2005 Honda Pilot Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Guide for DIY Owners

The fuel pump relay on a 2005 Honda Pilot is most commonly located in the engine bay’s under-hood fuse/relay box, typically labeled “FUEL PUMP” or “PUMP.” If you don’t find it there, check the interior fuse box under the driver’s side dashboard. This relay is a small, rectangular plastic component that controls power delivery to the fuel pump. When it fails, your Pilot may not start or may stall unexpectedly. This guide walks you through exactly where to look, how to test it, and how to replace it yourself.

Where to Find the Fuel Pump Relay

The 2005 Honda Pilot has two main fuse/relay boxes, and the fuel pump relay can be in either one depending on your specific trim and production batch. Start with the most common location first.

1. Engine Bay Fuse/Relay Box (Primary Location)

Open the hood and locate the large black plastic fuse/relay box. It’s usually positioned near the battery or along the driver’s side inner fender . Remove the lid by pressing the tabs on the sides. Look for a diagram printed on the inside of the lid. This diagram shows every fuse and relay in the box. The fuel pump relay is typically labeled “FUEL PUMP,” “FUEL,” or “PUMP” . If the label isn’t clear, use the diagram to identify which relay position corresponds to the fuel pump circuit. The relay itself is a small, rectangular plastic component, often blue, black, or brown in color .

What to do if you find it:

  • Pull the relay out gently using your fingers or a relay puller.
  • Reseat it firmly back into its socket. A loose connection can mimic a bad relay.
  • Check the related fuses, often labeled “FUEL” or “EFI PUMP,” for a blown fuse. Replace if necessary .

2. Interior Fuse Box (Under the Driver’s Dash)

If you don’t find the relay in the engine bay, check the interior fuse box. Position yourself on the driver’s side floor and look up toward the steering column. You’ll see a plastic cover concealing the fuse box . Remove the cover by pulling it off with your fingers or prying gently with a small flathead screwdriver. Use the diagram on the inside of the cover or in your owner’s manual to locate the fuel pump relay circuit. Look for a relay labeled “FUEL PUMP,” “FUEL,” or similar .

Important note: The interior fuse box is where the PGM-FI Main Relay No. 2 (Fuel Pump) is located in many 2003-2005 Honda Pilot models . This relay is the one that controls the fuel pump.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Once you’ve located the relay, you can test it quickly without any special tools.

The Swap Test (Easiest Method)

  • Find another relay in the same fuse box that looks identical to the fuel pump relay (same part number, same size, same pin count).
  • Swap the two relays.
  • Try to start the engine.

If the engine now starts or the fuel pump runs, the original relay is faulty and needs to be replaced . Common relays to swap with include the horn relay, A/C relay, or windshield wiper relay, as long as they are the same type.

Visual Inspection

  • Look for signs of corrosion, rust, or physical damage on the relay pins and inside the socket.
  • Check the associated fuse in the fuse box. A blown fuse can prevent the fuel pump from working even if the relay is good .

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the relay is a straightforward DIY job.

Step-by-Step Replacement

  1. Purchase a new relay. Get the correct part number for your 2005 Honda Pilot. You can buy one from an auto parts store or online. The cost is typically between $10 and $30 .
  2. Remove the old relay. Pull it straight out of the socket. A relay puller can make this easier, but your fingers usually work fine.
  3. Install the new relay. Align the pins with the slots in the fuse box and push it firmly into place.
  4. Test the car. Start the engine to confirm the problem is resolved.

Important Safety Precautions

  • Always turn the ignition off before handling any relays or fuses.
  • If you’re working near the fuel system, avoid smoking or sparks.
  • Use a relay with the same voltage and amperage rating as the original part .

What to Do If Replacing the Relay Doesn’t Fix the Problem

If swapping or replacing the relay doesn’t help, the issue might be something else. Don’t just keep replacing parts. Here are other common culprits:

  • Blown fuel pump fuse: Check the fuse labeled “FUEL” or “EFI PUMP” in both the engine bay and interior fuse boxes .
  • Faulty fuel pump: The pump itself may have failed. Listen for a humming sound from the rear of the vehicle when you turn the key to the “ON” position. No sound could mean a bad pump.
  • Wiring issues: Check the wiring from the relay to the fuel pump for corrosion, damage, or loose connections.
  • Clogged fuel filter: A restricted filter can mimic a fuel pump problem .

If you’re unsure, have a professional mechanic diagnose the electrical system. They can use a multimeter or relay tester to pinpoint the exact cause .

Why Choose KEMSO Fuel Pump Products for Your Honda Pilot

If your diagnosis leads you to replace the fuel pump itself, consider upgrading to a high-quality aftermarket option. KEMSO Racing offers premium fuel pumps that are ideal for both daily drivers and performance builds.

KEMSO’s fuel pumps are designed as direct OEM replacements, making installation straightforward for DIY mechanics. They are built with high-performance engineering, supporting up to 600 BHP in naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and supercharged applications. This means you have plenty of headroom for future upgrades without needing to replace the pump again. KEMSO pumps are also E85 compatible, using ethanol-resistant materials that won’t degrade over time .

Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty. If your pump fails for any reason, KEMSO will replace it—no questions asked. This gives you complete peace of mind that your investment is protected. KEMSO also provides USA-based technical support, so you can get help from technicians who understand American vehicles and performance requirements .

Visit KEMSO Racing today to find the perfect fuel pump for your 2005 Honda Pilot: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Summary of Key Points

  • The 2005 Honda Pilot fuel pump relay is usually in the engine bay fuse/relay box, labeled “FUEL PUMP” or “PUMP.”
  • If not found there, check the interior fuse box under the driver’s dashboard.
  • Test the relay by swapping it with a known-good relay of the same type.
  • Replace the relay if it’s faulty. The part costs $10 to $30.
  • If the problem persists, check the fuse, the fuel pump itself, and the wiring.
  • For a reliable replacement fuel pump, choose KEMSO Racing for high performance, OEM fitment, and a lifetime warranty.

Visit KEMSO Racing at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ for all your fuel pump needs.


Back to blog