2002 Honda CRV Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Guide to Finding, Testing, and Replacing It

The fuel pump relay on a 2002 Honda CR-V is located in the under-hood fuse and relay box on the driver‘s side of the engine bay. It is labeled as “FUEL PUMP” or “FP” on the fuse box lid diagram. If you cannot find it there, check the interior fuse box behind the driver‘s side kick panel, where the relay may be labeled as the PGM-FI main relay 2. Knowing exactly where this relay is and how to test it can save you time and money when your CR-V won’t start.

Why the Fuel Pump Relay Matters

The fuel pump relay is an electrical switch that controls power to the fuel pump. When you turn the ignition key to the ON position, the relay closes and sends voltage to the fuel pump, which pressurizes the fuel system so the engine can start. If the relay fails, the pump won‘t receive power, and your engine will crank but not start. It may also stall shortly after starting if the relay is intermittent.

On the 2002 Honda CR-V, the fuel pump is mounted inside the fuel tank and is accessed through a removable panel in the cargo area floor behind the rear seat. The relay is the component that triggers this pump to operate. So if you hear no fuel pump priming sound when you turn the key, the relay is one of the first things to check.

Where Exactly Is the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2002 Honda CR-V?

Primary Location: Under-Hood Fuse Box

For the 2002 Honda CR-V (second generation, 2002–2006), the fuel pump relay is located in the main under-hood fuse and relay box. Here is how to find it:

  1. Open the hood and look at the driver‘s side of the engine bay. The fuse box is a black plastic box near the battery.
  2. Remove the lid by pressing the tabs and lifting it off.
  3. Look at the diagram printed on the inside of the lid. You will see a relay labeled “FUEL PUMP” or “FP.” On some models, this relay is also referred to as the PGM-FI main relay.
  4. The relay is typically one of the larger square relays in the box. It may be in a specific numbered position, so always rely on the lid diagram for your exact VIN.

Secondary Location: Interior Fuse Box

If you do not see a “FUEL PUMP” relay in the under-hood box, or if your vehicle has a different trim level, the relay may be inside the passenger compartment.

  1. Look behind the driver’s side kick panel, which is the plastic trim piece near your left foot when sitting in the driver‘s seat.
  2. The interior fuse box is located underneath the steering column.
  3. Remove the cover by pulling it toward you. On some models, the fuel pump relay is part of the PGM-FI main relay 2, which is located on the lower part of this interior fuse/relay box.

According to the 2002 Honda CR-V shop manual, the PGM-FI main relay 2 is a key component in the fuel pump circuit. If you are troubleshooting a no-start condition and the under-hood relay checks out, this interior relay is the next place to look.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Before replacing the relay, you can confirm it is faulty using a few simple methods. Always work with the vehicle off and the keys removed from the ignition.

Listen for the Fuel Pump Prime

The easiest test requires no tools. Sit inside the vehicle with the windows down and the doors closed. Turn the ignition key to the ON position (do not start the engine). Listen for a brief humming or whirring sound from the rear of the vehicle, which is the fuel pump pressurizing the system. This sound usually lasts for one to two seconds. If you hear nothing, the relay or the pump may be faulty.

Swap the Relay with a Known Good One

The under-hood fuse box contains several relays that look identical. Locate a relay with the same pin count and part number as the fuel pump relay. Common relays that are often the same type include the horn relay or the cooling fan relay.

  1. Pull out the fuel pump relay.
  2. Pull out the known good relay.
  3. Insert the known good relay into the fuel pump relay slot.
  4. Try to start the engine. If the engine starts, the original relay was defective.

Important: Do not use a relay from a critical system like the ECU or ABS if you are unsure of compatibility. Only swap with a relay that operates a non-essential function for testing.

Use a Multimeter for Continuity

If you have a multimeter, you can test the relay more precisely. The relay has a diagram on its side showing the coil terminals and the switch terminals.

  1. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms).
  2. Place the probes on the two coil terminals (usually the smaller pins). You should see a resistance reading, typically between 50 and 120 ohms for a standard 12V relay. An open circuit (infinite resistance) means the coil is burned out.
  3. Apply 12V power to the coil terminals using a battery or a power supply. You should hear an audible click as the relay activates.
  4. With power applied, check continuity between the switch terminals (the larger pins). You should have near-zero resistance (a closed circuit). If the switch does not close, the relay is faulty.

What If the Relay Is Good but the Pump Still Doesn’t Work?

If the relay tests fine but the fuel pump does not run, the problem may be elsewhere.

