2018 Chevy Malibu Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Guide to Finding and Fixing It

If you own a 2018 Chevy Malibu and your car cranks but won’t start, the fuel pump relay is one of the first things to check. The fuel pump relay on a 2018 Chevy Malibu is located in the underhood fuse/relay box on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, near the battery. This box is often called the engine compartment fuse block. The relay itself is not a standalone component with a specific label in the fuse box diagram; instead, the fuel pump circuit is controlled by a relay that is part of the integrated power distribution system. Let’s walk through exactly where to look, how to identify it, and what to do if it’s faulty.

Where Exactly Is the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2018 Chevy Malibu?

The 2018 Chevy Malibu uses a modern electrical system where the fuel pump relay is housed inside the main underhood fuse box. Here’s how to find it:

Step 1: Open the hood. The fuse box is located on the driver’s side of the engine bay, right next to the battery. It’s a black plastic box with a removable lid.

Step 2: Remove the fuse box cover. Press the tabs on the sides and lift the lid. On the underside of the lid, you will find a diagram showing the location of each fuse and relay.

Step 3: Look for the fuel pump relay on the diagram. On the 2018 Malibu, the fuel pump relay is not labeled as “FUEL PUMP” on the relay itself in many diagrams. Instead, the fuel pump circuit is controlled by relay 31, which is labeled as “Run/Crank” on the fuse box diagram. This relay powers the fuel pump, along with other critical engine components, when the ignition is turned on.

Important: The fuse that protects the fuel pump circuit is fuse 28, a 10-amp fuse located in the same underhood fuse box. If your fuel pump is not working, check this fuse first before replacing the relay. Fuse 28 is clearly labeled “Fuel pump” on the diagram.

How to Confirm It’s the Fuel Pump Relay

Before you spend money on a new relay, you can do a simple test. The fuel pump relay is a small, cube-shaped electrical switch. When you turn the key to the “ON” position (without starting the engine), you should hear a faint click from the relay and a brief humming sound from the fuel pump near the rear of the car. If you hear nothing, the relay or its circuit may be faulty.

A quick way to test the relay: You can swap the fuel pump relay (relay 31) with another identical relay in the same fuse box, such as the air conditioning relay or the front wiper relay. If the car starts after the swap, the original relay is bad and needs to be replaced.

Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

A failing fuel pump relay can cause several noticeable problems. The most common symptoms include:

  1. Engine cranks but won’t start. This is the classic sign. The relay fails to send power to the pump, so no fuel pressure builds up.
  2. Engine stalls while driving. The relay may lose contact when it gets hot, cutting power to the pump and causing the engine to die.
  3. No fuel pump priming noise. When you turn the key to “ON,” you should hear a 2-second buzz from the fuel tank. If you don’t, check the relay and fuse.
  4. Intermittent starting issues. The car starts fine sometimes, but other times it won’t. This often points to a relay that is wearing out.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2018 Chevy Malibu

Replacing the fuel pump relay is a straightforward job that you can do in about 10 minutes. Here’s what to do:

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. This is a safety step to prevent any electrical shorts.
  2. Locate relay 31 in the underhood fuse box. Use the diagram on the fuse box lid to find it.
  3. Pull out the old relay. Grasp the relay firmly and pull it straight out. You can use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry it if it’s tight.
  4. Install the new relay. Push the new relay firmly into the same socket until it clicks into place. Make sure it’s the same type (usually a standard 4-pin or 5-pin relay).
  5. Reconnect the battery. Tighten the negative terminal securely.
  6. Test the system. Turn the ignition to “ON” and listen for the fuel pump to prime. Then start the engine.

Where to Buy a Quality Replacement Fuel Pump

If you find that the relay is not the problem and you need a new fuel pump, it’s important to choose a reliable brand. For a 2018 Chevy Malibu, you want a fuel pump that matches OEM specifications and offers long-term durability.

We recommend the KEMSO brand for your fuel pump needs. KEMSO fuel pumps are high-performance, OEM replacement units designed to fit perfectly and deliver reliable fuel pressure. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected. Whether you need a direct replacement or an upgrade, KEMSO products are built to last.

Visit the KEMSO store to find the right fuel pump for your 2018 Chevy Malibu and other vehicles: https://www.kemsoracing.com/.

Final Thoughts

The 2018 Chevy Malibu fuel pump relay is located in the underhood fuse box on the driver’s side, near the battery. Look for relay 31 (Run/Crank) on the fuse box diagram. Always check fuse 28 first, as it is the dedicated 10-amp fuel pump fuse. If the relay is bad, it’s an easy and inexpensive fix. If you end up needing a new fuel pump, KEMSO offers high-quality, OEM replacement options with a lifetime warranty. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to browse their selection and get your Malibu back on the road.


Back to blog