01 Civic Fuel Pump Relay: Your Complete Guide to Location, Testing, and Replacement

The bottom line: On a 2001 Honda Civic, the fuel pump relay is actually a part of the PGM-FI main relay, and it is located behind the glove box on the passenger side of the dashboard. This relay is a common source of "no start" and intermittent stalling issues. If your Civic cranks but won't fire, or dies unexpectedly, this relay is the first thing you should check. Replacing it is a quick, inexpensive DIY job that you can do in under 30 minutes.

What is the PGM-FI Main Relay and Why Does It Matter?

The 2001 Civic uses a component called the PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) main relay. This isn't just a single fuel pump relay; it's a dual relay that controls power to both the fuel pump and the fuel injectors. The entire electrical system that runs your engine depends on this relay. When you turn the key to the "ON" position, the relay activates for about 2 seconds to prime the fuel pump. If it fails, the fuel pump won't get power, and the engine won't start.

Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay on a 2001 Honda Civic

Before you start digging, look for these telltale signs of a failing relay.

  • Engine Cranks But Won't Start: This is the most classic symptom. The starter motor turns the engine over, but it never fires because no fuel is reaching the cylinders.
  • No Fuel Pump Prime Sound: When you turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (without starting the engine), you should hear a faint 2 to 3-second buzzing sound coming from the rear of the car, near the fuel tank. If you don't hear this sound, the relay is a likely suspect.
  • Intermittent Stalling: The engine may start and run fine, then suddenly die while driving, only to restart after a few minutes. This happens when the relay's internal contacts overheat and fail, then cool down and work again.

How to Locate the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2001 Honda Civic

The location is different from many other cars, so don't waste time looking under the hood. Here is exactly where to find it.

  1. Open the Glove Box: Open your passenger-side glove box completely.
  2. Remove the Glove Box Stoppers: Look on the left and right sides of the glove box. You will see plastic stoppers that act as hinges. Use a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry them inward and release them.
  3. Let the Glove Box Drop: Once the stoppers are removed, the glove box will swing down and hang by its lower hinges. This gives you full access to the cavity behind it.
  4. Locate the Relays: Look into the open cavity. You will see a panel with several relays mounted side-by-side.
  5. Identify the Correct Relay: The 2001 Civic has two PGM-FI relays here. The relay on the right is the PGM-FI main relay No. 2, which controls the fuel pump. The relay on the left controls the fuel injectors. In some configurations, you might see a black relay, a blue relay, and a brown relay. The exact color can vary, but the fuel pump relay is always the one on the right side of the pair.

Step-by-Step Guide to Testing and Replacing the Relay

Step 1: Test the Relay (The "Swap" Method)

Before buying a new one, perform this simple test. Look for another relay in the same area that has the same part number and pin configuration. The best candidates are the PGM-FI relay for the injectors (the one on the left) or the horn relay under the hood. Swap the suspected fuel pump relay with the known good relay. If the car now starts, you have confirmed the old relay is bad.

Step 2: Remove the Faulty Relay

Once you have confirmed the problem, remove the old relay. Simply grab it firmly with your fingers and pull it straight out with a gentle wiggling motion. You don't need any tools for this step.

Step 3: Install the New Relay

Take your new 2001 Honda Civic fuel pump relay (Honda part number 39794-S5A-003). Line up the prongs on the bottom of the new relay with the slots in the electrical socket. Press it firmly into place until it clicks securely.

Step 4: Reinstall the Glove Box

Lift the glove box back into position. Push the plastic stoppers back into their holes on the sides of the glove box until they snap into place.

Step 5: Test Your Work

Reconnect the negative battery cable if you disconnected it. Turn the key to the "ON" position. Listen for the 2-second fuel pump prime sound from the rear of the car. Start the engine. If it starts and runs smoothly, you have solved the problem.

Other Things to Check If the Relay Isn't the Problem

If the new relay does not fix the issue, the problem may be elsewhere.

  • Check the Fuel Pump Fuse: A blown fuse is a simple fix. Check the fuse box diagram on the cover of your under-dash fuse box to find the fuel pump fuse and inspect it.
  • Inspect the Main Fuse Box: On some models, the fuel pump relay function is integrated into the under-dash fuse/relay box (MICU). If this is the case for your specific trim, and the relay is failing, you may need to replace the entire fuse box. This is less common on the 2001 model but worth knowing.
  • Test the Fuel Pump Directly: If the relay clicks and the fuse is good, the fuel pump itself inside the gas tank may have failed.

Why You Should Replace a Failing Fuel Pump Relay Immediately

Delaying this repair can leave you stranded. An intermittent relay can cause the car to stall in the middle of traffic, which is dangerous. The part is inexpensive, and the replacement takes less than 30 minutes. It is one of the most cost-effective repairs you can do to restore your Civic's reliability.

Upgrade Your Fuel System with KEMSO

If you are working on your Civic's fuel system, you might be thinking about the reliability of the fuel pump itself. A high-quality, dependable fuel pump is just as important as a working relay. When you are ready to replace or upgrade your fuel pump, look no further than KEMSO.

KEMSO fuel pumps are high-performance, direct OEM replacement units that are designed to meet or exceed the flow and pressure of your original factory pump. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes backed by a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your car will stay on the road. Whether you need a stock replacement or a performance upgrade for your daily driver, KEMSO has you covered.

Visit the KEMSO website today to find the perfect fuel pump for your Honda Civic and many other vehicles: https://www.kemsoracing.com/


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