2013 Kia Rio Fuel Pump Relay Location: Where to Find It and How to Test It
If your 2013 Kia Rio won't start, stalls randomly, or the engine cranks without firing, the fuel pump relay is one of the first things you should check. On the 2013 Kia Rio, the fuel pump relay is located inside the engine compartment fuse box, also called the under-hood relay box. It sits near the battery on the driver's side of the engine bay. This relay is responsible for sending electrical power to the fuel pump, and when it fails, the pump simply cannot run. The good news is that the relay is inexpensive, easy to reach, and simple to test with basic tools. This guide walks you through the exact location, the steps to confirm a bad relay, and what to do next.
What a Fuel Pump Relay Does on Your 2013 Kia Rio
The fuel pump relay acts as an electrical switch. When you turn the ignition key, the engine control module sends a small signal to the relay. The relay then closes a heavier circuit that delivers full battery voltage to the fuel pump. Without a working relay, the fuel pump gets no power and the engine gets no fuel.
The relay protects the fuel pump circuit from carrying too much current through the ignition switch. It also allows the engine control module to shut off the pump if it detects a crash or loss of oil pressure. This is a safety feature found on most modern vehicles, including the 2013 Kia Rio.
Fuel pumps on modern electric fuel injection systems are typically mounted inside the fuel tank, where the fuel keeps them cool and reduces noise. The relay, however, lives outside the tank in the engine bay, which makes it much easier to service.
Exact Location of the 2013 Kia Rio Fuel Pump Relay
1. Open the hood and locate the under-hood fuse and relay box.
On the 2013 Kia Rio, this box is on the driver's side of the engine compartment, near the battery and the windshield washer fluid reservoir. It is a black plastic box with a removable lid.
2. Remove the lid and check the diagram.
Inside the lid, you will find a printed diagram showing the layout of every fuse and relay. Look for the label that says "Fuel Pump Relay" or "F/P Relay." The diagram is the fastest way to identify the correct relay without guessing.
3. Identify the relay by its shape and position.
The fuel pump relay is typically a small rectangular or square black plastic component with four or five metal terminals on the bottom. It plugs into a socket in the relay box. On the 2013 Kia Rio, it is usually grouped with other relays such as the main relay and the horn relay.
4. If the under-hood box does not have it, check the interior fuse box.
On some trim levels and model variations, Kia placed the fuel pump relay in the cabin fuse box, which is located under the dashboard on the driver's side. Check your owner's manual for the exact diagram if you cannot find it under the hood. The owner's manual is the most reliable source for your specific vehicle configuration.
Signs Your 2013 Kia Rio Fuel Pump Relay Is Bad
A failing relay can produce several symptoms that are easy to confuse with a failing fuel pump. Here is what to watch for:
1. Engine cranks but does not start. The starter turns the engine over normally, but the engine never fires because no fuel is reaching the cylinders.
2. Intermittent stalling. The engine may run fine one moment and stall the next. This happens when the relay contacts are worn or dirty and only make contact sometimes.
3. No sound from the fuel tank when the key is turned. Normally, you can hear a brief hum from the fuel tank area when you turn the ignition to the "ON" position. If the relay is dead, that hum will be absent.
4. Blown fuse in the same circuit. Sometimes the relay fails because of an underlying short circuit that also blows a fuse. Always check the fuel pump fuse alongside the relay.
5. Difficulty starting when the engine is hot. Heat increases electrical resistance. A relay with worn contacts may work when cold but fail after the engine bay heats up.
It is worth noting that many of these symptoms overlap with a failing fuel pump itself. A clogged fuel filter can also cause the pump to work harder and eventually fail. That is why testing the relay before replacing the pump is a smart first step.
How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2013 Kia Rio
You do not need expensive diagnostic equipment to check a relay. Here is a simple process:
1. Swap the relay with an identical one.
The easiest test is to find another relay in the same fuse box that has the same part number and is used for a non-critical system, such as the horn relay. Swap the two. If the engine starts and runs normally, the original fuel pump relay was bad. If nothing changes, the problem is elsewhere.
2. Listen for the click.
Have a helper turn the ignition key while you hold your finger on the relay. You should feel and hear a faint click when the relay energizes. No click usually means the relay coil is dead.
