1993 Honda Del Sol Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Troubleshooting Guide

If your 1993 Honda Del Sol cranks but won't start, the fuel pump relay is one of the first things you should check. The fuel pump relay for the 1993 Honda Del Sol is located in the under-dash fuse box, which is positioned on the driver's side, to the left of the steering column, near the kick panel. This small, rectangular relay controls power delivery to the in-tank electric fuel pump. When it fails, the pump won't receive power, and your engine won't get fuel. Understanding where this relay is and how to test it can save you hours of frustration and unnecessary repairs.

Where Is the Fuel Pump Relay Located?

The main fuse box on a 1993 Honda Del Sol is mounted under the dashboard on the driver's side. To access it, you will need to sit in the driver's seat and look down near the left side of the steering column, just above the footwell area. The fuse box cover is a plastic panel that typically snaps off by hand or with a flathead screwdriver.

Once you remove the cover, look at the diagram printed on the inside of the fuse box lid. The fuel pump relay is usually labeled as "Fuel Pump" or "Fuel Pump Relay." On the 1993 Honda Del Sol, it is typically a standard four-pin relay that fits into a dedicated socket. If the diagram is faded or missing, the relay is often located in the lower right corner of the fuse box, near other engine-related relays like the main relay and the cooling fan relay.

Keep in mind that the 1993 Honda Del Sol shares many components with the 1993-1995 Honda Civic del Sol, and the relay location is identical across those model years. If you have a service manual, it will show the exact position. Without one, you can identify the relay by its size and the wire colors going into the socket. The fuel pump relay wires are typically yellow/black, black/yellow, and blue/white.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Before you buy a new relay, you should test the one you have. A bad relay is a common failure point, but it can also be a blown fuse or a bad connection. Here is a simple step-by-step test:

  1. Locate the relay in the under-dash fuse box as described above.
  2. Remove the relay by pulling it straight out of its socket. It should come out with moderate force.
  3. Check for power at the relay socket. Use a test light or a multimeter set to DC voltage. With the key turned to the "ON" position (but not cranking), probe the socket terminals. One terminal should show 12 volts (battery power), and another should show ground continuity. If you don't have power at the socket, the problem is likely a blown fuse or a wiring issue, not the relay itself.
  4. Test the relay coil. A standard four-pin relay has two pins for the coil and two pins for the switch. Using a multimeter set to resistance (ohms), measure across the two coil pins. A good relay should show a resistance reading between 50 and 120 ohms. If you read infinite resistance (open circuit), the coil is burned out and the relay is bad.
  5. Test the relay switch. Apply 12 volts to the coil terminals (using a battery or a power supply) and listen for a click. While the relay is energized, use your multimeter to check continuity across the switch terminals. If the relay clicks but has no continuity, the internal switch contacts are burned and the relay is defective.

If your relay passes these tests, the problem is not the relay. If it fails, replacement is straightforward.

Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

A failing relay can cause a variety of symptoms. Here are the most common ones you may experience with your 1993 Honda Del Sol:

1. Engine Cranks But Won't Start
This is the most obvious sign. You turn the key, the starter engages, the engine spins, but it never fires up. Without the relay, the fuel pump won't run, and no fuel reaches the engine.

2. No Fuel Pump Prime Sound
When you turn the key to the "ON" position (before cranking), you should hear a faint whirring sound from the rear of the car for about 2 seconds. That is the fuel pump priming the system. If you do not hear this sound, the relay is a likely suspect.

3. Intermittent Stalling
Sometimes the relay works, sometimes it doesn't. If your Del Sol starts fine but then stalls unexpectedly while driving, and then starts again after a few minutes, the relay may have worn contacts that lose connection when hot.

4. Car Starts After Sitting
If the car starts after sitting overnight but fails to start when warm, the relay's internal coil may be failing due to heat. This is a classic symptom of a failing relay.

5. No Check Engine Light
In some cases, a bad fuel pump relay can also prevent the check engine light from illuminating when you turn the key to the "ON" position, because the engine control unit (ECU) isn't getting power.

Other Possible Causes of No Start

If the relay tests good, the problem may be elsewhere. Do not assume the relay is the culprit just because your car won't start. Here are other common issues with the 1993 Honda Del Sol fuel system:

The Main Relay (PGM-FI Relay)
The 1993 Honda Del Sol uses a separate "main relay" (also called the PGM-FI relay) which is mounted under the dashboard as well. It is a larger, rectangular black box with multiple wires. The main relay controls power to the ECU, fuel pump, and injectors. If this relay fails, the car will not start. Its location is similar to the fuel pump relay, but it is usually located higher up, near the steering column, sometimes attached to the bracket behind the fuse box. A failing main relay is a well-known issue on Honda models of this era.

