1999 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Pump Relay Location

Finding the fuel pump relay in your 1999 Hyundai Elantra is straightforward: it is located inside the vehicle's main interior fuse panel on the driver's side, lower dashboard area, near the steering column.

Knowing where this relay is located is crucial if you suspect a problem that might prevent your Elantra from starting or cause it to stall unexpectedly. The fuel pump relay acts as an electrical switch. It provides the critical high-current power needed to operate the fuel pump when you turn the ignition key. If this relay fails, power to the fuel pump is cut off, meaning no fuel reaches the engine. Locating the relay is the first step in diagnosing such issues or replacing a faulty component.

Identifying the Interior Fuse Panel Position

To access the 1999 Elantra fuel pump relay, you must locate the primary interior fuse panel.

• Your Position: Sit in the driver's seat of your vehicle.
• Look Down and Left: Directly beneath the steering wheel column, attached to the lower part of the dashboard trim on the driver's side, you will find a rectangular plastic panel or cover.
• Cover Removal: This panel cover is typically held in place by plastic clips. Gently pry it open using your fingers or carefully insert a flat-head screwdriver into the designated slots or edges to release the clips. Avoid using excessive force to prevent breaking the clips or the cover itself.
• Panel Exposure: Once the cover is removed, you will see the fuse and relay panel itself, featuring numerous smaller fuses, several larger square or rectangular relays, and the fuse puller tool usually clipped into the panel lid or base.

Recognizing the Fuel Pump Relay

The interior fuse panel houses multiple relays that look similar. Identifying the correct one is necessary.

• Relay Appearance: Relays in the 1999 Elantra are small, square or rectangular, plastic components, usually black, with several electrical terminals on the bottom side.
• Diagram Reference: The essential tool for finding the specific relay is the diagram printed on the underside of the fuse panel cover you just removed. Always refer to this diagram first.
• Labeling: Look for the fuse and relay layout chart on the cover. This chart will typically label each fuse and relay slot with its designated function.
• Finding "Fuel Pump": Scan the diagram specifically for the term "Fuel Pump," "Fuel Pump Relay," "FP," "F/Pump," or a similar designation. If you see multiple relays listed, look for the one controlling the fuel circuit.
• Confirm the Slot: Once you find the "Fuel Pump Relay" label on the diagram, note its exact position relative to other components or a slot number if provided (e.g., Slot 5 or R5). The diagram key will clearly indicate which socket holds the fuel pump relay.

Typical Position and Description

Based on common configurations for the 1999 Elantra and confirmation via the service manual:

• Usual Location: The fuel pump relay is consistently found within this interior fuse panel near the driver's left knee.
• Slot Identification: It is often located in one of the relay positions towards the center or slightly off-center of the panel. Common slot identifications observed include positions labeled specifically for the fuel pump, main relay (in some contexts related to fuel system), or positions like R5, R6, R7 (specific letter and number vary slightly by exact trim and market).
• Physical Match: It will be one of the larger rectangular cube-like components, often black in color. Do not confuse it with the similarly shaped but differently colored larger Main Relay or EFI Relay which serve other engine management functions. Match the position exactly to the diagram on the cover. The position, not just the appearance, is key.

What to Do After Locating the Relay

Once you have positively identified the relay socket corresponding to "Fuel Pump" on the diagram:

1. Inspect Visually: Look at the relay itself for signs of physical damage, melting, or corrosion on the terminals. This can indicate failure.
2. Listen for Clicking: Have an assistant turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (not "START"). Place your fingers on the relay and listen/feel for a distinct audible "click" or tactile vibration within the relay. This click signifies the relay is activating in response to the ignition signal. If you don't hear/feel the click, it could indicate a bad relay (or other electrical issues like a blown fuse or faulty ignition switch).
3. Testing Function: For a more definitive check, a multimeter is needed to test if the relay properly conducts power when activated. Alternatively, swapping the fuel pump relay with an identical, known-good relay from another non-critical circuit (like the horn relay) is a common diagnostic step. Important: Only swap relays if they are confirmed identical part numbers.
4. Replacement: If testing indicates the relay is faulty, replacement is the solution. Purchase the correct new relay (consult your owner's manual, parts store database, or an auto parts specialist referencing your exact vehicle). Firmly press the new relay into the same socket you removed the old one from, ensuring it's fully seated. Replace the fuse panel cover securely.

Understanding Symptoms of Fuel Pump Relay Failure

Knowing where the relay is helps when specific symptoms appear:

• Engine Cranks, Won't Start: The engine turns over normally with the starter motor but never catches or runs. This is a primary symptom, as no fuel is being delivered to the engine.
• Intermittent Starting Problems: The car might start fine one time but refuse to start the next, with no apparent pattern. This erratic behavior can point to a relay with failing internal contacts.
• Engine Stalls Suddenly: While driving, the engine may abruptly shut off as if the ignition was turned off, then potentially restart immediately or after a delay. A failing relay cutting power during operation causes this.
• No Fuel Pump Prime Sound: When you turn the key to the "ON" position just before starting, you should hear a distinct humming or buzzing sound from near the rear of the car (the fuel pump priming) lasting 2-3 seconds. The absence of this sound strongly indicates either a failed fuel pump, a blown fuse, or a problem with the fuel pump relay not activating the pump.
• Loss of Power While Driving: A relay that intermittently disconnects can cause sudden losses of power while accelerating or driving, followed by recovery if the relay momentarily reconnects.

Crucial Precautions and Tips

• Disconnect Battery: Always disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery before removing or replacing any fuse or relay. This prevents accidental short circuits that could blow fuses or damage electrical components. Place the disconnected terminal away from the battery post.
• Use Correct Tool: Utilize the plastic fuse puller tool provided in the fuse panel or use needle-nose pliers carefully to extract a relay. Pull straight out. Avoid using excessive force or sharp metal tools that could damage the relay or the socket contacts.
• Confirm Identity: Triple-check the diagram on the fuse cover against the physical location in the panel before removing any relay. Mistakenly removing a different relay (like the engine control or ignition relay) can cause additional problems or diagnostic confusion.
• Check Related Fuse First: Before focusing solely on the relay, find and check the main Fuel Pump Fuse (often labeled "Fuel Pump Fuse" or "F/Pump" on the same interior fuse panel diagram). Look at the fuse wire inside the transparent top. A broken or melted wire means the fuse is blown and needs replacing. A blown fuse could be the cause instead of the relay, or sometimes both blow due to an underlying issue.
• Under-Hood Fuse Box: Be aware that the 1999 Elantra also has a separate under-hood fuse box containing large fuses protecting major circuits like the main engine power. However, the fuel pump relay itself is specifically located in the interior driver-side fuse panel. Don't waste time searching the engine bay fuse box for this relay.

By knowing the exact location inside the driver's side lower dashboard fuse panel and using the diagram on the cover, finding the 1999 Hyundai Elantra fuel pump relay is a manageable task for any owner. This knowledge enables basic diagnostics and replacement, potentially saving time and money compared to solely relying on a mechanic for what could be a simple fix. Always prioritize safety by disconnecting the battery and follow the diagram meticulously.