2005 Honda Element Fuel Pump Relay Location: Where It Is and How to Replace It

The fuel pump relay on a 2005 Honda Element is located behind the passenger side instrument panel, not in the engine bay fuse box. This is the single most important fact you need to know before you start troubleshooting a no-start condition. Many owners waste hours searching under the hood, but Honda engineers placed this relay inside the cabin. The relay is a small, square, black component that controls power delivery to the fuel pump, and when it fails, your engine will crank but won't start.

The 2005 Honda Element uses two different relay part numbers depending on your build date: 39794-SDA-A03 (Omron, a "Micro ISO" power relay) or 39794-S5A-003 (Mitsuba, a 5-pin relay, superseded by 39794-S5A-004). Both are mounted in the same location, and both are accessed the same way. If you are handy with basic hand tools, you can complete this replacement in under 30 minutes and save the $95 to $133 labor cost that a shop would charge.

Why the Fuel Pump Relay Matters

The fuel pump relay acts as an electromagnetic switch. When you turn the ignition key to the "ON" position, the engine control unit (ECU) sends a small, low-current signal to the relay. That signal energizes an electromagnet inside the relay, which snaps a set of internal contacts closed. This completes the high-current circuit from the battery to the fuel pump, powering it up for a few seconds to build pressure in the fuel lines before you start the engine. Once the engine is running, the relay keeps the circuit closed so the pump delivers a steady supply of fuel to the injectors.

If the relay fails, the fuel pump receives no power. The engine will crank over fine (the starter motor is on a different circuit), but it will never fire up because there is no fuel pressure. In some cases, a failing relay can also cause intermittent stalling while driving, or the engine may cut out under heavy load when the relay's worn contacts lose their connection.

The relay is designed to protect the ECU's delicate circuitry from the fuel pump's substantial electrical draw, which can exceed 10–15 amps. Over time, the internal contacts can oxidize or rust, and the coil windings can fail, especially in vehicles that are driven in humid or salty environments. Honda recommends checking the relay whenever you have your brakes serviced, because a failed relay can send too much current to the pump and destroy it.

Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

Before you tear apart your dash, you should confirm that the relay is actually the culprit. Here are the most common symptoms of a failing fuel pump relay on a 2005 Honda Element:

  1. Engine cranks but won't start. This is the classic symptom. You turn the key, the starter motor spins the engine, but it never fires up. You likely won't hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key to the "ON" position.

  2. No fuel pump priming sound. When you turn the ignition to the "ON" position without cranking, you should hear a brief humming or buzzing sound from the rear of the car, near the fuel tank. If you hear nothing, the fuel pump isn't getting power, which points to the relay, a fuse, or the pump itself.

  3. Intermittent stalling. The engine may stall without warning, especially when the vehicle is warm. This happens because the relay's internal contacts become worn or corroded, causing intermittent power loss to the fuel pump.

  4. Loss of power under load. A failing relay may cause the fuel pump to lose power when the engine is under heavy load, such as during acceleration or climbing a hill. This can feel like the engine is cutting out or hesitating.

  5. Car slows down or halts unexpectedly. If the relay fails completely while you are driving, the engine will stop receiving fuel, and the car will slow down and come to a halt after running only a short distance.

Keep in mind that a faulty fuel pump or a blown fuel pump fuse can cause similar symptoms. The fuel pump fuse on the 2005 Element is a 15-amp fuse located in the interior fuse box, position #17. You should check that fuse before you assume the relay is bad. The interior fuse box itself is located underneath the steering column on the driver's side.

Exact Location of the Fuel Pump Relay

The fuel pump relay on the 2005 Honda Element is behind the passenger side instrument panel. This is consistent with many Honda models from the early 2000s, where the PGM-FI main relay (which includes the fuel pump relay) is mounted behind the glove box or the passenger side kick panel.

On the 2005 Element, the relay is a 5-pin Mitsuba unit (part number 39794-S5A-003) or an Omron unit (part number 39794-SDA-A03). It sits in a relay socket that is clipped to the metal structure of the dashboard, behind the lower passenger side trim panel.

Here is the step-by-step process to access it:

Step 1: Open the passenger front door.