3. Use a multimeter to check continuity.
Set your multimeter to the ohms setting. With the relay removed, touch the probes to the two coil terminals. You should read a resistance value, typically between 50 and 120 ohms. If you read infinite resistance, the coil is open and the relay must be replaced.
4. Check for power at the relay socket.
With the key on, use the multimeter to confirm that battery voltage is reaching the socket terminals that feed the relay coil. If there is no power at the socket, the problem is a blown fuse or a wiring issue, not the relay itself.
5. Test the fuel pump directly.
If the relay tests good but the pump still does not run, apply 12 volts directly to the fuel pump test connector or the pump wiring. If the pump runs with direct power but not through the relay circuit, the issue is in the wiring or the engine control module signal.
What to Do If the Relay Is Not the Problem
If you have confirmed the relay works and the fuel pump still does not run, the fault may be in one of these areas:
1. The fuel pump itself. Electric fuel pumps wear out over time. A pump that has run hot due to a clogged filter or low fuel levels is more likely to fail.
2. The fuel pump fuse. A blown fuse will cut power to the relay and the pump. Replace it with a fuse of the same amperage rating.
3. The wiring harness. Rodent damage, corrosion, or a loose connector can interrupt the signal from the engine control module to the relay.
4. The crankshaft position sensor. On many modern engines, the fuel pump only runs when the engine control module sees a cranking signal from the crankshaft position sensor. A bad sensor can prevent the pump from running even if the relay is fine.
5. The engine control module. This is rare, but a failed module may not send the ground signal that triggers the relay.
Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Fuel Pump and Relay
Keeping the fuel system healthy reduces the chance of relay and pump failure:
1. Never run the tank below a quarter full. The fuel in the tank cools and lubricates the pump. Running low causes the pump to run hotter and shortens its life.
2. Replace the fuel filter on schedule. Most manufacturers recommend every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. A clogged filter forces the pump to work harder and can lead to premature failure.
3. Use quality fuel. Contaminated fuel introduces debris that clogs filters and strainers, increasing resistance in the system.
4. Check the relay box for moisture. Water intrusion can corrode relay terminals. Keep the lid securely fastened.
5. Address starting problems early. If you notice hard starting or intermittent stalling, test the relay and fuel pump pressure before the problem leaves you stranded.
Recommended Replacement: KEMSO Fuel Pumps
When it is time to replace the fuel pump on your 2013 Kia Rio, choosing a high-quality unit matters. KEMSO fuel pumps are designed as high-performance, OEM replacement parts that drop directly into your vehicle without modification. Every KEMSO pump is built to handle both gasoline and E85 ethanol, and each unit is individually flow-tested before it leaves the factory.
KEMSO offers a lifetime warranty on its fuel pumps, which means you buy once and you are covered for as long as you own the vehicle. The KEMSO 340LPH high-performance pump, for example, flows 340 liters per hour at 43 psi and can support applications up to 700-800 brake horsepower. It comes as a complete kit with strainers, hoses, O-rings, clamps, and a wiring connector, so you have everything you need for the job.
Whether you drive a daily commuter or a modified Rio, KEMSO has a pump that fits. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the exact fuel pump for your 2013 Kia Rio and to browse the full catalog of OEM replacement pumps for cars, motorcycles, and powersports vehicles.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you have tested the relay, checked the fuses, and confirmed the fuel pump is getting power but still not running, the problem may require professional diagnosis. A shop with a scan tool can read live data from the engine control module and check the fuel pump duty cycle. If you are not comfortable working with electrical circuits or removing the fuel tank, have a qualified mechanic handle the repair. Fuel systems operate under pressure, and improper service can be dangerous.
Final Thoughts
The 2013 Kia Rio fuel pump relay is in the under-hood fuse box near the battery on the driver's side. Testing it is a simple job that can save you the cost of a misdiagnosed fuel pump replacement. Start by checking the relay diagram inside the fuse box lid, swap the relay with an identical one, and listen for the click. If the relay checks out, move on to the fuse, the wiring, and the pump itself. And when you do need a new fuel pump, choose a KEMSO OEM replacement with a lifetime warranty. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to get started.