1992 Acura Integra Fuel Pump Relay Location: The Complete Guide to Finding and Fixing Your Starting Problem

If your 1992 Acura Integra cranks but won't start, especially on hot days, the problem is almost certainly the main fuel relay (also called the PGM-FI main relay). The fuel pump relay location on a 1992 Acura Integra is under the driver's side dashboard, mounted above the left footwell area, near the fuse box. This small relay is notorious for failing when it gets hot, and replacing it is a 10-minute fix that solves the problem 100% of the time in most cases.

What Is the Main Fuel Relay and Why Does It Fail?

The main fuel relay on your 1992 Acura Integra is an electrical component that controls power to the fuel pump and the ECU (engine control unit). Honda calls it the PGM-FI main relay, and it is a common point of failure on second-generation Integras (1990-1993 models) . The relay is a small box, measuring about 6.5cm by 4cm by 3.5cm, with a brown plastic housing and a Mitsuba brand stamp on it .

The reason this relay fails so often comes down to heat. When the interior of your car gets hot, especially in direct sunlight, the solder joints inside the relay can crack or expand, causing the relay to stop working . This is why you might notice that your car starts fine in the morning or evening when it's cool, but refuses to start in the middle of a hot afternoon .

The Exact Location of the Fuel Pump Relay

To find the fuel pump relay on your 1992 Acura Integra, follow these steps:

  1. Sit in the driver's seat and look under the steering wheel.
  2. You will see a sloping plastic panel or kick panel below the steering column.
  3. Remove this plastic panel. It usually just pulls off or has a few clips holding it in place.
  4. Look up and to the left, above the driver's footwell area. The relay is mounted near the fuse box .
  5. The relay itself is a small, brown plastic box. It has a 7-pin connector and is clearly visible once the panel is removed .

The relay is attached to a bracket or just clipped into place. You can unplug it by pulling the connector straight out.

How to Identify a Bad Main Fuel Relay

Before you go replacing parts, you should confirm that the main relay is actually the problem. Here are the most common symptoms:

1. No start on hot days. The car cranks but won't fire up after sitting in the sun or after a short drive on a warm day . This is the most reliable indicator.

2. The S3 light flashes. On automatic transmission models, the S3 shift light on the dashboard may flash when the relay fails .

3. No fuel pump noise. When you turn the key to the ON position (not start), you should hear a brief humming sound from the fuel pump near the rear of the car. If you don't hear this sound, the relay is likely not sending power to the pump .

4. The check engine light stays on. Some owners report that the check engine light comes on and stays on when the car refuses to start, which indicates the ECU is not getting power from the relay .

5. The car starts after cooling down. If you wait 20-30 minutes and the car fires right up, the relay is almost certainly the culprit .

Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

Replacing the main fuel relay on your 1992 Acura Integra is one of the easiest repairs you can do yourself. You do not need any special tools, and the job takes about 10 minutes.

What you need:

  • A new PGM-FI main relay (part number 39400-S10-003 or equivalent)
  • A flathead screwdriver or trim tool (to remove the plastic panel)
  • A 10mm socket or wrench (optional, if you need to disconnect the battery)

Step 1: Disconnect the battery. This is a safety precaution. Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the negative battery terminal and set it aside .

Step 2: Remove the driver's side kick panel. Look under the steering wheel and find the plastic panel that covers the lower dash area. It usually has two or three clips or screws. Pull it off gently.

Step 3: Locate the relay. Look up and to the left of the steering column. You should see a small brown plastic box with a wiring harness plugged into it. This is the main relay .

Step 4: Unplug the old relay. Grasp the connector firmly and pull it straight out of the relay. Do not pull on the wires themselves.

Step 5: Remove the old relay. The relay may be clipped into a bracket or just sitting loose. Pull it out.

Step 6: Install the new relay. Plug the new relay into the connector. Make sure it clicks into place securely.

Step 7: Reconnect the battery. Reattach the negative battery terminal and tighten it.

Step 8: Test the repair. Turn the key to the ON position. You should hear a click from the relay and then a humming sound from the fuel pump. Start the car to confirm it runs.

How to Test the Relay Before Replacing It

If you want to be absolutely sure the relay is bad before buying a new one, you can test it with a multimeter. The relay has 7 pins, and the pinout is as follows :

  • Pin 1: To ECM/PCM connector terminal A16
  • Pin 2: To starter switch
  • Pin 3: To chassis ground
  • Pin 4: To fuel pump
  • Pin 5: To IGN 1
  • Pin 6: To ECM/PCM connector A11 and A24 for fuel pump
  • Pin 7: To battery

Test 1: Connect the positive terminal of your battery to Pin 2 and the negative terminal to Pin 1. Check for continuity between Pin 5 and Pin 4. If there is no continuity, the relay is bad .

Test 2: Connect the positive terminal to Pin 5 and the negative terminal to Pin 3. Check for continuity between Pin 7 and Pin 6. If there is no continuity, the relay is bad .

Test 3: Connect the positive terminal to Pin 6 and the negative terminal to Pin 1. Check for continuity between Pin 5 and Pin 4. If there is no continuity, the relay is bad .