Step 2: Locate the lower trim panel on the passenger side of the dashboard. This is the plastic panel that covers the area below the glove box and above the carpet. It is held in place by a few plastic clips and possibly one or two screws.

Step 3: Remove the trim panel. On most 2005 Elements, you can pull the panel straight toward you to release the clips. If there are screws, remove them with a Phillips head screwdriver. Be gentle; the clips can break if you yank too hard.

Step 4: Look behind the panel, up toward the firewall. You will see a small metal bracket with one or more rectangular relays attached to it. The fuel pump relay is the one labeled with either "39794-S5A-003" or "39794-SDA-A03". It may also be marked with a diagram on the relay body showing the terminal layout.

Step 5: Pull the relay straight out of its socket. It may be a bit snug, but it should come out with a firm tug. Do not use a screwdriver to pry it out, as you could damage the socket.

Step 6: Install the new relay. Push it firmly into the socket until it clicks into place. Make sure the orientation matches the original.

Step 7: Reinstall the trim panel. Press it back into place until the clips snap in.

That's it. You have now accessed and replaced the fuel pump relay on your 2005 Honda Element.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Before you spend money on a new relay, you can test the old one to confirm it is faulty. You will need a digital multimeter and a couple of short jumper wires. Here is the procedure:

  1. Remove the relay from the socket as described above.

  2. Visually inspect the relay. Look for any signs of damage, such as corrosion, burnt terminals, or a cracked case. If you see anything suspicious, replace the relay.

  3. Identify the terminals. Most fuel pump relays have a diagram printed on the case. The control circuit terminals (the coil) are usually the two smaller terminals, and the power circuit terminals are the larger ones. On the 5-pin Mitsuba relay, pins 1 and 2 are typically the coil, pins 3 and 5 are the normally open contacts, and pin 4 is the common contact.

  4. Test the coil. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms). Touch the probes to the two coil terminals. You should see a reading typically between 50 and 120 ohms. If you see infinite resistance (OL), the coil is open and the relay is dead.

  5. Test the contacts. With the relay unpowered, the normally open contacts should show infinite resistance (open circuit). Touch the probes to the common and normally open terminals; you should see no continuity.

  6. Apply power to the coil. Connect a 12V battery or a 12V power supply to the coil terminals, or use jumper wires to connect the coil terminals to the battery and a good ground. When the coil is energized, you should hear a click, and the contacts should now show continuity (near-zero resistance) between the common and normally open terminals.

If the relay fails any of these tests, it is faulty and should be replaced.

Alternatively, you can do a simpler swap test: find another relay in the car that has the same part number (such as the horn relay or blower motor relay, which share the 39794-SDA-A03 part number) and swap it into the fuel pump relay socket. If the car starts with the swapped relay, the original was bad.

Replacement Cost and Parts

The cost to replace the fuel pump relay on a 2005 Honda Element varies depending on where you get the work done. According to YourMechanic, the average cost for a Honda Element fuel pump relay replacement is $104, with $9 for parts and $95 for labor. For a 2005 Element specifically, their estimate is $118.71, with a shop or dealer price ranging from $133.27 to $154.72.

You can save most of that money by doing the job yourself. The relay itself is an inexpensive part. Genuine Honda relays are available from online parts retailers:

  • The 39794-SDA-A03 (Omron power relay) is listed at around $74.34 list price, with online prices around $66.97.
  • The 39794-S5A-003 (Mitsuba 5-pin relay) is also available as a genuine Honda part.

Aftermarket relays are also available and are usually cheaper, but for a critical component like the fuel pump relay, many owners prefer to stick with genuine Honda parts to ensure reliability.

Recommended: KEMSO Fuel Pump

If your fuel pump itself is showing signs of wear, or if you want to replace the entire fuel delivery system while you are in there, consider a high-quality aftermarket option. KEMSO is a brand that specializes in high-performance fuel pumps and fuel system components for a wide range of vehicles, including Honda models.

KEMSO fuel pumps are built to OEM replacement standards, meaning they match or exceed the specifications of the factory parts. They are designed for a direct fit, so you can install them without any modifications, and they deliver the fuel pressure and flow your engine needs for reliable starting, smooth acceleration, and consistent highway cruising.

Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, which gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected for as long as you own your vehicle. If you are replacing a failed fuel pump, or if you want to upgrade your fuel system for better performance, KEMSO offers a dependable, cost-effective solution.

You can browse their full line of fuel pumps and find the right fit for your 2005 Honda Element by visiting their website at https://www.kemsoracing.com/. Their catalog includes fuel pumps for a wide variety of Honda models, as well as many other makes and models, and their customer service team can help you confirm the correct part for your vehicle.

Other Things to Check If the Car Won't Start

If you have replaced the fuel pump relay and the car still won't start, there are a few other components you should check:

  1. Fuel pump fuse. The 15-amp fuel pump fuse is in the interior fuse box, position #17. Open the lid of the interior fuse box (under the steering column), locate fuse #17, and inspect the metal strip inside. If it is broken, replace it with a new 15-amp fuse.

  2. Main relay (PGM-FI relay). The 2005 Element has a separate main relay that controls power to the ECU, fuel injectors, and fuel pump. This relay is also located behind the passenger side instrument panel, near the fuel pump relay. If the main relay fails, you may lose power to the fuel pump as well as the engine computer.

  3. Fuel pump itself. The fuel pump on the 2005 Element is located inside the fuel tank. If the relay and fuse are good, but you still hear no priming sound from the rear of the car, the pump may have failed. You can test for power at the fuel pump connector using a multimeter, or have a shop run a fuel pressure test.

  4. Fuel filter. A clogged fuel filter can cause similar symptoms, including hard starting, stalling, and loss of power. On many Honda models, the fuel filter is located inside the fuel tank, right where it connects with the fuel line. If it is clogged, it will force the fuel pump to work harder and can cause premature pump failure.

  5. Ignition system. If the car is getting fuel but still won't start, the problem may be in the ignition system (spark plugs, coils, or the distributor). Check for spark before you continue replacing fuel system parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I drive my 2005 Honda Element with a bad fuel pump relay?

A: No. If the relay fails completely, the fuel pump will not run, and the engine will not start. If the relay is intermittent, the car may stall while driving and then restart after the relay cools down. This is a safety hazard, and you should replace the relay as soon as possible.

Q: How long does a fuel pump relay last?

A: Fuel pump relays have a limited lifetime, but there is no set interval for replacement. They typically last many years, but they can fail prematurely due to corrosion, vibration, or electrical overload. Honda recommends having the relay checked whenever you have your brakes serviced.

Q: Is the fuel pump relay the same as the main relay on a 2005 Element?

A: No. The main relay (also called the PGM-FI main relay) contains two separate relays: one that powers the ECU and injectors, and a second that powers the fuel pump. On many Honda models, the main relay and the fuel pump relay are separate components, both located behind the passenger side instrument panel. On the 2005 Element, the fuel pump relay is the component labeled with the part numbers listed above.

Q: Can I use a relay from another car in my 2005 Element?

A: The relay must match the electrical specifications of the original, including the coil resistance, contact rating, and pin configuration. The safest option is to use the exact Honda part number (39794-S5A-003 or 39794-SDA-A03) or a confirmed aftermarket equivalent.

Q: How do I know if my fuel pump or fuel filter is bad instead of the relay?

A: If you have voltage at the fuel pump connector and the pump still doesn't run, the pump is likely bad. If the pump runs but the car won't start, check fuel pressure with a gauge. A clogged fuel filter will cause low fuel pressure and can make the pump work harder, leading to premature failure. You can also listen for a whining noise from the fuel tank, which often indicates a failing pump.

Final Thoughts

The fuel pump relay on your 2005 Honda Element is a small, inexpensive part that plays a huge role in your vehicle's reliability. Now that you know it is located behind the passenger side instrument panel, you can diagnose and fix a no-start condition in less than an hour. Start with the relay, move on to the fuse, and then check the pump itself if needed.

If you decide to replace the fuel pump, choose a quality aftermarket option like KEMSO to get OEM-level performance with the added security of a lifetime warranty. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the right fuel pump for your 2005 Honda Element and many other vehicles. With the right parts and a little bit of know-how, you can keep your Element running reliably for many more miles.


Back to blog