1998 Toyota Camry Fuel Pump Relay Location: Your Definitive Guide

Finding the fuel pump relay in a 1998 Toyota Camry is straightforward: it's located inside the main under-hood fuse and relay box, specifically in the position labeled "EFI" or "Fuel Pump Relay". This rectangular, usually black, relay controls power to the fuel pump and is a critical component for engine starting and running.

Understanding the location and function of this relay is essential for diagnosing starting problems, engine stalling, or fuel delivery issues common in older vehicles like the fourth-generation Camry (XV20 chassis). Knowing where to look first saves significant time and money compared to replacing parts unnecessarily. Let's break down exactly where to find it.

Locating the Under-Hood Fuse/Relay Box

  1. Open the Hood: Ensure the vehicle is in park (automatic) or neutral (manual) with the parking brake firmly set. Pull the hood release lever inside the vehicle's cabin, typically located near the driver's side kick panel or under the dash.
  2. Secure the Hood: Lift the hood and engage the hood prop rod to keep it safely open.
  3. Identify the Box: The primary engine compartment fuse and relay box is mounted on the driver's side (left side for US models). It's usually near the windshield washer fluid reservoir and the strut tower. It's a relatively large black plastic box with a removable cover.

Finding the Fuel Pump Relay Inside the Box

  1. Open the Cover: Locate the plastic tabs or clips securing the lid of the under-hood fuse box. Press or squeeze these tabs to release the cover and lift it off. Place the cover somewhere safe. Some lids may have a fuse diagram molded into them, while others have a label stuck to the underside of the cover.
  2. Locate the Diagram: Immediately look for the fuse and relay layout diagram. This crucial diagram is almost always printed on the underside of the fuse box lid you just removed. If not there, it might be a sticker adhered directly to the fuse box housing itself near the lid's base.
  3. Find the Correct Label: Carefully study this diagram. You are looking specifically for the label:
    • "EFI" (Electronic Fuel Injection) OR
    • "FUEL PUMP" OR
    • "FUEL PUMP RELAY"
      These labels all refer to the circuit controlled by the fuel pump relay.
  4. Identify the Physical Position: The diagram will show the specific slot (or position) within the fuse box designated for this relay. It will have a grid layout with letters and/or numbers corresponding to each fuse and relay location. Match the "EFI" or "Fuel Pump" label on the diagram to its position in the actual fuse box.

Recognizing the Fuel Pump Relay

  1. Shape: The fuel pump relay in the 1998 Camry is a standard ISO micro relay.
  2. Physical Characteristics: It's typically a small, rectangular black plastic cube.
  3. Terminals: It will have four or five electrical terminals (metal prongs) protruding from the bottom that plug into sockets within the fuse box.
  4. Labeling: It usually has the amperage rating printed on it (e.g., 20A, 25A). It might have a part number (like the original Toyota part number 28300-16040 or industry numbers like 056700-7550). Key Tip: Its defining feature is its position labeled on the diagram as EFI or Fuel Pump. The terminals themselves might also have small markings like "30", "87", "85", "86" which correspond to the relay's internal wiring standard.

Accessing and Removing the Relay (If Testing or Replacing)

  1. Disconnect Battery (Strongly Recommended): For safety and to prevent electrical shorts or damage, disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal before handling any fuses or relays. Secure the cable away from the battery terminal.
  2. Locate Relay: Using the diagram, identify the EFI/Fuel Pump relay slot visually within the open fuse box.
  3. Grasp Firmly: Relay slots are designed to hold components securely. Grasp the fuel pump relay firmly by its plastic body.
  4. Pull Straight Out: Apply steady pulling force straight upwards. Avoid rocking it side-to-side or twisting excessively to prevent damaging the relay's terminals or the fuse box sockets. It might require a bit of effort if it hasn't been removed in years.

Common Symptoms of a Faulty Fuel Pump Relay

Knowing the location becomes critical when you experience these signs:

  1. Engine Cranks But Won't Start: The most common symptom. The starter motor turns the engine over, but it doesn't "catch" and run because the relay isn't sending power to the pump to deliver fuel.
  2. Sudden Engine Stalling: The engine may suddenly shut off while driving or idling as if the ignition key was turned off. This happens if a failing relay temporarily cuts power to the fuel pump.
  3. Intermittent Starting Problems: The car might start perfectly one time but fail the next time you try. This inconsistency is classic for a failing relay or a loose connection.
  4. No Fuel Pump Prime Sound: When you turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (but not start), you should normally hear a quiet humming or whining sound from the rear (near the fuel tank) for 1-2 seconds. This is the fuel pump priming the system. If you don't hear this sound, the relay (or the pump/fuse/wiring) could be faulty.

