2000 CRV Fuel Pump Relay Location: Your Complete Guide to Finding, Testing, and Replacing It

The bottom line: The fuel pump relay on a 2000 Honda CR-V is actually called the PGM-FI Main Relay, and it is located inside the vehicle on the passenger side of the dashboard, behind the glovebox. If your CR-V cranks but won't start, stalls intermittently, or the fuel pump doesn't make a priming sound when you turn the key, this relay is likely the culprit. Replacing it is a straightforward DIY job that costs between $10 and $45, and it can save you from being stranded.

Understanding the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2000 Honda CR-V

On the 2000 Honda CR-V, the component commonly referred to as the "fuel pump relay" is technically the PGM-FI Main Relay . This is not a single relay but a small black box that contains two individual relays inside one housing . One relay provides power to the engine control module and fuel injectors whenever the ignition is on. The second relay is the one that directly controls the fuel pump. It is energized for two seconds when you first turn the key to the "ON" position to prime the fuel system, and then it stays energized while the engine is running .

This relay is a known weak point on older Honda CR-Vs from the 1997-2001 generation. Over time, the solder joints inside the relay can crack due to heat and vibration, causing the relay to fail intermittently or completely . The good news is that this is a very common issue, and the fix is both simple and inexpensive.

2000 Honda CR-V Fuel Pump Relay Location: Step-by-Step

The PGM-FI Main Relay is located on the passenger side of the cowl (dashboard area) . Here is exactly how to get to it:

1. Gather your tools:

  • A small Phillips head screwdriver
  • A flashlight
  • A flathead screwdriver (optional, for prying)

2. Remove the glovebox:

  • Open the glovebox fully.
  • On the sides of the glovebox, you will see small tabs or stops. Push them inward to allow the glovebox to drop down completely.
  • Once the stops are disengaged, the glovebox will hinge down. Lift it up and out of its mounting brackets.

3. Remove the passenger's dashboard lower cover:

  • Look under the dashboard on the passenger side, below where the glovebox was. You will see a plastic trim panel covering the lower area.
  • This panel is typically held in place by a few screws (usually Phillips head screws). Remove the screws and pull the panel down and out .

4. Locate the PGM-FI Main Relay:

  • With the glovebox and lower cover removed, shine your flashlight up into the area on the passenger side of the center console.
  • You are looking for a small, black, cube-shaped relay that is about 1.5 inches square. It is usually mounted on a bracket or directly to the side of the fuse/relay box.
  • The relay will have a 7-pin connector plugged into it .

5. Remove the relay:

  • Firmly grasp the relay and pull it straight out of its connector. It may require a bit of a wiggle. There is no retaining clip on most models; it simply unplugs .

Important note: Some online sources, including a general answer on Answers.com, incorrectly state that the fuel pump relay is in the under-hood fuse box near the battery . This is not accurate for the 2000 CR-V. The under-hood box contains the fuel pump fuse (15A, labeled "FUEL PUMP"), but the relay itself is always inside the cabin on the passenger side . Always double-check your owner's manual or a wiring diagram to be certain.

Common Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump Relay

Before you go digging for the relay, make sure the symptoms match. A failing PGM-FI Main Relay on a 2000 CR-V usually shows these signs :

  • Engine cranks but will not start: This is the most common symptom. The starter motor turns the engine over, but the engine never fires up because the fuel pump is not getting power.
  • No fuel pump priming sound: When you turn the key to the "ON" position (not starting), you should hear a brief, two-second whirring sound coming from the rear of the vehicle (the fuel tank area). If you do not hear this sound, the fuel pump relay is not sending power to the pump .
  • Intermittent stalling: The car starts and runs fine for a while, then suddenly stalls without warning. This is a classic sign of a failing relay with cracked solder joints. The relay may work when cold but fail when it heats up.
  • Engine sputters or hesitates: You may notice the engine stumbling or hesitating, especially under acceleration. This indicates inconsistent fuel delivery.
  • Random no-start conditions: The car may start fine for days, then refuse to start for no apparent reason. Then it may start again later.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Once you have the relay in your hand, there are two simple ways to test it:

Method 1: The Swap Test (Easiest)

This is the quickest way to confirm a bad relay without using a multimeter. The idea is to swap the suspected bad relay with a known good relay from a less critical system .

  1. Look at the side of the relay for a part number. Common Honda part numbers for this relay include 39400-S10-003, 39400-SR3-003, and 39400-S01-A01 .
  2. Find another relay in your car that has the same part number. The horn relay, rear window defogger relay, or blower motor relay may be identical depending on your trim level .
  3. Remove the known good relay from its socket.
  4. Swap them: plug the suspected bad fuel pump relay into the known good relay's socket, and plug the known good relay into the fuel pump relay socket.
  5. Try starting the car. If the car starts, you have confirmed that the original fuel pump relay was bad. The other system (e.g., the horn) may now not work, but that confirms the fault.

Warning: Only use this method if you are 100% certain the relays are identical. Using an incompatible relay can damage your car's electrical system .

