Where is the fuel pump relay located on the old Jetta?
3 Answers
The fuel pump relay of the old Jetta is located under the hood. Here is some information about the Jetta: 1. Introduction: Jetta is an automobile brand under FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd., a joint venture of the German Volkswagen Group in China. Its first product, the Jetta (Jetta-MK1), was launched in Europe in 1979. Structurally, the Jetta (including later models like Vento/Bora) is essentially a Golf with a trunk, making the Jetta a derivative of the Golf. 2. Brand: All models under the Jetta brand adopt the same technical standards and product development capabilities as Volkswagen vehicles, offering high cost-performance with more affordable prices.
I've been driving my old Jetta for ten years and have experienced the fuel pump relay issue several times. When locating it, you first need to crawl into the driver's seat and pry off the plastic cover panel under the lower left corner of the steering wheel. There are about a dozen relays inside, and the fuel pump one is usually blue or black, marked with the number 53. Using your phone's flashlight gives the clearest view—some older cars even have a location diagram stuck on the back of the cover panel. Last time my car suddenly wouldn't start, I fixed it by replacing the fuel pump relay myself. Be careful not to pull the wrong relay for the wipers or fan; if you're unsure, take a photo and match it at the auto parts store. When removing it, gently pry with a small screwdriver—older car plastics become brittle and crack easily.
The fuel pump relay location depends on the vehicle model and year. For square-head old Jettas, it's usually behind the left lower cover panel near the steering wheel. Round-head newer models may have it in the engine compartment fuse box. Here's how to find it: Bend down and reach from the driver's seat to locate a palm-sized plastic cover panel. Pry open the clips using a flathead screwdriver. The relays inside are all plugged into sockets, with the fuel pump relay typically in the second row left position - slightly larger than fuses. During repairs, I've noticed some owners mistakenly remove the headlight relay instead. The fuel pump relay actually has three pins on its back. When in doubt, start the engine and listen - if the engine shakes when you pull it out, you've got the right one. Remember to insert the new relay into the socket exactly as the old one was positioned.