Verifying the Problem: Simple Relay Test (Substitution)

The easiest way to test if the fuel pump relay is faulty without special tools:

  1. Identify a Compatible Relay: Locate another relay in the same under-hood fuse box that has the exact same physical shape, size, and terminal configuration (number and pattern of prongs) as the suspect fuel pump relay. Common compatible circuits include the starter relay (labeled "STA" or "STARTER"), horn relay ("HORN"), or even the radiator fan relay ("CDS FAN" - though confirm size match). Ensure the amperage rating on the relay matches or is higher. Check your diagram!
  2. Swap Relays: Carefully remove the identified compatible relay (e.g., the Horn relay). Then remove the suspected Fuel Pump/EFI relay.
  3. Install and Test: Place the compatible relay (e.g., Horn relay) into the empty Fuel Pump relay socket. Listen carefully when turning the ignition to "ON": If you now hear the fuel pump priming sound you didn't hear before, it strongly indicates the original fuel pump relay is faulty.
  4. Confirm Function: If the car now starts, it confirms the relay was the issue. Replace both relays promptly – you used the horn relay, so the horn won't work until you replace that one too!

Replacing the Fuel Pump Relay

  1. Obtain Correct Replacement: Source a new ISO Micro relay with matching specifications. Use your vehicle's VIN at an auto parts store, order the genuine Toyota part (28300-16040 - confirm suitability with dealer/VIN), or match the physical specs and amperage rating from the old relay/box diagram. Standard automotive relays are inexpensive.
  2. Disconnect Battery: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before installation.
  3. Orient Correctly: Look at the terminals on the relay and the socket in the fuse box. They are keyed to only fit one way. Align the relay terminals with the socket holes.
  4. Press Firmly: Push the new relay down firmly and evenly into its socket until it seats fully. You should feel it clip or lock into place.
  5. Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten securely.
  6. Test: Turn the ignition to "ON" and listen for the fuel pump prime. Attempt to start the engine.

Important Considerations & Alternatives

  1. Check Fuses First: Before suspecting the relay, always check the related fuses. For the fuel pump circuit, check the Engine (EFI) Fuse (usually 15A or 20A, located within the same under-hood fuse box) and the Fuel Pump Fuse (if equipped, may be in the under-hood box or sometimes the interior fuse panel). Consult your diagram! A blown fuse will also cause a no-pump situation and is quicker/easier to check and replace than the relay. A blown fuse often indicates a deeper wiring problem downstream.
  2. Fuse Box Variations: While standardized for the model year, slight variations in fuse box layout could occur between different trims (CE, LE, XLE), engine types (4-cylinder 5S-FE vs 6-cylinder 1MZ-FE), or early/late production. This is why referencing the diagram specific to your car's under-hood fuse box is absolutely critical.
  3. Interior Fuse Panel (Less Common): A very small number of 1998 Camry owners have reported finding the fuel pump relay in the interior fuse panel, typically located near the driver's left knee bolster below the steering column. However, this is the exception, not the norm. The primary location remains the under-hood box per Toyota service documentation. Always check the under-hood diagram first. If not found, then check the interior panel diagram.
  4. Under-Dash Relay: In some wiring schematics, there is a "Circuit Opening Relay" located under the dash, often near the interior fuse panel. This relay is also involved in the fuel pump circuit, working in conjunction with the primary EFI/Fuel Pump relay in the engine bay. The key relay controlling the main power to the pump itself is the one under the hood. The under-dash relay is more involved in safety cutoffs. If replacing the under-hood relay doesn't solve the problem, investigating the circuit opening relay could be a next step, but start with the engine bay relay.
  5. Potential Causes of Relay Failure: Relays are electro-mechanical devices. They can fail due to worn internal contacts, coil failure, solder joint cracking from vibration and heat cycles, or external corrosion on the terminals. Simple age is also a factor on a 25-year-old vehicle.
  6. Don't Ignore Wiring/Pump: If a new relay doesn't fix the problem, the issue could be a failed fuel pump itself, a wiring fault (broken wire, corroded connector, bad ground), the ignition switch not sending the signal to activate the relay, or a faulty Engine Control Module (ECU). Diagnosis may require electrical testing with a multimeter or professional assistance.
  7. Safety: Always work in a well-ventilated area away from sparks or flames. Disconnecting the battery prevents accidental starting and short circuits. Be mindful of moving engine parts if testing while the engine is cranking or running.

Conclusion

The fuel pump relay is a vital component for the operation of your 1998 Toyota Camry. Thankfully, it's also one of the easier components to locate and service yourself. Remember: Your primary target is the under-hood fuse and relay box on the driver's side. Always refer to the diagram on the box's underside to identify the slot clearly labeled "EFI" or "Fuel Pump". Swap it with a known good matching relay (like the horn relay) to test it efficiently. Keeping a spare relay in your glovebox can be a simple, inexpensive solution to a potentially frustrating breakdown on the road. By understanding its location and function, you empower yourself to tackle a common cause of no-start issues confidently.

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