If the relay passes all three tests, the problem is elsewhere, possibly in the fuel pump itself or the wiring.

Why the Heat Makes It Fail

The heat-related failure is so common that it has its own nickname among Acura and Honda owners: the "heat soak" problem. When the interior of the car gets hot, the solder joints inside the relay expand. Over time, these joints develop micro-cracks. When the solder expands enough, the cracks open up and break the electrical connection . This is why the relay works fine in the morning when it is cool, but fails in the afternoon when the sun has been beating down on the car.

Some owners have tried to repair the relay by re-soldering the connections, and this can work temporarily. But the repair usually fails again after a few months because the solder joints are already fatigued . The only permanent fix is to replace the relay.

The Fuse That Controls the Relay

Before you replace the relay, it is also worth checking the fuse. The 1992 Acura Integra has a 7.5-amp fuse in the under-dash fuse box that powers the PGM-FI main relay and the fuel pump. This is fuse number 17 in the fuse box diagram . If this fuse is blown, the relay will not work at all.

To check the fuse:

  1. Locate the under-dash fuse box on the driver's side.
  2. Find fuse number 17 (7.5A).
  3. Pull it out and look at the metal strip inside. If it is broken, replace the fuse.
  4. If the fuse blows again immediately, there is a short circuit in the fuel pump wiring.

What If the Relay Is Not the Problem?

If you replace the main relay and the car still will not start, there are a few other things to check:

1. The fuel pump itself. If the relay is working but the fuel pump is not running, the pump may have failed. You can test this by listening for the pump when you turn the key to the ON position. If you hear the relay click but no pump hum, the pump is likely bad .

2. The fuel pump relay (second relay). Some 1992 Integras have a separate fuel pump relay in addition to the main relay. This is a black relay located near the main relay. Replace both if you are unsure which one is bad .

3. The ignition switch. A failing ignition switch can also cause intermittent starting problems. If the relay and pump check out, have the switch tested.

4. The ECU. In rare cases, the ECU itself can fail. This is less common than relay failure, but it is possible.

How to Get Your Car Started in a Pinch

If you are stranded on a hot day and need to get the car running, there are a few tricks that work temporarily:

1. Open the windows and let the car cool down. The relay needs to cool off before it will work again. Opening the doors and windows helps the interior cool faster .

2. Turn the key on and off repeatedly. Some owners have success by cycling the ignition key from OFF to ON several times. This can sometimes "wake up" the relay and get it to click .

3. Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes. This resets the ECU and may allow the relay to work again temporarily .

4. Remove the 7.5A fuse for the relay. Pulling the fuse for a few minutes and then reinstalling it can also reset the system .

These are temporary fixes. The only reliable solution is to replace the main relay.

Why You Should Replace the Relay Yourself

A dealership or repair shop will charge you anywhere from $100 to $200 for this repair, including parts and labor. The part itself costs about $80 to $100 for an OEM replacement . If you do it yourself, you save the labor cost and have the satisfaction of fixing it in 10 minutes.

The relay is available at any auto parts store, online retailers, or directly from Acura dealerships. The OEM part number is 39400-S10-003, and the Mitsuba part number is RZ-0132 or RZ-0159 .

Why You Should Buy a Quality Fuel Pump from KEMSO

When you are dealing with fuel system issues, the quality of the parts you use matters. A cheap, no-name fuel pump or relay will likely fail again in a few months, leaving you stranded again. That is why we recommend KEMSO fuel pumps for your Acura Integra.

KEMSO fuel pumps are high-performance, OEM replacement units that match or exceed the original equipment specifications for flow rate and pressure. This means your engine gets the precise fuel delivery it needs for optimal power and efficiency. Every KEMSO pump is designed to withstand the demands of daily driving, whether you are commuting to work or taking your Integra on a weekend road trip.

What sets KEMSO apart is their commitment to quality backed by a lifetime warranty. They stand behind every pump they sell because they believe in the quality of their products. KEMSO fuel pumps are built to last, and they offer competitive pricing on all their products. For the 1990-1993 Acura Integra, KEMSO has a direct replacement fuel pump available at just $79.98.

Visit KEMSO's website today to find the exact fuel pump for your 1992 Acura Integra. Their product catalog includes pumps for hundreds of vehicle models, and their customer support team is based in the United States and ready to help you find the right part. KEMSO ships directly from their facility in Houston, Texas, so you get your parts fast.

You can browse their complete catalog and place your order at: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Final Thoughts

The 1992 Acura Integra fuel pump relay location is one of the easiest things to find on this car. It is under the driver's side dash, above the footwell, and it is a quick fix that anyone can do. If your Integra is having trouble starting on hot days, do not waste time and money guessing at other parts. Replace the main relay first, and chances are your problem is solved.

If the relay replacement does not fix the issue, move on to checking the fuel pump and the second relay. With a little patience and the right tools, you can have your Integra running reliably again in no time.

For the best fuel pump replacement parts for your Acura Integra, remember to check out KEMSO at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ for lifetime warranty products that will keep your car on the road for years to come.


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