Blown Fuse
Check the "Fuel Pump" fuse in the under-dash fuse box. Also check the "Back Up" and "ECU" fuses. A blown fuse can cut power to the fuel pump circuit.

Bad Fuel Pump
If the relay and fuses are good, the pump itself may have failed. The 1993 Honda Del Sol uses an in-tank electric fuel pump. The original OEM part number is 17040-SR2-A30, which was replaced by 17040-SR2-A31 . If you have a multimeter, you can check for power at the fuel pump connector under the rear seat access panel. If you have power at the pump but it doesn't run, the pump is bad.

Wiring or Ground Issues
Corroded ground connections or broken wires in the fuel pump circuit can cause intermittent or total failure. Check the main ground strap from the engine to the chassis, and the ground wires near the fuel tank.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the fuel pump relay on a 1993 Honda Del Sol is a simple job that requires no special tools. Here is the process:

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. This is a safety precaution.
  2. Remove the under-dash fuse box cover.
  3. Identify the fuel pump relay using the diagram on the cover.
  4. Pull the old relay straight out of its socket.
  5. Insert the new relay into the same socket. Make sure it is fully seated and clicks into place.
  6. Reconnect the battery and test the system. Turn the key to the "ON" position and listen for the fuel pump prime sound.
  7. Start the engine. If the car starts, the relay was the problem.

A new OEM-quality relay typically costs between $15 and $30. You can find them at any auto parts store, or order a genuine Honda part.

Preventing Future Fuel System Problems

To keep your 1993 Honda Del Sol running reliably, you should follow a consistent maintenance schedule. Here are some practical tips:

Replace the fuel filter regularly. A clogged fuel filter can put extra strain on the fuel pump, causing it to overwork and fail prematurely. The general recommendation is to replace the fuel filter every 30,000 miles or 2 years .

Keep the fuel tank at least a quarter full. Running the tank low frequently can cause the fuel pump to overheat, because the fuel in the tank helps cool the pump. It also increases the risk of sucking debris from the bottom of the tank.

Listen for warning signs. If you hear a whining noise coming from the fuel tank area, it may indicate that the pump is struggling. Do not ignore these sounds.

Replace the fuel pump as a preventive measure around 100,000 miles. While many pumps last longer, early replacement can avoid a roadside breakdown .

Why Choose KEMSO for Your Fuel Pump Replacement

When it comes time to replace the fuel pump on your 1993 Honda Del Sol, you want a part that delivers reliable performance and long-term peace of mind. KEMSO fuel pumps are designed to meet the highest standards of quality and durability. Every KEMSO pump is a high-performance, OEM replacement unit, meaning it matches or exceeds the original equipment specifications for flow rate and pressure. This ensures your engine gets the precise fuel delivery it needs for optimal power and efficiency.

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. Whether you drive a sedan, SUV, motorcycle, or powersports vehicle, KEMSO has a fuel pump engineered to fit your application perfectly. Their pumps are built to withstand the demands of daily driving, and they offer competitive pricing. For the 1993 Honda Del Sol, KEMSO offers a direct-fit replacement pump that is a perfect upgrade over the stock unit.

KEMSO fuel pumps are also E85 compatible, which is a growing necessity as more gas stations shift to renewable fuel blends. Unlike traditional pumps with rubber diaphragms that degrade faster with ethanol, KEMSO's Viton-lined components resist corrosion significantly better . This durability prevents costly mid-season breakdowns.

Visit KEMSO Racing today to find the exact fuel pump for your 1993 Honda Del Sol: https://www.kemsoracing.com/. Their online store is easy to navigate, and you can order directly with confidence. They ship directly from their facility in Houston, TX, and their customer support team is ready to help you find the right part.

Final Thoughts

The 1993 Honda Del Sol fuel pump relay is located in the under-dash fuse box on the driver's side. It is a small, inexpensive component that can cause a no-start condition when it fails. Before you spend money on a new fuel pump or take your car to a mechanic, test the relay first. It takes less than 10 minutes and can save you a lot of time and money.

If you do need to replace your fuel pump, choose a quality replacement. A reliable fuel pump is critical for keeping your Del Sol on the road. For the best combination of performance, durability, and value, consider KEMSO. Their lifetime warranty and direct-fit design make them a smart choice for any Honda owner.

Visit KEMSO Racing at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to browse their full selection of fuel pumps for your vehicle.


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