The fuel pump relay is found in nearly every car and works as the primary switch to the fuel pump.
If the fuel pump relay on your chevy truck is bad, jumping it can be a temporary fix to get it going.
This article explains how to jump fuel pump relay on a chevy truck, how to bypass a fuel pump relay, and it also answers any questions you might have about the fuel pump relay on your Chevy truck.
Tools You Need to Jump Fuel Pump Relay on a Chevy Truck
You’ll require some tools to jump fuel the pump relay on a chevy truck.
You will require a ratchet, open-ended wrench extension cables, and a new fuel pump relay to carry out the steps below on your Chevy truck.
However, suppose you’re unsure how to proceed with jumper cables or connect the fuel pump relay.
In that case, we suggest enlisting assistance from a professional mechanic or reviewing the owner’s manual for your car before continuing with the steps.
How to Jump Fuel Pump Relay on a Chevy Truck
- Locate the Fuel Pump Relay
- Disconnect the Battery Terminals
- Connect the Jumper Cables
- Turn on the Engine
- Check the Lights on the Dashboard
Step 1: Locate the Fuel Pump Relay
You will find it easier to work with your Chevy truck if you know where the fuel pump relay is located. First, make sure that you are parked in a well-lit place, and then lift the engine hood. For your Chevy truck, you should search in the engine bay area for the fuel pump relay.
The fuel pump relay is located beside the fuse box or next to the battery terminals bearing its label placed on it. If the relay can’t be found in these places directly, check out the back of the headlight on the driver’s side by the right side of the vehicle’s engine.
They typically look like boxes made of plastic and are usually black. Fuel pump Relays are always labeled with their locations so that both can be checked.
Step 2: Disconnect the Battery Terminals
Now that the relay is located detach it from the battery terminals. Next, you must take out the black cable from one of your battery terminals, also known as a negative ground cable. You can detach both cables if you prefer.
Step 3: Connect the Jumper Cables
After that, you need to connect the cables to their corresponding battery terminals.
You will first use your red cable and attach it to the red battery terminal for one of the batteries. And then, you want the other one (the blue cable from your jumper kit) connected to the blue terminal for its battery.
Make sure that you put it on accordingly because, once again, these both must match up with what was done in step two repeatedly. Also, do not let any metal on your hands touch these terminals or cables when attaching them.
Alternatives to Steps 2&3
Simply follow these three steps after you locate the fuel switch:
- Start by disconnecting the four-pin pump from the column on the relay’s right.
- You should bring a copper 5″ wire cable with both ends sheared by half an inch of insulation (one end flat and one end rounded).
- Attach one end of the wire to the slot located on the left side of the center post of the pump and attach the other end in place with a pin slot found just below it facing downward on your relay (but not touching).
Step 4: Turn on the Engine
First, turn on your truck and make sure all lights (and gauges, if they aren’t electronic) are functioning properly.
Then, double-check that you’ve got the red stripey and the black strappy side of the jumper cables connected to correct live and dead ends of the other battery’s terminals.
If you’re confident you have done the previous parts right, start your truck and let it idle for 15 minutes. After this has passed, turn off the ignition again and complete any steps to disconnect previous connections and reconnect in reverse order what was cut previously.
Step 5: Check the Lights on the Dashboard
Inspect the fuel indicator to see if it’s green. After shutting down your ignition and disconnecting all links, you must verify your fuel meter.
As opposed to seeing the green from the beginning, watch for changes on your dashboard going from yellow to red before changing to green.
This is a signal that you have initiated your vehicle’s fuel pump relay. If you don’t view any of these changes, keep repeating these steps until you notice a green flash.
Check out this video for more tips on how to jump fuel pump relay on a chevy truck
What Is the Fuel Pump Relay on a Chevy Truck?
The fuel pump relay on a chevy truck is an electric device that functions similar to an automobile fuse. It is a conduit for current to the fuel pump and makes sure that the pump can function correctly but not so excessively that it causes damage to the pump.
The fuel pumps require a lot of power to function and can cause excessive heat to the wiring system and the pump if it were without the relay.
The fuel pump relay In most cars is located under the vehicle’s hood and is connected directly to the firewall. It’s a small, black plastic box with wire harnesses connected from its bottom.
The relay acts as a watchdog for the power supply to the fuel pump. It activates it when the ignition is switched on and switches off the pump after the car is shut off.
The fuel pump may be heard to hum when the ignition is turned to the on position. The fuel pump allows the vehicle to begin its engine, after which, once the vehicle is in operation, the computer of the car sends an indication that the fuel pump relay shuts off.
Also Read: Can You Jumpstart a Car With a Bad Alternator?
Is It Safe to Jump a Fuel Pump Relay on a Chevy Truck?
It is always recommended to replace the relay with a brand new one when needed rather than bypassing it.
It’s important to keep your car’s electrical systems in good working condition; therefore, making sure that you find the cause of the relay damage is important.
Nevertheless, sometimes it’s necessary to keep your vehicle running before trying to purchase a new relay.
If you prefer to have your fuel pump relay re-ignite quickly, you can use a jumper wire to bypass the car’s relay. The jumper will turn on the fuel pump if your car is turned off, but only if you’re willing to risk destroying your vehicle in the long term.
