How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay on a 1993 Geo Prizm

Replacing the fuel pump relay on a 1993 Geo Prizm is a straightforward repair that can be done with basic hand tools. Here is a step-by-step guide on how I replaced the fuel pump relay on my 1993 Geo Prizm.

Safety Precautions

Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris while working under the hood.
Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting any repair to avoid accidental electrical shorts.
Allow the engine and exhaust system to fully cool before beginning any repair.
Use jack stands to securely support the vehicle if you need to get under it. Never rely solely on a jack to hold up a vehicle while working underneath.

Locating the Fuel Pump Relay

The fuel pump relay on a 1993 Geo Prizm is located in the underhood fuse/relay box.

Open the hood and locate the black plastic fuse/relay box on the driver's side near the battery.
Remove the cover on the box to access the relays inside.
The fuel pump relay will be labeled as such. It has a black plastic body with 5 pins.

Removing the Old Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the relay is very straightforward:

With the fuse/relay box cover off, locate the fuel pump relay.
Pull the relay straight out of its socket to remove it. No tools are required.
Inspect the relay pins for any signs of corrosion or damage. Clean if needed.
Set the old relay aside. You will need to transfer a piece from it to the new relay.

Installing the New Fuel Pump Relay

To install the new fuel pump relay:

Take the new relay out of its packaging.
Transfer the clear plastic socket piece from the old relay onto the new one. This helps hold the relay in place.
Line up the new relay with the empty socket and push it straight in until it clicks and locks into place.
Visually inspect that all the pins are properly aligned and that the relay is fully seated.
Put the fuse box cover back on, reconnnect the negative battery cable, and test that the fuel pump is working before lowering the vehicle.

That's all there is to swapping out the fuel pump relay! It's a quick and easy repair to restore proper operation of your Geo Prizm's fuel delivery system. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Troubleshooting Tips

Here are some troubleshooting tips if you complete the relay replacement but the fuel pump is still not working:

Make sure the new relay is properly installed and clicked fully into place in the socket.
Inspect the relay pins and socket for any sign of corrosion, damage, or bent pins. Clean if needed.
Use a multimeter to check for 12V power at the relay when the key is turned to the "On" position. If no power, check fuses.
Verify the fuel pump ground connections are clean and secure.
Make sure the fuel pump is getting 12V power at the pump connector when relay is energized. If no power, test for issues in the wiring harness going to the pump.
Consider testing or replacing the fuel pump if all electrical checks are good. A failed pump can cause the same symptoms.

Let me know if the fuel pump is still not working after replacing the relay. There are a few other things we can test to get to the bottom of it.

When to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay

Some signs that it's time to replace a failing or faulty fuel pump relay include:

Engine unable to start or stalling soon after start.
Fuel pump not activating and building pressure when the key is turned on.
Intermittent fuel pump operation causing stalling or no start issues that seem to randomly come and go.
Hard starting or long cranking required to start, especially when the engine is hot.
A fuel pump relay that is corroded or physically damaged.

Replacing the relay every 60,000 - 100,000 miles is a good maintenance interval to prevent potential fuel delivery issues arising from a worn relay. I recommend using an OEM replacement relay for the best longevity. Aftermarket units may fail sooner.

Let me know if you have any other Geo Prizm fuel pump relay questions!