2013 Toyota Corolla Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Guide to Finding and Replacing It

If your 2013 Toyota Corolla cranks but won’t start, the fuel pump relay is one of the first things you should check. The fuel pump relay for the 2013 Toyota Corolla is located in the engine compartment fuse box, on the driver’s side near the battery. It’s labeled as the “EFI” relay or “Circuit Opening Relay.” This small component controls the power flow to your fuel pump, and when it fails, your engine won’t get the fuel it needs to run.

Understanding the Fuel Pump Relay in Your 2013 Corolla

The fuel pump relay works like an electrical switch. When you turn the ignition key to the “ON” position, the relay clicks shut and sends power to the fuel pump so it can pressurize the fuel system. When the engine stops, the relay opens to protect the electrical circuits. In the 2013 Toyota Corolla (part of the E140 generation, produced from 2009 to 2013), this relay is part of the Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system.

Where Exactly Is the Fuel Pump Relay Located?

For the 2013 Toyota Corolla, the fuel pump relay is located in the engine compartment fuse box. Here’s how to find it:

  1. Open the hood and look for the fuse box on the driver’s side of the engine bay, near the battery.
  2. Remove the fuse box cover by pressing the clips on the sides. The cover usually has a diagram printed on the inside that shows the location of each fuse and relay.
  3. Look for a relay labeled “EFI” or “Circuit Opening Relay.” In the 2009–2013 models, the main EFI fuse is a yellow 20-amp fuse, and the EFI relay is located right next to it.
  4. The relay is a small, square, black or gray box with multiple prongs on the bottom. It plugs directly into the fuse box socket.

Some sources also mention that the fuel pump relay may be located in the interior fuse box under the dashboard on the driver’s side, behind the small lower left panel. However, for the 2013 model year, the engine compartment location is the most common and easiest to access.

Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

Before you start replacing parts, it helps to know what a failing fuel pump relay feels like. Here are the most common symptoms:

  1. Engine cranks but won’t start – This is the most obvious sign. The starter turns the engine over, but the fuel pump never gets power, so no fuel reaches the injectors.
  2. No fuel pump noise – When you turn the ignition to the “ON” position, you should hear a soft whirring sound from the fuel pump for about 2–3 seconds. If you don’t hear it, the relay may not be engaging.
  3. Intermittent stalling – The engine may start and run fine, then suddenly stall while driving. This happens when the relay fails intermittently, cutting off power to the fuel pump.
  4. Loss of power during acceleration – If the relay is failing, the fuel pump may not get consistent voltage, causing hesitation or a lack of power when you step on the gas.
  5. Check Engine Light – The car’s computer may detect a fuel delivery problem and turn on the check engine light. Common diagnostic codes related to fuel pressure issues include P0191, P0192, and P0193.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Testing the relay is simple and only requires a few basic tools. You can do this in about 15 minutes.

Step 1: Locate the relay in the engine compartment fuse box as described above.

Step 2: Remove the relay by pulling it straight up out of the socket. You may need a small screwdriver or a relay puller tool to get it out.

Step 3: Test for continuity using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the Ohms (Ω) setting. Touch the probes to the relay’s terminals. If the multimeter reads zero resistance or a very low number, the relay is functioning. If it reads infinite resistance, the relay is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Step 4: A quicker test – If you don’t have a multimeter, you can swap the fuel pump relay with a similar relay from the same fuse box (like the horn relay or the headlight relay, if they are the same type). If the car starts after the swap, then the original relay was bad.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing a faulty fuel pump relay is one of the easiest repairs you can do on your 2013 Corolla. No special skills are required.

  1. Turn off the ignition and remove the key from the car.
  2. Disconnect the battery negative terminal as a safety precaution.
  3. Locate the relay in the engine compartment fuse box.
  4. Pull the old relay straight out of its socket.
  5. Insert the new relay into the same socket. Make sure it clicks securely into place.
  6. Reconnect the battery and test the vehicle by starting the engine.
  7. If the car starts and runs normally, you’ve fixed the problem. If not, you may have a deeper electrical issue or a failing fuel pump.

Cost of Replacement

A new fuel pump relay for a 2013 Toyota Corolla typically costs between $10 and $30 USD, depending on the brand and whether you buy an OEM or aftermarket part. If you have a mechanic do the replacement, labor costs can add $49 to $98, but the job is so simple that most people can do it themselves in under 30 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Confusing the EFI fuse with the EFI relay – The fuse is a flat, colored piece of plastic, while the relay is a square box. The 20-amp yellow EFI fuse powers the fuel pump, but the relay is the component that switches the power on and off.
  2. Not checking the fuse first – Before replacing the relay, check the EFI fuse. If the fuse is blown, replacing the relay won’t help. The fuse is a simple, cheap fix.
  3. Using the wrong relay – Always check the part number on the original relay or look up the correct part for your 2013 Corolla. Using an incompatible relay can cause electrical issues or damage to the fuel pump.

Related Components to Check

If replacing the fuel pump relay doesn’t solve your problem, here are a few other things to check:

  • Fuel pump fuse – The 20-amp EFI fuse in the engine compartment fuse box.
  • Fuel pump itself – If the pump is dead, no amount of relay troubleshooting will help. You can test the pump by applying power directly to it.
  • Wiring harness – Look for damaged, corroded, or loose wires in the engine compartment fuse box area.
  • ECU (Engine Control Unit) – In rare cases, a faulty ECU can prevent the relay from engaging.

Why Choose KEMSO for Your Fuel Pump Needs

If your 2013 Toyota Corolla’s fuel pump itself is failing, you need a reliable replacement that will last. This is where KEMSO comes in. KEMSO fuel pumps are high-performance, OEM replacement units designed to meet or exceed the original factory specifications. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected. Whether you’re dealing with a no-start condition, stalling, or loss of power, a KEMSO fuel pump ensures your Corolla gets the fuel delivery it needs to run smoothly for years to come.

Visit KEMSO’s website to browse their selection of fuel pumps and find the perfect fit for your 2013 Toyota Corolla: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Final Thoughts

The 2013 Toyota Corolla fuel pump relay is a small but critical component. Its location in the engine compartment fuse box makes it easy to access and test. Before you spend money on a mechanic, take 15 minutes to check the relay yourself. If you find it’s faulty, a $10–$30 replacement can save you a lot of time and frustration. And if the fuel pump itself is the problem, remember that KEMSO offers high-quality, lifetime-warranted replacements to get you back on the road quickly.

For more information on KEMSO fuel pumps and to find the right part for your vehicle, visit: https://www.kemsoracing.com/


Back to blog