From the Forums: Fuel Pump Relay Causing Headaches

Honda-Tech forum member needs assistance in diagnosing a fuel pump relay issue. Also, where is it? 

When it comes to basic maintenance and repairs, many of us like to do it ourselves. But often we come across a problem that is beyond our pay grade, so to speak. We find our fellow Honda fans make the whole process much easier to handle. Like fixing the fuel pump relay. That should be a fairly straight forward task, right? Yes–if only you can locate it!

In a recent thread, Kelly Meadows–member of the Honda-Tech forums–explained an issue she had encountered with her 2002 Honda Civic.

My 2002 Civic I believe has a bad fuel pump relay…there are times when it won’t start because the fuel pump isn’t turning on… but if I reach down and tap on the relay a couple times then it will kick on and the car will start. The crazy part is when it’s running and you’re cruising down the road without warning the engine dies. Does that sound like the relay? Also there’s two relays connected to each other. Which one is the fuel pump relay?

This is an issue that we have come across quite a few times. For the 2002 Civic, the fuel pump relay is located behind the glove box. A few years ago, Honda.Lioness was so kind as to sketch the fuel pump relay location for seventh-gen Civics.

However, our forum members had some additional advice for Kelly. “I would replace the one you’re tapping,” said Benchwarmer. “They may be in blocks….”

JimmyCreedog made a solid point that you don’t want to go in blind. Get a repair manual. “Get a Haynes/Chilton Book. It’s so much help when trying to find specific fuses/relays. You can find them at Pep Boys maybe. Or definitely off Amazon.”

We definitely recommend visiting Haynes online to order the manual, plus they have a lot of options if you prefer to download to a device. Chilton also has a cool website with a lot of information.

Arm yourself with the right knowledge, it makes the process so much easier.

Photos: Honda-Tech Forums 

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Sherry Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.