Where to Find the Fuel Pump Relay for a 2013 Chevy Malibu

AvatarByCarl Frisch

The fuel pump relay in a 2013 Chevy Malibu is located in the engine compartment on the passenger side near the firewall. It is a small black box with four terminals, labeled 85, 86, 30, and 87. It controls power to the fuel pump, and when it fails or wears out it will cause the vehicle to not start. If you need to replace the fuel pump relay, it is important to know where it is located so you can easily access it.

What is a Relay?

A relay is an electrical switch that opens and closes circuits. It is used to control the flow of electricity in a circuit, for example, to turn on or off a light or other electrical device. The relay consists of two parts: the coil, which is an electromagnet that is energized when voltage is applied and the contact, which switches the circuit on or off.

Key Components of a Relay

The main components of a relay are the coil, contact and armature. The coil is an electromagnet that creates a magnetic field when current flows through it. This magnetic field interacts with the armature and contact to open or close the circuit. The armature acts as a switch between the coil and contact; when voltage passes through the coil, it pulls the armature toward it, opening or closing the circuit controlled by the contact.

How it Works

A relay works by using an electromagnet to move an armature connected to a set of contacts. When voltage passes through the coil, it creates a magnetic field which attracts the armature and causes it to move towards it. This movement opens or closes whatever contacts are connected to it depending on how they were wired. This action can be used to control different circuits in different ways depending on how they are wired up.

Locating the Fuel Pump Relay in the 2013 Chevy Malibu

The fuel pump relay in your 2013 Chevy Malibu can be found under your car’s hood near your battery’s positive terminal. To locate it you will need to remove some components from around it such as any plastic covers or brackets that may block access to it then locate and disconnect its wiring harness from behind these components before finally removing its mounting screws and lifting out its assembly from its housing inside your engine bay.

Diagnosing Fuel Pump Issues in the 2013 Chevy Malibu

Symptoms of faulty fuel pumps include loss of power while driving, unusual noises coming from your engine compartment while running at idle, difficulty starting or misfiring during acceleration due to lack of fuel delivery pressure being applied at certain times and also signs such as poor fuel economy due to increased fuel consumption caused by inefficient combustion within your engine cylinders as well as reduced performance overall due to inadequate supply of fuel being delivered throughout your car’s entire running cycle regardless if its internal combustion powered engine or not including hybrid technology powered vehicles too .

To diagnose these issues you must firstly check for any visible leakages around your pump assembly itself then check its voltage with a multimeter just like you would with any other electrical component within your car then apply pressure with either compressed air or vacuum gauge just like you would test for possible leakages as mentioned earlier but this time around you’re looking for possible drops in pressure readings indicating an actual problem itself . Lastly performing what’s known as “pressure drop” test where you’ll be monitoring any decrease in pressure readings while running your engine at certain RPMs over certain period of time indicating there could be something wrong with either pump itself or entire system related directly related too this particular component failing without warning leaving you stranded somewhere without access immediately available roadside assistance help at all times so always remember preventive maintenance can save lives both yours included too !

Replacing the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2013 Chevy Malibu

To replace this relay on your 2013 Chevy Malibu, firstly gain access to its housing by removing any plastic covers or other components located nearby if necessary before disconnecting its wiring harness from behind these components along with removal of mounting screws associated with holding down assembly itself afterwards .Once done carefully lift out old one from existing space available inside engine bay before inserting new one into same location making sure all connections are secure tightly avoiding any future complications resulting from loose connections causing problems later down line potentially leading expensive repair costs incurred over time so always double check everything thoroughly just like professional mechanics would do !

Replacing the Relay

Replacing the fuel pump relay in a 2013 Chevy Malibu is relatively straightforward. First, you should disconnect and remove the old unit. This requires unscrewing any screws or bolts that are securing it in place and disconnecting any electrical connectors. It is important to make sure that all vacuum lines are sealed afterwards to avoid damage to other parts of the engine. Once the old unit has been removed, you can connect and install the new one in its place. Make sure to attach all necessary electrical connectors and seal all vacuum lines before reassembling components around the new unit. Finally, you can put everything back together once the new unit has been securely installed.

Troubleshooting Tips for The 2013 Chevy Malibu’s Fuel System

When troubleshooting a fuel system issue with a 2013 Chevy Malibu, it is important to first check the fuses. If any of them have blown, it could be an indication of an electrical problem that needs to be addressed before any further work can be done on the fuel system. Additionally, checking electrical circuits and connectors can help identify potential problems with wiring or other components that may be affecting performance.

The pressure sensor should also be examined as this will provide information about overall fuel system pressure which may help diagnose any potential issues with operation. Finally, taking a look at the vacuum lines will help ensure that there are no blockages or leaks present which could be contributing to poor performance from the fuel system itself. Taking care of these simple checks should help narrow down possible causes for any issues you may have with your 2013 Chevy Malibu’s fuel system.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is a Relay?
A: A relay is an electrically operated switch that opens and closes circuits by responding to signals, allowing electricity to flow in certain directions. It consists of an electromagnet with a movable armature and contacts that open or close as the armature moves.

Q: Where can I locate the fuel pump relay in the 2013 Chevy Malibu?
A: The fuel pump relay for the 2013 Chevy Malibu can be found in the engine compartment, near the firewall on the driver’s side of the car.

Q: What are some symptoms of a faulty fuel pump?
A: Some common symptoms of a faulty fuel pump include loss of power, unusual noises from the engine compartment, difficulty starting or misfiring.

Q: How do I replace the fuel pump relay on a 2013 Chevy Malibu?
A: To replace the fuel pump relay in a 2013 Chevy Malibu, you will need to gain access to it by removing components from around it. Then you must disconnect and remove your old relay unit and install your new unit by attaching electrical connectors and sealing vacuum lines. Finally, reassemble components around your new unit by putting everything back together.

Q: What troubleshooting tips should I keep in mind when working with my 2013 Chevy Malibu’s fuel system?
A: When troubleshooting your 2013 Chevy Malibu’s fuel system, you should check all fuses and electrical circuits and connectors for any damage or loose connections. You should also check pressure sensors and examine vacuum lines for any signs of wear or damage.

In conclusion, the location of the fuel pump relay in a 2013 Chevy Malibu is located in the engine compartment, near the battery. It is housed in a black plastic cover and can be easily accessed by removing the cover. It is important to ensure that the fuel pump relay is working properly before attempting any repairs or maintenance on your vehicle.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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