1999 Honda Accord Fuel Pump Relay Location: Find It Fast and Fix It Yourself

If your 1999 Honda Accord cranks but won’t start, or if it starts and then stalls, the fuel pump relay is likely the culprit. The relay is located in the under-hood fuse and relay box, on the driver’s side, near the battery. It is a small, rectangular black relay labeled “Fuel Pump” or “PGM FI Main Relay” (depending on the trim). This is the first thing you should check because it’s easy to access, cheap to replace, and a common failure point on these cars. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly where to find it, how to test it, and how to swap it out in under 10 minutes.

Why the Fuel Pump Relay Matters

The fuel pump relay is an electrical switch that sends power to the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “ON” position. Without it, the pump won’t run, and no fuel reaches the engine. On a 1999 Honda Accord, this relay is responsible for providing 12 volts to the fuel pump for about 2 seconds after you turn the key (to prime the system) and then continuously while the engine is running. If the relay fails, the pump stays silent, and your car is dead in the water.

Step-by-Step: Locating the 1999 Honda Accord Fuel Pump Relay

1. Open the Hood

Park your Accord on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and pop the hood. The hood release lever is under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Pull it, then go to the front of the car and lift the hood latch. Prop the hood open with the support rod.

2. Find the Under-Hood Fuse and Relay Box

Look on the driver’s side of the engine bay, right next to the battery. You’ll see a rectangular black plastic box. This is the main fuse and relay box for your 1999 Accord. It’s about 8 inches long, 4 inches wide, and 2 inches tall. The lid is usually black with a diagram on top.

3. Remove the Lid

Press the tabs on the sides of the lid and lift it off. Set it aside. Turn the lid over and look at the diagram printed on the inside. You’ll see a grid of fuse and relay positions. The fuel pump relay is marked as “Fuel Pump” or “PGM FI Main Relay” (PGM stands for Programmed Fuel Injection). On some diagrams, it’s labeled “FI Main” or “Fuel Pump Relay.”

4. Identify the Relay

The fuel pump relay is typically a small, square, black relay with four or five pins. It’s about 1 inch by 1 inch. In the 1999 Honda Accord, it’s usually located in the upper left corner of the relay box, near the battery. If you’re unsure, look for a relay that matches the description in the diagram. The diagram might use a symbol like a little box with a zigzag line (representing a coil) or the word “RELAY.”

5. Check the Second Relay Option (If Not Found)

If your 1999 Accord has a V6 engine (3.0L), the fuel pump relay might be in a secondary relay box located under the dashboard, on the driver’s side, near the fuse panel. But for most 4-cylinder models (2.3L), the relay is under the hood. If you have a V6, check the under-dash fuse box first; it’s behind a small panel to the left of the steering wheel. The relay is usually labeled the same way.

How to Test the 1999 Honda Accord Fuel Pump Relay

Before you buy a new relay, you can test the old one. You don’t need special tools—just a multimeter or a simple test light.

1. Listen for the Relay Click

Turn the key to the “ON” position (don’t start the engine). Have a friend listen near the fuse box, or put your ear close to it. You should hear a single click from the relay within 2 seconds. If you hear a click, the relay is likely working, but the fuel pump itself might be bad. If you hear no click, the relay is probably dead.

2. Use a Test Light or Multimeter

Set your multimeter to DC volts (20V range). Place the black probe on a good ground (like a bolt or the battery negative terminal). Touch the red probe to the relay’s output terminal (the pin that sends power to the fuel pump). With the key on, you should see 12 volts for 2 seconds, then drop to 0, then come back when the engine starts. If you see 0 volts all the time, the relay is not sending power.

3. Swap the Relay with a Known Good One

The easiest test is to swap the fuel pump relay with another relay in the same box that has the same part number (like the horn relay or the main relay). If the car starts after swapping, the old relay is bad.

Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay in a 1999 Honda Accord

  • Engine cranks but won’t start: The starter turns the engine over, but it never fires up.
  • Car stalls while driving: The engine suddenly dies, and you lose power steering and brakes.
  • No fuel pump priming sound: When you turn the key to “ON,” you should hear a faint whirring sound from the rear of the car (the fuel pump). If you don’t hear it, the relay or pump is dead.
  • Check Engine Light comes on: The code P0230 (Fuel Pump Relay Circuit Malfunction) is common.
  • Intermittent starting issues: The car starts fine sometimes, but other times it won’t start at all.

How to Replace the 1999 Honda Accord Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the relay is a 5-minute job. You don’t need any tools.

1. Buy the Correct Relay

The 1999 Honda Accord uses a standard 4-pin or 5-pin relay (part number 39794-S5A-A01 or equivalent). You can find it at any auto parts store (like AutoZone, O’Reilly, or Advance Auto) for about $10 to $15. Make sure the relay has the same pin layout as the old one.

2. Disconnect the Battery (Optional but Safe)

To avoid any electrical shorts, disconnect the negative battery terminal with a 10mm wrench. This is not strictly necessary, but it’s a good habit.

3. Pull Out the Old Relay

Grasp the old relay firmly with your fingers and pull it straight up. It might be tight, but it will come out with a little force. Do not use pliers unless you have to, as they can damage the relay.

4. Install the New Relay

Push the new relay straight down into the same socket. Make sure it’s fully seated. You’ll feel it click into place.

5. Reconnect the Battery and Test

Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Turn the key to “ON” and listen for the fuel pump priming sound. Then start the engine. If it starts and runs smoothly, the job is done.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t confuse the relay with the fuse: The fuel pump fuse is also in the same box, but it’s a different component. The fuse is a small, clear or colored plastic piece with two metal prongs. The relay is a square block. Check the fuse first if you’re not sure, because a blown fuse is even easier to fix.
  • Don’t use a relay from a different car: The pin layout varies by make and model. Always use a relay designed for a 1999 Honda Accord.
  • Don’t skip the test: Swapping a good relay for a bad one is free if you have a spare. Don’t buy a new relay until you’re sure it’s the problem.

When to Call a Mechanic

If you’ve replaced the relay and the car still won’t start, the problem might be:

  • A bad fuel pump (located inside the gas tank). This is a bigger job and usually requires dropping the tank or removing the rear seat.
  • A clogged fuel filter (located under the car, near the fuel tank). This can restrict fuel flow.
  • A faulty engine control unit (ECU) or wiring issue. This is rare but possible.

In these cases, a professional mechanic can diagnose the issue with a fuel pressure gauge and a scan tool.

Why Choose KEMSO Fuel Pump for Your 1999 Honda Accord

If you end up needing a new fuel pump (not just the relay), you want a reliable, long-lasting replacement. KEMSO is a brand that specializes in high-performance fuel pumps that are OEM replacement quality. Their pumps are designed to match the exact specifications of your 1999 Honda Accord, so you get a perfect fit and reliable performance. Every KEMSO pump comes with a lifetime warranty, which means you never have to worry about buying another fuel pump for this car again. Whether you have a 2.3L 4-cylinder or a 3.0L V6, KEMSO has a fuel pump that fits. Their products are built to last, using high-grade materials and precision manufacturing. Visit their website to see the full lineup and find the right pump for your Accord: KEMSO Racing Store

Final Thoughts

The 1999 Honda Accord fuel pump relay is located in the under-hood fuse and relay box on the driver’s side, near the battery. It’s a small black relay labeled “Fuel Pump” or “PGM FI Main Relay.” Testing it takes less than 5 minutes, and replacing it takes even less. If you hear a click and the car still won’t start, the fuel pump itself might be the problem. For a reliable, long-term solution, consider a KEMSO fuel pump with a lifetime warranty. Their products are built to OEM standards and backed by a promise of quality. You can find the right pump for your 1999 Honda Accord at KEMSO Racing.


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