Malibu Fuel Pump Relay: Replacing The Part Efficiently

The fuel pump relay is a device that sends an electric current to the fuel pump, which then sends gasoline to the engine. The fuel pump relay is set in a small box with a wiring harness attached to its underside, and its sprockets attach to the engine assembly. The fuel pump relay is usually located under the hood or under the dashboard, near the steering wheel of the car. The fuel pump relay works only at startup and when you turn off the ignition.

The fuel pump relay is also called the relay switch and its functions are similar to those of the automotive fuse. It is controlled by the engine control module and controls the current sent to the fuel pump. The fuel pump relay has a limited lifetime and needs to be changed frequently.

If the fuel pump relay is not working properly, the fuel pump will not be activated and the car will not start. A malfunctioning fuel pump relay can also conduct too much power to the fuel pump, causing damage or complete failure.

Common symptoms that indicate a need to replace the fuel pump relay include:

- Engine cranks but does not start.

- Engine functions irregularly and does not start right away.

- Car slows down without braking.

- Car comes to a halt after running only a short distance.

The cost of replacing the fuel pump relay in a Chevrolet Malibu varies depending on the model year and location, but on average, it costs around $123, with $18 for parts and $105 for labor.

Fuel pump relay location

The fuel pump relay, also known as the relay switch, is a black plastic component set in a small box with a wiring harness attached to its underside. Its sprockets attach to the engine assembly. Depending on the make of the car, you will find the fuel pump relay in different locations. For a 2011 Chevy Malibu, the fuel pump relay is located inside the rear fuse box, found on the left side of the trunk of the car.

Some cars, like the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, do not have a traditional fuel pump relay. Instead, they have a Fuel Pump Driver Module, which is located on the right side of the luggage compartment, under the carpet.

The fuel pump relay is important because it sends an electric current to the fuel pump when the ignition is turned on. This, in turn, sends gasoline to the engine, allowing the car to start running.

Replacing the fuel pump relay

To replace the fuel pump relay in a Chevrolet Malibu, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to note that the fuel pump relay is different from the fuel pump driver module. The fuel pump relay is a black plastic component, set in a small box with a wiring harness attached to its underside. Its sprockets attach to the engine assembly. Depending on the make of the car, you will find the fuel pump relay under the hood or under the dashboard, near the steering wheel of the car.

Now, to replace the fuel pump relay:

• Raise and support the vehicle hood.
• Remove the defective fuel pump relay.
• Install the new fuel pump relay.
• Test the fuel pressure and clear codes with a scanner or gauge.
• Close the vehicle hood and road test for proper operation.

It is also important to note that the fuel pump relay has a limited lifetime and should be checked regularly. If the fuel pump relay is not working properly, the fuel pump will not activate, and the car will not start. Additionally, a malfunctioning fuel pump relay could conduct too much power to the fuel pump, causing damage or complete failure.

Testing the fuel pump relay

Step 1: Check the Fuel Pump Relay Location

The fuel pump relay is typically located under the hood or under the dashboard, near the steering wheel. For a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, the fuel pump driver module is located on the right side of the luggage compartment, under the carpet.

Step 2: Understand the Fuel Pump Relay Function

The fuel pump relay, also known as the relay switch, sends an electric current to the fuel pump when the ignition is turned on. This activates the fuel pump, which sends gasoline to the engine, enabling the car to start running.

Step 3: Test the Fuel Pump

Before starting the car, ensure that the fuel pump is operational. To do this, turn the key to the "on" position and listen for the fuel pump to cycle for about two seconds. If you don't hear the fuel pump, use a hammer to gently pound on the bottom of the fuel tank while someone cranks the key.

Step 4: Check Fuel Pressure and Circuits

If the car still doesn't start, connect a fuel pressure gauge under the hood to confirm fuel pressure. Then, access the power and ground circuits from the fuel pump driver module using a wiring diagram to identify the correct module and test the power and ground circuits to the module and the fuel pump.

Step 5: Address Any Issues

If there are issues with the fuel pump relay, such as excessive fuel pump amperage draw or poor terminal contact, address them accordingly. This may involve repairing or replacing the fuel pump relay.

By following these steps, you can effectively test the fuel pump relay on a Chevrolet Malibu and ensure that it is functioning correctly.

Symptoms of a faulty fuel pump relay

The fuel pump relay is an important component of your car's fuel system. It is responsible for turning on the fuel pump's electricity to raise the fuel pressure in the rail. When the ignition is turned on, the fuel pump relay is engaged. A faulty fuel pump relay will cause issues with the fuel pump, which will impact the fuel flow to the combustion chamber, leading to starting issues for your car. Here are some common symptoms of a faulty fuel pump relay:

• Engine Management Light: The check engine light comes on when the engine control module (ECU) detects inaccurate readings from any sensor. The ECU monitors fuel pressure via the fuel pressure sensor. If the fuel pump relay malfunctions, the check engine light will illuminate, and a trouble code related to fuel pressure will be recorded.
• Difficult Acceleration: A faulty fuel pump relay can reduce power to the fuel pump, leading to reduced fuel delivery to the engine. This can cause starting issues and affect the engine's performance.
• Engine is Fully Dead: A faulty fuel pump relay can leave the engine completely dead and unable to start. If the fuel pump relay fails, there will be no power to the fuel pump to build fuel pressure, resulting in the engine not starting.
• No Sound from Fuel Pump: When the ignition is turned on, the fuel pump should make a whirring sound as it increases the fuel pressure in the rail. If you don't hear this sound, it could indicate a faulty fuel pump relay.
• Engine Cranks But Doesn't Start: This is one of the most common signs of a bad fuel pump relay. The relay typically fails in the open position, preventing voltage from reaching the fuel pump. As a result, the engine doesn't receive fuel and refuses to start.
• Fuel Pump Runs Continuously: Although rare, the fuel pump relay can sometimes stick in the closed position, causing the fuel pump to run continuously. This usually happens in circuits that constantly supply power to the fuel pump fuse.
• Multiple Attempts to Start: You may need to try multiple times to start your vehicle, especially when it's cold. Over time, this problem worsens, and the vehicle may eventually fail to start altogether.
• Unexplained Battery Drainage: A fuel pump relay stuck in the closed/on position can cause the fuel pump to run even after the vehicle is turned off, leading to battery drainage. This issue may persist even after installing a new battery or fuel pump.
• Vehicle Acts Like It's Out of Gas: The vehicle won't start, and cranking the engine multiple times doesn't help. This is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as unexplained battery drainage.

Cost of replacing the fuel pump relay

The cost of replacing a fuel pump relay varies depending on the make and model of the car, as well as your location. For a Chevrolet Malibu, the average cost is $123, with $18 for parts and $105 for labour. Prices for this service range from $158.36 to $308.66.

For a Volkswagen, one source states that the fuel pump relay itself costs $15-$20, with the labour to replace it being quoted at $260. However, this price also includes replacing the fuel injectors, so it is not clear how much of this cost is labour for the fuel pump relay replacement.

A more general estimate for replacing a fuel pump relay is between $71 and $79, with labour costs estimated between $30 and $38, and parts priced at around $41.

Frequently asked questions