2001 Acura CL Fuel Pump Relay: Location, Symptoms, and Complete Replacement Guide

If your 2001 Acura CL cranks but won’t start, the fuel pump relay is often the first thing to check. This small but critical component controls power to the fuel pump, and when it fails, your engine gets no fuel. The good news is that replacing the relay is a straightforward DIY job that can save you a trip to the shop. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2001 Acura CL fuel pump relay, including where to find it, how to test it, and what to do if it needs replacement.

What is the Fuel Pump Relay and Why Does It Matter?

The fuel pump relay is an electrical switch that sends power to the fuel pump when you turn the ignition key. In the 2001 Acura CL, this relay is part of the PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) main relay system, which also controls the fuel injectors and the engine control unit. When the relay fails, the fuel pump doesn’t run, so the engine gets no fuel pressure and won’t start. This is one of the most common causes of a crank-no-start condition in Honda and Acura vehicles from this era.

Location of the 2001 Acura CL Fuel Pump Relay

The fuel pump relay on a 2001 Acura CL is located inside the passenger compartment, not under the hood. Specifically, it is integrated into the PGM-FI main relay, which is mounted behind the driver’s side dashboard, near the left kick panel. To access it:

  1. Open the driver’s side door.
  2. Remove the plastic kick panel cover on the left side of the footwell. This panel is held in place by a few clips or screws.
  3. Look for a small rectangular black box with a wiring harness attached. That is the PGM-FI main relay, which contains the fuel pump relay inside.
  4. You may need to remove a small metal bracket or unbolt the relay from its mounting point to fully disconnect it.

Some owners have also reported finding the relay under the dashboard near the steering column, but the most common location is behind the driver’s side kick panel. If you have a 2003 Acura CL, the location is similar, but the 2001 model is consistently described as being behind the left kick panel.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2001 Acura CL

Before you buy a new relay, you can test the existing one to confirm it’s faulty. Here’s a simple step-by-step test:

  1. Listen for the relay click. Turn the ignition key to the ON position (do not start the engine). You should hear a distinct click from the relay area, followed by a brief whirring sound from the fuel pump in the rear of the car. If you hear nothing, the relay may be dead.
  2. Check for power at the relay. Use a multimeter set to DC voltage. With the ignition on, probe the relay’s terminals. You should see battery voltage (around 12 volts) on the power supply terminal. If you have power but no click, the relay is likely faulty.
  3. Swap the relay with a known good one. The PGM-FI main relay often contains two separate relays: one for the fuel pump and one for the ECU. If you can, swap the fuel pump relay position with the ECU relay (if they are identical) and see if the car starts. If it does, the original relay is bad.

If you don’t have a multimeter, you can also perform a simple bypass test: briefly jump the fuel pump relay terminals with a fused jumper wire. If the fuel pump runs, the relay is almost certainly the problem. However, be careful not to leave the jumper in place for more than a few seconds.

Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

A failing fuel pump relay in a 2001 Acura CL typically shows these symptoms:

  • Engine cranks but won’t start. This is the most obvious sign. The starter motor turns over, but the engine never fires because no fuel reaches the injectors.
  • Car starts then dies immediately. If the relay fails intermittently, the engine might start for a second or two and then stall. This happens because the relay provides power to the pump only during cranking, and if it fails after startup, the pump stops.
  • No fuel pump noise. When you turn the key to ON, you should hear the fuel pump hum for a second or two from the rear of the car. If you hear nothing, the relay is a prime suspect.
  • Intermittent starting issues. The car may start fine one day and refuse to start the next. This is a classic sign of a failing relay, especially one with worn contacts.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2001 Acura CL

Replacing the fuel pump relay is easy. Since the relay is part of the PGM-FI main relay assembly, you’ll replace the entire main relay unit. The OEM part number is 39400-S84-003, and it is compatible with many Honda and Acura models from the same era, including the 1998-2002 Honda Accord, 1998-2004 Odyssey, 2001-2003 Acura CL, and 1999-2003 Acura TL.

Steps to replace:

  1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. This prevents any accidental shorts while working with electrical components.
  2. Access the relay. Remove the driver’s side kick panel as described above.
  3. Unplug the old relay. Gently pull the wiring harness connector off the main relay. It may have a locking tab that you need to press.
  4. Remove the mounting screw or bracket. The relay is usually held by a single 10mm bolt or a plastic clip. Remove it and pull the relay out.
  5. Install the new relay. Place the new main relay in the same position, secure it with the bolt or clip, and plug the wiring harness back in.
  6. Reconnect the battery and test. Turn the ignition to ON and listen for the fuel pump prime cycle. If you hear the pump, you’re good. Start the engine to confirm.

The entire job should take about 15 to 20 minutes. No special tools are needed beyond a socket wrench or screwdriver, depending on the mounting hardware.

Other Possible Causes of a Crank-No-Start Condition

If replacing the fuel pump relay doesn’t fix the problem, there are a few other things to check on your 2001 Acura CL:

  • Fuel pump itself. The pump can fail, especially if the relay has been working intermittently and the pump has been running dry. Listen for the pump noise; if it’s silent, check the pump’s power and ground at the tank.
  • Fuel pump fuse. Check the fuse box under the hood and inside the cabin. A blown fuse will cut power to the pump entirely.
  • Main relay connections. The PGM-FI main relay is a known weak point on these cars. The solder joints inside the relay can crack over time, causing intermittent failures. You can sometimes resolder the joints as a temporary fix, but replacement is the best long-term solution.
  • Ignition switch or security system. If the ignition switch is faulty, it may not send the signal to the relay. A malfunctioning immobilizer system can also prevent the fuel pump from running.

Why You Should Choose a Quality Replacement Part

When it comes to the fuel pump relay, quality matters. A cheap, off-brand relay may fail again in a few months, leaving you stranded. For the 2001 Acura CL, stick with OEM or high-quality aftermarket relays that match the 39400-S84-003 specification. Many online retailers sell direct replacements, including Amazon and Newegg.

Recommended Fuel Pump Upgrade: KEMSO Fuel Pumps

If you are replacing the fuel pump in your 2001 Acura CL, or if you want to upgrade to a more reliable unit, consider a high-performance fuel pump from KEMSO. KEMSO fuel pumps are designed as direct OEM replacements, meaning they fit exactly like the original part with no modifications needed. They are built with high-quality materials and offer a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your fuel system will stay reliable for years to come. Whether you need a standard replacement or a high-flow pump for performance applications, KEMSO has you covered. Visit their website to browse their full lineup of fuel pumps for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and watercraft.

Visit KEMSO Racing today: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Final Thoughts

The 2001 Acura CL fuel pump relay is a simple but essential part of your car’s fuel system. If your engine cranks but won’t start, checking the relay should be your first step. It’s easy to locate behind the driver’s kick panel, and replacing it costs less than $30 in most cases. By testing the relay first, you can avoid unnecessary repairs and get back on the road quickly. And if you do need a new fuel pump, KEMSO offers a reliable, high-performance option with a lifetime warranty.

For the best fuel pump replacement parts, visit: https://www.kemsoracing.com/


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