This procedure involves locating and replacing the fuel pump relay in the engine compartment relay box of a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Fuel pump relay × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Allow engine to cool if recently operated (electrical components may be hot)
5. Locate the engine compartment relay box on driver's side near battery
6. Have replacement relay ready and verify it matches OEM specifications

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect negative battery cable
   Using 10mm socket, loosen and remove the negative battery cable from battery terminal. Isolate cable away from battery to prevent accidental reconnection. Wait 3 minutes for capacitors to discharge.
   Torque spec

   Ground Bolt13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Open relay box cover
   Locate the engine compartment relay box mounted on driver's side near the battery. Press the tab(s) on the relay box cover and lift upward to remove. The relay diagram should be printed on the underside of the cover.
3. 3

   Identify fuel pump relay location
   Using the relay diagram on the cover or shop manual, identify the fuel pump relay position. In the 2015 Forte 1.8L, the fuel pump relay is typically labeled as 'FUEL PUMP' and located in the main relay box. Note the relay orientation before removal.
4. 4

   Test existing relay (optional)
   If multimeter is available, test relay coil resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (should read 70-90 ohms) and check for continuity between terminals 30 and 87 when energized. This helps confirm relay failure versus other issues.
5. 5

   Remove fuel pump relay
   Grasp the relay firmly and pull straight upward with steady pressure. If difficult to remove, use relay puller tool or needle-nose pliers on the relay body (never pull on wires). Rock gently side-to-side while pulling if needed.
6. 6

   Inspect relay socket
   Examine the relay socket terminals for corrosion, burn marks, or damage. Check for bent pins or debris. If corrosion is present, clean with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry. If terminals are damaged or melted, the relay socket must be replaced by a professional.
   ⚠Damaged or melted relay socket indicates excessive current draw. Do not install new relay until underlying cause is diagnosed and repaired.
7. 7

   Install new fuel pump relay
   Verify new relay matches the orientation noted during removal. Align relay pins with socket terminals and press firmly straight down until relay is fully seated and flush with socket. You should feel a positive click when properly installed.
   Torque spec

   Relay Socket5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reinstall relay box cover
   Position relay box cover over the relay box, ensuring no wires are pinched. Press down firmly until all tabs click into place and cover is secure.
9. 9

   Reconnect battery
   Reconnect negative battery cable to battery terminal. Tighten using 10mm socket to specified torque. Ensure connection is clean and secure.
   Torque spec

   Ground Bolt13 Nm (10 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure relay box cover is properly seated with all tabs engaged
2. Verify battery cable is torqued to specification and terminal is clean
3. Confirm no tools or parts are left in engine compartment

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start). Listen for fuel pump priming for 2-3 seconds from rear of vehicle
• Start engine and verify it starts normally without extended cranking
• Allow engine to idle for 2 minutes and verify smooth operation without stumbling
• Turn engine off, wait 10 seconds, and restart to confirm relay cycles properly
• Test drive vehicle to verify no stalling or hesitation under load
• If engine fails to start or fuel pump does not prime, recheck relay installation orientation and verify relay specifications match OEM requirements

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