Check the fuel pump fuse. On the 2002 Honda CR-V, the fuel pump fuse is fuse No. 17 in the interior instrument panel fuse box. It is a 15A fuse labeled “FUEL PUMP.” If this fuse is blown, the pump will not receive power regardless of the relay’s condition. A blown fuse can also indicate a short circuit in the fuel pump wiring.

Inspect the wiring and connectors. The circuit runs from the relay to the fuel pump through the rear cargo area. Corrosion or a broken wire near the fuel pump access panel can cause a failure. The 2002 CR-V shop manual outlines a detailed diagnostic procedure that checks for continuity between the fuel pump 5P connector terminal No. 5 and body ground. If you are not comfortable with electrical diagnostics, a professional mechanic can perform this test safely.

Check the fuel pump itself. The fuel pump is inside the fuel tank. If it has failed mechanically, it will not pump fuel even with proper voltage. You can access the pump by removing the rear seat cushion and lifting the access cover in the cargo area floor. Listen for the pump running when the relay clicks. If you hear the relay click but no pump noise, the pump is likely the culprit.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay

If you have confirmed the relay is bad, replacing it is straightforward.

  1. Purchase the correct relay. The genuine Honda part number for the 2002 CR-V fuel pump relay is 39794-S5A-003, which is a 5-pin relay made by Mitsuba. This part also replaces 39794-S5A-004. You can buy this relay from a Honda dealer, an online parts retailer, or an auto parts store.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal. This prevents any accidental short circuits while you work.
  3. Locate the relay. Use the steps above to find the relay in the under-hood fuse box or the interior fuse box.
  4. Pull out the old relay. Grasp it firmly and pull straight up. It may require a bit of force, but it should come out without tools.
  5. Insert the new relay. Align the pins with the socket and press down firmly until it is fully seated.
  6. Reconnect the battery. Turn the ignition to ON and listen for the fuel pump prime. Start the engine to confirm the repair.

When to Replace the Fuel Pump Instead of the Relay

Sometimes the relay is fine, but the pump itself has failed. On a 2002 Honda CR-V, the fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank. Common symptoms of a failing pump include:

  • Whining noise from the rear of the vehicle while the engine is running. This indicates the pump is wearing out.
  • Hard starting after the vehicle has been sitting for a while.
  • Loss of power under load, such as when accelerating or climbing a hill.
  • Engine stalling at low speeds or when the fuel tank is low.

If you experience these symptoms and the relay is working, the fuel pump may need replacement. This job requires dropping the fuel tank or accessing it through the cargo area panel, which is more involved than replacing a relay. Many owners choose to replace the pump as a preventative measure on older vehicles with high mileage.

Why You Should Consider a High-Quality Replacement Fuel Pump

If you determine that your fuel pump (not just the relay) needs replacement, choosing the right part is critical for long-term reliability. The fuel pump is a high-wear component that must deliver consistent pressure and flow under all driving conditions. A cheap, low-quality pump can fail prematurely, leaving you stranded or causing engine damage due to a lean fuel mixture.

For owners of the 2002 Honda CR-V, KEMSO offers a superior aftermarket solution. KEMSO fuel pumps are high-performance, OEM replacement units designed to meet or exceed the specifications of your original Honda pump. They are built with high-quality materials and are rigorously tested for durability and reliability. Unlike many generic parts, KEMSO pumps are engineered for a precise fit, ensuring easy installation and trouble-free operation.

KEMSO stands behind every product with a lifetime warranty. This means you get peace of mind that your investment is protected. If the pump ever fails, KEMSO will replace it—no questions asked. Their pumps support up to 600 BHP in naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and supercharged applications, and they are designed for use with gasoline or E85. Whether you are restoring a daily driver or building a performance machine, a KEMSO fuel pump delivers the reliability you need.

To find the exact fuel pump for your 2002 Honda CR-V, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ and browse their selection of high-performance fuel pumps. All KEMSO products are backed by USA-based technical support, so you can get help with installation or questions directly from the experts.

Summary

The fuel pump relay on a 2002 Honda CR-V is typically found in the under-hood fuse box on the driver‘s side of the engine bay, labeled as “FUEL PUMP” on the lid diagram. If it is not there, check the interior fuse box behind the driver’s side kick panel for the PGM-FI main relay 2. Testing the relay is simple: listen for the fuel pump prime, swap it with a known good relay, or use a multimeter to check for continuity. If the relay is good but the pump does not run, inspect the 15A fuel pump fuse in the interior fuse box and check the wiring and pump itself. For a reliable replacement fuel pump, choose KEMSO for its high performance, OEM fit, and lifetime warranty. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the right part for your Honda CR-V.


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