2014 Chevy Cruze Fuel Pump Relay Location: Where to Find It and How to Test It
If your 2014 Chevy Cruze cranks but won't start, or if the engine stalls intermittently while driving, the fuel pump relay is one of the first things you should check. Here is the short answer: on the 2014 Chevy Cruze, the fuel pump relay is located in the engine compartment fuse box, which sits under a black plastic cover right next to the battery. However, there is an important detail that many owners discover the hard way—on many 2014 Cruze models, the relay slot may actually be empty from the factory. Instead of a traditional relay, General Motors equipped many Cruze vehicles with a Fuel Pump Control Module, a small electronic unit that performs the same switching function but is mounted in a completely different location.
This guide will walk you through exactly where to look, how to confirm whether your Cruze uses a relay or a control module, how to test each component, and what to do if you need to replace the fuel pump itself.
Why the Fuel Pump Relay Matters So Much
The fuel pump relay acts as the gatekeeper between your battery and the fuel pump. When you turn the ignition key, the engine control module sends a signal to the relay, which then closes the internal switch and sends battery voltage directly to the fuel pump. This primes the fuel system and keeps fuel pressure steady while the engine runs.
Without a working relay, the fuel pump receives no power, and your engine gets no fuel. The relay also prevents the fuel pump from running constantly, which would drain your battery and eventually damage the pump.
This is why a bad fuel pump relay can mimic the symptoms of a completely failed fuel pump. Many drivers replace an expensive fuel pump only to discover the real problem was a small, inexpensive relay.
Step 1: Locate the Engine Compartment Fuse Box
The first place to look is the engine compartment fuse box. On the 2014 Chevy Cruze, this box sits under a black plastic cover right next to the battery.
Here is how to access it:
1. Open the hood and locate the battery.
2. Look for the black plastic fuse box cover adjacent to the battery.
3. Remove the cover by releasing the clips or lifting it straight up.
4. On the underside of the lid, you will find a fuse layout diagram. This diagram shows the exact position of every fuse and relay in the box.
If the diagram is missing or unreadable, consult your owner's manual. It contains the same information and will tell you exactly which slot corresponds to the fuel pump circuit.
Step 2: Identify the Correct Fuse and Relay Positions
Once you have the fuse box open, you need to identify the components related to the fuel pump. Based on documentation for the 2011–2014 Cruze generation, here is what you are looking for:
Fuse F18 (10A) — labeled "Fuel Pump Control Module"
Fuse F28 (20A) — labeled "Fuel Pump Relay"
Fuse F67 (20A) — also labeled "Fuel Pump Control Module," located further down in the box
Relay Number 8 — designated as the fuel pump relay in the engine compartment fuse box
In some documentation, you may also see Fuse F20 (20A) associated with the fuel pump relay circuit. The exact labeling can vary slightly depending on the trim level and build date, so always cross-check the diagram on your fuse box cover.
Step 3: Check Whether Your Cruze Actually Has a Relay
Here is where things get tricky. On many 2014 Chevy Cruze models, relay slot number 8 is empty from the factory. This is not a missing part or a manufacturing defect. Instead, GM substituted a Fuel Pump Control Module—a small electronic unit that performs the same switching function as a traditional relay but is located in a completely different spot.
If you open the fuse box and find relay slot 8 empty, do not assume a missing relay is your problem. Your vehicle likely uses the control module design instead.
Step 4: Find the Fuel Pump Control Module (If Equipped)
On 2014 Cruze models that use the control module design, this unit sits in the trunk, on the right-hand side, near the wheel arch. You may need to remove some trim or pull back the carpet lining to see it.
Some owners also report finding it mounted near the rear seat back area on the passenger side. If you are having trouble locating it, checking both areas is a good idea.
Step 5: Test the Fuses Before Doing Anything Else
Before you go through the trouble of pulling the fuel pump or replacing the control module, check the electrical side first. A surprising number of "bad fuel pump" cases turn out to be a blown fuse or a faulty relay.
Testing the fuses is straightforward, and you do not need a fancy diagnostic scanner.
1. Pull the fuse with the plastic fuse puller tool—it is often clipped inside the fuse box lid.
2. Look at the metal strip inside the fuse. If it is broken or melted, the fuse is blown and needs replacing.
3. Better yet, use a multimeter set to the continuity or ohms mode. Touch the two test leads to the small metal contacts on the top of the fuse. A good fuse will show near zero resistance or produce a beep on the continuity setting.
Step 6: Test the Relay (If Present)
If your Cruze does have a fuel pump relay, testing it is simple. Here are two reliable methods:
Method 1: Swap Test
Swap the fuel pump relay with an identical relay from the same fuse box—like the powertrain relay or the horn relay—and see if the car starts. If it does, the original relay is bad.
