2003 Honda CRV Fuel Pump Relay Location: Complete Guide to Finding and Diagnosing It
The fuel pump relay on a 2003 Honda CR-V is located behind the passenger side instrument panel, specifically behind the glove box near the main fuse relay. This is the most common and factory-recommended location for this relay. However, some sources also mention it can be found in the under-hood fuse/relay box on the driver's side of the engine bay, so it's important to check both locations if you're having trouble finding it. The relay controls the electrical supply to the fuel pump that pressurizes the fuel system. If it fails, the engine may crank but fail to start, or stall soon after starting. This guide will walk you through exactly where to find it, how to test it, and what to do if it's faulty.
Why the Fuel Pump Relay Is Important
The fuel pump relay acts as a switch that controls power to the fuel pump. When you turn the ignition key to the ON position, the relay closes for about 2 seconds to prime the fuel system. If the engine doesn't start, the relay opens again to stop the pump from running continuously. This relay is part of the PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) main relay system, and on the 2003 CR-V, there are actually two main relays - one is the PGM-FI main relay 1, and the other is PGM-FI main relay 2, which specifically handles the fuel pump. The relay is typically a 5-pin unit, often made by Mitsuba or Denso.
Where to Find the Fuel Pump Relay: Two Possible Locations
Location 1: Behind the Passenger Side Instrument Panel (Most Common)
For the 2003 Honda CR-V, the fuel pump relay (PGM-FI main relay 2) is most commonly found behind the passenger side dashboard. Specifically, it's located behind the glove box, near the main fuse relay box. Here's how to access it:
- Open the passenger side front door.
- Open the glove box.
- Look behind the glove box area, or remove the lower panel on the passenger side of the dashboard.
- You'll find the under-dash fuse/relay box. The fuel pump relay is typically inside this box or attached right next to it.
Some sources also describe the location as "behind the right side of the dash" or "in the passenger compartment on the passenger side, under the instrument panel." This is the location specified in official Honda service manuals for the 2002-2006 CR-V.
Location 2: Under-Hood Fuse/Relay Box (Alternate Location)
Some owners and mechanics report that the fuel pump relay can also be found in the under-hood fuse/relay box on the driver's side of the engine bay. This is more common on certain generations or regional variants. To check this location:
- Open the hood.
- Locate the fuse/relay box on the driver's side, near the battery.
- Remove the cover.
- Look for a relay labeled "FUEL PUMP," "FP," or "P/UMP" on the diagram printed on the inside of the cover.
Important: If you can't find the relay in the engine bay, the interior location is more likely correct for the 2003 model. Always check the diagram on the fuse box cover to confirm the exact position.
How to Identify the Correct Relay
The fuel pump relay on the 2003 CR-V is a 5-pin relay. The factory part number is 39794-S5A-003 or 39794-S5A-004, and it's often described as "PGM-FI main relay 2 (FUEL PUMP)." Some sources note that the relay is often blue in color, making it easier to spot. It's also referred to as a "relay assembly, fuel pump (5P) (Mitsuba)."
Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump Relay
Before you start digging into your dashboard, it helps to know what symptoms point to a bad relay rather than a bad pump. Common signs include:
- Engine cranks but won't start - This is the most common symptom. You can hear the starter motor turning the engine over, but the engine never fires up.
- No fuel pump priming sound - When you turn the ignition to the ON position (without starting), you should hear a faint hum from the fuel pump for 2-3 seconds. If you don't hear this sound, the relay or pump may be faulty.
- Engine starts then stalls - The relay may work initially but then fail, causing the engine to die shortly after starting.
- Intermittent starting issues - The car starts fine one day, then refuses to start the next. This on-and-off behavior is classic for a failing relay.
How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay
Testing the relay is straightforward and can save you from buying unnecessary parts. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Listen for the Pump
Turn the ignition key to the ON position (do not start the engine). Listen carefully near the fuel tank area (behind the rear seat) for a humming sound that lasts about 2 seconds. If you hear it, the relay and pump are likely working. If you don't hear anything, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Check the Fuse
Before testing the relay, check the fuel pump fuse. On the 2003 CR-V, the fuel pump fuse is fuse No. 17 (15A) in the interior fuse box (under-dash fuse/relay box). If this fuse is blown, the pump won't get power regardless of the relay's condition.
Step 3: Swap the Relay
The easiest test is to swap the fuel pump relay with a known-good relay of the same type. The 2003 CR-V has several relays that are identical. Simply swap the fuel pump relay with another relay (like the horn relay or a similar 5-pin relay) and see if the pump works. If the pump starts working, the original relay was faulty.
Step 4: Use a Multimeter
If swapping doesn't work, you can test the relay with a multimeter:
- Remove the relay from the fuse box.
- Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms).
- Check for continuity between the relay's coil terminals (usually terminals 85 and 86 on a standard relay, but check the pin diagram on the relay itself).
- Apply 12V power to the coil terminals and listen for a click.
- Check for continuity between the switch terminals (usually 30 and 87) when power is applied.
If the relay doesn't click or there's no continuity when it should be present, the relay is bad.
What to Do If the Relay Is Bad
If you've confirmed the relay is faulty, replacing it is simple. The genuine Honda part number for the 2003 CR-V fuel pump relay is 39794-S5A-003 or 39794-S5A-004. The OEM list price is around $74, but you can find it for about $67 online. Aftermarket options are also available and often cheaper.
Note: The relay is located "behind the passenger side instrument panel," so you'll need to access the under-dash fuse/relay box to replace it. This is a simple plug-and-play replacement - no special tools are required.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming it's always in the engine bay - Many people automatically look under the hood, but the 2003 CR-V's fuel pump relay is typically behind the passenger dashboard.
- Confusing the relay with the pump - A bad relay causes similar symptoms to a bad pump, but the relay is much cheaper and easier to replace. Always test the relay first.
- Ignoring the fuse - A blown fuse can mimic a bad relay. Check the 15A fuel pump fuse (fuse No. 17) before buying a new relay.
- Forgetting to check the interior fuse box - Some people only look in the engine bay fuse box. The 2003 CR-V has three fuse boxes: two under the hood and one inside the passenger compartment.
When to Call a Professional
If you've checked the relay, swapped it with a known-good one, and still have no fuel pump operation, the issue might be deeper. Possible causes include:
- A faulty PCM (engine control module)
- A wiring issue between the relay and the pump
- A bad ground connection
- A completely failed fuel pump (located inside the fuel tank)
Diagnosing these issues requires more advanced tools like a wiring diagram, test light, and fuel pressure gauge. If you're not comfortable with electrical diagnostics, it's best to have a qualified technician inspect the vehicle.
Final Thoughts
The fuel pump relay on a 2003 Honda CR-V is a small but critical component. Its most common location is behind the passenger side instrument panel, near the glove box and main fuse relay. If you can't find it there, check the under-hood fuse/relay box on the driver's side. Testing the relay is simple - listen for the pump priming sound, check the fuse, swap the relay, or use a multimeter. Replacing a bad relay is a straightforward DIY job that can save you from a much more expensive fuel pump replacement.
If your CR-V is cranking but not starting, don't immediately assume the worst. Start with the relay - it's the most common cause of no-start conditions related to fuel delivery, and it's the easiest fix. With the information in this guide, you should be able to locate, test, and replace the fuel pump relay on your 2003 Honda CR-V with confidence.
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