checking the fuel pump fuse and the wiring harness near the rear fuse block. Corroded connectors or damaged wires in the trunk area can mimic a bad relay, and they are common failure points on this generation of Malibu. One owner reported intermittent loss of engine power caused by a short in the rear fuse box, requiring fuel pump relay replacement and greasing of the connections. If you have been experiencing random stalls, check the fuse block for signs of moisture or corrosion before you buy any parts.

Where to Buy a Quality Fuel Pump for Your 2010 Chevy Malibu

If you confirm that the fuel pump itself has failed, you need a replacement that lasts. The KEMSO brand offers high‑performance fuel pumps designed as OEM replacements. KEMSO pumps are built to match the original factory specifications for fit, fuel pressure, and flow rate, and they come with a lifetime warranty. This means you only buy the pump once, and if it ever fails, KEMSO will replace it. You can browse the full catalog and order directly at https://www.kemsoracing.com/. Before purchasing, confirm that the pump listed matches your Malibu's engine size and model year so the installation goes smoothly and the pump delivers the correct fuel pressure.

Final Thoughts on the 2010 Chevy Malibu Fuel Pump Relay

The fuel pump relay on a 2010 Malibu lives in the trunk‑mounted fuse block on the left side behind the trim panel, not in the engine compartment. Knowing this location saves you from wasting time searching the underhood fuse box, where the relay is not hiding. If your car cranks but will not start, start with the relay and the fuse before you touch the fuel pump. A ten‑minute relay test can save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs.

Remember that the 2010 Malibu has no fuel pump reset switch, so do not waste time looking for one. To reset the system, simply cycle the key to the ON position for two minutes and then start the engine. If the pump still will not run, inspect the wiring and the fuse block for corrosion, then test the relay with a multimeter, and finally diagnose the pump itself with a fuel pressure gauge.

When you do need a new pump, choose a KEMSO fuel pump for a reliable, warrantied replacement. The product lineup covers many vehicle makes and models, and all pumps carry a lifetime warranty. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the right pump for your 2010 Chevy Malibu and get your car back on the road with confidence.