Method 2: Listen for the Click
When you turn the key to the ON position (without cranking), you should hear a click from the relay. If you hear nothing, the relay may not be closing.
Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump Relay or Control Module
Recognizing the warning signs early can save you from being stranded on the side of the road. Here are the most common symptoms Chevrolet owners should watch for:
1. Engine Cranks But Won't Start
This is by far the most common symptom. You turn the key, hear the starter motor cranking the engine normally, but the engine never fires up. The engine sounds healthy—it is turning over at the right speed—but it gets no fuel because the relay is not sending power to the fuel pump.
2. No Fuel Pump Sound When Turning the Key
When you turn the key to the ON position, you should hear a soft humming or whining sound coming from the fuel tank area for about two seconds. This is the fuel pump priming the system. If you hear nothing, the relay or control module is probably not sending power to the pump.
3. Engine Stalls While Driving
Your car might start fine and run for a while, then suddenly shut off while you are driving—especially at highway speeds. This happens because the relay may only supply power to the fuel pump intermittently.
4. Multiple Start Attempts Required
Sometimes your car may need several tries before it starts. This points to a relay that works only some of the time.
5. Check Engine Light Illuminated
Modern vehicles monitor virtually every electrical component. When the fuel pump relay fails or starts malfunctioning, the ECU detects the problem and turns on the check engine light. Common diagnostic trouble codes associated with fuel pump relay issues include P0230, P0231, P0627, and P0628.
6. Battery Drains Faster Than Normal
A stuck fuel pump relay can cause the fuel pump to run constantly—even when the car is turned off. This leads to rapid battery drainage.
What If the Relay and Fuses Are Fine?
If you have tested the fuses and the relay (or control module) and everything checks out, the problem may be the fuel pump itself. On the 2014 Chevy Cruze, the fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank, which sits under the rear seat area of the car.
There is no exterior access panel on this model, which means you will need to either lower the fuel tank or cut through the sheet metal beneath the rear seat to reach the pump assembly. This is a labor-intensive job that many owners choose to leave to a professional mechanic.
Common signs that the fuel pump itself is failing include:
1. Engine Sputtering or Stalling While Driving — especially at highway speeds or when climbing hills.
2. Difficulty Starting the Engine — the pump may not build enough pressure to deliver fuel to the engine.
3. Loss of Power During Acceleration — the vehicle feels sluggish or unresponsive when you step on the gas.
4. Decreased Fuel Efficiency — you find yourself filling up more often than usual.
5. Loud Whining Noise from the Fuel Tank — a healthy fuel pump operates quietly, so any unusual noise is a red flag.
Recommended Fuel Pump: KEMSO
When it is time to replace your fuel pump, consider KEMSO brand fuel pumps. KEMSO fuel pumps are high-performance, OEM replacement parts designed to meet or exceed factory specifications. They offer a lifetime warranty for peace of mind, so you can install with confidence and avoid the hassle of repeat repairs.
Whether you need a direct fit for your Chevy Cruze or an upgrade for another vehicle, KEMSO has you covered. Their product line includes fuel pumps for a wide range of vehicles, from daily drivers to performance applications. Every KEMSO pump is engineered for reliability and durability, making it a smart choice for owners who want a long-term solution rather than a temporary fix.
Browse the full selection of KEMSO fuel pumps and other performance parts at https://www.kemsoracing.com/.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I drive with a bad fuel pump relay?
A: You should not. A bad relay can cause your engine to stall without warning, which is dangerous at highway speeds. Replace it as soon as possible.
Q: How much does a fuel pump relay cost?
A: A replacement fuel pump relay is typically about $45. This is far cheaper than replacing the fuel pump itself, which can cost over $1,000 when parts and labor are combined.
Q: Can I jump the fuel pump relay to test it?
A: Yes. You can connect terminal 30 to terminal 87 with a jumper wire to bypass the relay and send direct power to the fuel pump. If the pump runs when jumped, the relay is bad. This is a temporary diagnostic step only—do not leave the jumper wire in place.
Q: How long does a fuel pump relay last?
A: There is no fixed lifespan. Heat, vibration, and age can all cause relay failure. If your Cruze has over 100,000 miles and the original relay, it is worth checking.
Final Thoughts
Finding the fuel pump relay on a 2014 Chevy Cruze is not difficult once you know where to look. The engine compartment fuse box next to the battery is your first stop. Check the fuses and the relay—or the fuel pump control module if your model uses one instead. Testing these components takes only a few minutes and can save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs.
If the relay and fuses check out and your Cruze still will not start, the fuel pump itself may be the culprit. When you are ready to replace it, choose a high-quality OEM replacement like KEMSO for dependable performance and a lifetime warranty.
Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to browse KEMSO fuel pumps and find the right fit for your vehicle.