Where Is the Ignition Relay Located?

Q: Where Is the Ignition Relay Typically Located?

A: The ignition relay is in charge of switching power to both the ignition system and the fuel system once a vehicle’s key is turned.

The ignition relay (when equipped) is typically found inside the vehicle’s fuse box. It can be located using the diagram on the fuse box cover.

The location of the ignition relay often depends on the vehicle’s make and model. For instance, the ignition relay in the 2003-2007 Honda Accord models is the relay in R2 position of the fuse box. That’s the upper left relay if you’re facing the fuse box from the side of the three rows of fuses. On the other hand, in the 2007 Chevrolet Equinox, the ignition relay can be found in position 31 of the engine compartment fuse box.

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: Bear in mind that the term “ignition relay” isn’t used on most vehicles. Ford’s electronic engine control (EEC) on earlier Ford vehicles provides power to the injectors and the various solenoids in the transmission and on the engine, but not the ignition system.

• Later Fords have a “PCM power relay” that actually does provide power to the ignition coils, which are fired by the PCM.
• Chrysler’s Automatic Shutdown Relay provides power to the injectors and the ignition coil, as well as the alternator field.
• Hondas have two “PGM FI” relays that feed power to their various solenoids and a dedicated relay that feeds the ignition coils, so Hondas actually do have an ignition relay.
• Toyotas typically feed power to the ignition coils directly from the ignition switch.
• Hyundai vehicles have an “Engine Control Relay ON” input, which is basically an ignition relay.

The point is that not every vehicle has an ignition relay, so you may not find one on your vehicle.

Tips on How to Access the Ignition Relay

It’s best to check your owner’s manual to find your fuse box’s location, because it can be in your vehicle’s engine bay or interior. If you’re having trouble deciphering the code on the inside of your fuse box lid, you can always turn to the internet for more detailed diagrams. These diagrams can easily point you to the ignition relay’s exact location.