Method 2: Bench Testing with a Battery

If you have a 12V battery and a multimeter, you can bench test the relay :

  1. Look at the relay's connector. The terminals are numbered 1 through 7.
  2. Test Relay 1 (ECM/Fuel Injector relay):
    • Connect battery positive to terminal No. 2.
    • Connect battery negative to terminal No. 1.
    • Check for continuity between terminal No. 5 and terminal No. 4. You should hear a click, and there should be continuity.
  3. Test Relay 2 (Fuel Pump relay):
    • Connect battery positive to terminal No. 5.
    • Connect battery negative to terminal No. 3.
    • Check for continuity between terminal No. 7 and terminal No. 6. You should hear a click, and there should be continuity.
  4. If either set of tests fails, the PGM-FI Main Relay is faulty and needs to be replaced .

Other Possible Causes of No-Start or Fuel Pump Issues

If the relay tests good but you still have no fuel pump operation, check these items before replacing the pump itself :

1. Check the fuel pump fuse:

  • The fuel pump fuse is located in the under-hood fuse/relay box near the battery. It is a 15A fuse labeled "FUEL PUMP" or "No. 13 FUEL PUMP" .
  • Pull the fuse and inspect it visually. If the metal strip inside is broken, replace it with a new 15A fuse.
  • If the new fuse blows immediately, there is a short circuit in the fuel pump wiring or the pump itself.

2. Check the fuel pump connector:

  • Under the rear seat, there is an access panel to the fuel pump assembly. Remove the access panel and disconnect the electrical connector from the top of the fuel pump.
  • With the key in the "ON" position, use a multimeter to check for 12 volts at the connector. If you have 12 volts, the relay and wiring are good, and the pump itself is likely bad.
  • If you have no voltage, the problem is upstream (relay, fuse, or wiring).

3. Listen for the pump:

  • Have a helper turn the key to "ON" while you listen at the rear of the vehicle near the fuel tank. If you hear a whirring sound for 2 seconds, the pump is getting power and is likely working. If you hear nothing, the pump is not getting power or is dead.

Replacing the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the PGM-FI Main Relay on a 2000 Honda CR-V is simple:

  1. Purchase a replacement relay. The correct part numbers include 39400-S10-003, 39400-SR3-003, and 39400-S01-A01 . You can find these at auto parts stores or online for $10 to $45. A new Rostra Powertrain relay is available for around $45, and it is a direct-fit replacement .
  2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. This is a safety precaution to prevent accidental shorts .
  3. Unplug the old relay from its 7-pin connector.
  4. Plug in the new relay. Make sure it is fully seated and clicks into place.
  5. Reconnect the battery.
  6. Test the system. Turn the key to "ON" and listen for the fuel pump priming sound. Then start the engine.

Upgrade Your Fuel System with KEMSO Racing Fuel Pumps

If you have tested the relay, fuse, and wiring, and you have determined that the fuel pump itself is the problem, you need a reliable replacement. This is where KEMSO Racing comes in.

KEMSO offers high-performance, direct-fit fuel pumps designed specifically for Honda vehicles, including the 2000 CR-V. Unlike generic pumps that may require modifications or fail prematurely, KEMSO pumps are engineered to meet or exceed OEM specifications. Each pump is individually tested for flow and performance, ensuring consistent fuel delivery for your engine.

Key benefits of choosing a KEMSO fuel pump:

  • High Performance: KEMSO pumps deliver flow rates up to 340 liters per hour, supporting engines from stock configurations to high-horsepower builds up to 700-800 horsepower.
  • OEM Replacement: Direct-fit design means no modifications needed. Simply remove your old pump and install the KEMSO unit.
  • Durability: Constructed with robust materials including billet aluminum and high-temperature resistant seals, outperforming many stock plastic housings.
  • E85 Compatible: Designed to work with both gasoline and ethanol blends (E85), giving you flexibility in fuel choice.
  • Lifetime Warranty: Every KEMSO pump comes with a serialized body that guarantees a lifetime warranty. KEMSO has built its reputation on providing a lifetime warranty for all its OEM and performance fuel pumps.

Whether you are restoring a daily driver or building a performance machine, KEMSO fuel pumps deliver the reliability and flow your engine needs. Consistent fuel delivery protects your injectors, valves, and other critical components from premature wear caused by lean conditions.

Visit KEMSO Racing today to find the perfect fuel pump for your 2000 Honda CR-V: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Final Thoughts

The 2000 Honda CR-V fuel pump relay (PGM-FI Main Relay) is located on the passenger side of the dashboard, behind the glovebox. It is a common failure point on these older SUVs, causing no-start conditions, intermittent stalling, and hesitation. The good news is that it is one of the easiest and cheapest repairs you can do yourself. Always start with the relay and fuse before assuming the fuel pump itself is bad. If you do need a new pump, consider upgrading to a KEMSO Racing fuel pump for superior performance and a lifetime warranty.

For more information on KEMSO fuel pumps and to find the right part for your vehicle, visit: https://www.kemsoracing.com/


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