Although rare, it’s possible for fuel pump relays to cause an accident by granting access to electrical fields.
Therefore, it’s important to remain vigilant and watch for any potential hazards that could occur while working with live electrical currents. Despite bypassing the fuel pump relay successfully, accidents could still occur.
Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay
In most cases, people don’t know their fuel pump relays are bad until their car won’t start. So here are some simple ways to identify a faulty pump relay.
1. The Check Engine Light Is On
A sensor is intended to determine the fuel pressure correctly, but you may get a different reading if the system fails and prevents it from doing so.
The ECU will record an error code that indicates a fuel pump relay problem if this occurs. This can then cause the engine light to come on.
A faulty pump relay can cause voltage spikes within the relay. These voltage spikes could be caused by the shorting of a fuse, the breakdown of an engine, a broken wiring, or a faulty circuit.
The ECU may read an error due to this spike, triggering an engine warning light to activate.
2. Rough Acceleration
If the fuel pump relay malfunctions, it may not be able to transfer pressure from the tank to the combustion chamber accurately; as such, there may not be enough fuel present in the combustion chamber, which can impair acceleration and mileage.
3. Engine Stalling or Idling
A damaged soldering problem on the fuel pump relay contacts causes them not to make a proper electrical connection. This could lead to fluctuations in the power source for which the fuel pump receives its fuel.
If there’s a drop in this power source, then the fuel pump might not receive enough fuel, which could cause the engine to stall or even idle repeatedly and inconveniently in some cases.
4. No Fuel Pump Noise
The sound that the ignition makes when you switch on your car indicates that there is fuel pressure, or in other words, fuel in the rails.
A quiet pump could be due to a failed relay; because the relay’s timer isn’t able to control the pressure in the rails for fuel on time.
5. The Car Won’t Start
If the fuel pump relay is malfunctioning, it will prevent the fuel pump from functioning properly hence stopping the engine from starting.
This can be evident by the lack of gasoline in the combustion chambers, which indicates a defective fuel pump relay.
6. Car Hesitates to Start
The fuel pump may cause the car to stall or the engine to sputter. This may affect the way the car starts but will not inhibit its performance in any way. However, it is advised that you let your vehicle warm up properly before trying to drive it.
Also Read: Car Hesitates to Start (10 Causes & Solutions)
7. High Gas Mileage
The inability to regulate the idle speed due to a bad fuel pump relay can lead to additional fuel being injected into the car’s engine, which leads to higher fuel consumption.
Also Read: Fuel Pump Replacement Cost
Fuel Pump Relay Replacement Cost
A fuel pump relay can be purchased online or from a local spare parts market—the fuel pump relay replacement costs ranges from $100 to $250 based on the vehicle. The cost of labor is also included in this replacement cost.
Fuel pump relay replacement cost can also be affected by the mechanic’s billing method, such as by the hour or by the job.
The mechanic’s time would be determined by the mechanic’s skill and the car’s design, and the equipment they have on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions – How to Jump Fuel Pump Relay on a Chevy Truck
Which Fuse Is the Fuel Pump Relay?
The fuel pump relay is the tiny black regulating your fuel pump. It is in the large fuse box inside the engine compartment. To locate it, for an orange 10-amp fuse that is labeled “FUEL,” “F/P,” or “FUEL PUMP.” If you don’t see it, check underneath the car’s dashboard.
Can I Jump My Fuel Pump Relay?
You can give the fuel pump relay an electrical boost by jumping it, but ensure you keep the ignition switch in the operating position; otherwise, the relay will remain open. The fuel pump should start once you flip on the ignition.
Where Is the Fuel Pump Relay Switch Located?
The fuel pump relay switch is typically located in the large fuse box inside the engine compartment.
Where Is the Fuel Relay Reset Button?
In some car models, the fuel relay reset button can be seen inside a small hole at the back of the trunk. You can access this small circular-shaped button using a screwdriver to open one side of the panel. The reset button can be visible through this hole.
Does a Fuel Pump Need a Relay?
Fuel pump relays are an integral part of an engine’s combustion. It’s no secret that cars require petrol to run, and the fuel pump relays ensure enough fuel is released when your foot is on the accelerator. The relays are typically powered by ignition modules or engine control units, either directly installed or housed within the vehicle.
What Happens When Fuel Pump Relay Goes Bad?
If your vehicle’s fuel pump relay goes bad, the fuel pump will stop working and therefore won’t be able to supply fuel to the engine to start it. For instance, this issue could lead to other problems with the engine or other features like overheating. Hence, we recommend you have your vehicle diagnosed by a professional mechanic.
Where Is the Fuel Pump Relay and Fuse?
In most cars, the fuse box is located underneath the dashboard or, in some cases, inside the engine compartment. The dashboard, or engine cover fuse, is a long black box containing several relays, fuses, and separate spaces for primary and secondary circuits.
Conclusion – How to Jump Fuel Pump Relay on a Chevy Truck
If the fuel pump relay on your chevy truck is bad, jumping it can be a temporary fix to get it going. If it doesn’t work after jumping it, you might need a replacement.
We hope you learned something useful from this post. If you want to get more tips for preventing fuel pump relay malfunctions, please do not hesitate to browse through our blog articles!