2009 Honda Accord Fuel Pump Relay: Location, Testing, and Replacement Guide

The fuel pump relay on a 2009 Honda Accord is located inside the driver’s side under-dash fuse box, positioned beneath the dashboard near the left side of the steering column. This relay, also known as the PGM-FI Main Relay 2 (Fuel Pump), controls power delivery to the fuel pump. If your Accord cranks but won’t start, stalls while driving, or you don’t hear the fuel pump hum when you turn the key, a failing relay is often the culprit. The good news is that diagnosing and replacing it is straightforward—you can do it yourself with basic tools and save money on mechanic fees. This guide walks you through the exact location, symptoms, testing steps, and replacement tips, all tailored to the 2009 model.

Why the Fuel Pump Relay Matters

The fuel pump relay acts as an electrical switch. When you turn the ignition to the “ON” position, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) sends a low-current signal to the relay. The relay then closes a circuit, allowing battery voltage to flow directly to the fuel pump. This powers the pump for about two seconds to pressurize the fuel system before starting, then keeps it running while the engine is on. If the relay fails, the pump gets no power, and the engine won’t receive fuel—leading to a no-start or stalling situation.

Pinpointing the 2009 Honda Accord Fuel Pump Relay Location

The 2009 Accord has three fuse boxes: one under the hood on the driver’s side, one on the passenger’s side cabin panel, and one on the driver’s side under the dashboard. The fuel pump relay sits in the driver’s side interior fuse box. Here’s how to access it:

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Park on a level surface, turn off the ignition, and move the driver’s seat all the way back to create room. Keep a flashlight handy because the area is dim.

Step 2: Locate the Fuse Box
Look under the dashboard on the driver’s side, to the left of the steering column. You’ll see a rectangular plastic panel—usually black or dark gray—this is the cover for the under-dash fuse box.

Step 3: Remove the Cover
The cover is held by clips or tabs. Gently pry it open with your fingers or a small flathead screwdriver, being careful not to break the clips. Once removed, you’ll see a cluster of fuses and relays.

Step 4: Identify the Relay
Look for the relay labeled “Fuel Pump Relay” or “PGM-FI Main Relay 2.” The fuse box cover typically has a diagram printed inside showing relay and fuse positions. According to the 2009 Accord fuse box diagram, the fuel pump relay is often labeled as R1 in the driver’s side interior fuse box. The relay is a small, square or rectangular plastic cube, typically black or blue, with four or five metal pins that plug into the fuse box.

Important Note: Some older Accord generations (1998–2007) integrate the fuel pump relay into the PGM-FI Main Relay, located behind the glove box or under the passenger dash. For the 2009 model, however, the relay is firmly in the driver’s side under-dash fuse box.

Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump Relay

Recognizing these warning signs can prevent you from being stranded:

  1. Engine Cranks But Won’t Start – The most common symptom. The starter spins the engine, but it never fires because the fuel pump isn’t getting power.
  2. Intermittent Stalling – The relay may fail intermittently, causing the engine to lose power and stall while driving.
  3. No Fuel Pump Priming Sound – Turn the ignition to “ON” without cranking. You should hear a faint whirring from the rear of the car for two seconds. If you hear nothing, the pump isn’t receiving power.
  4. Sputtering or Hesitation – Inconsistent power to the pump can cause sputtering during acceleration.
  5. Loss of Power Under Load – A failing relay may cause fuel pump power loss during heavy load, like climbing a hill.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Testing the relay requires only a multimeter or a test light. Follow these steps to confirm the relay is the problem:

  1. Locate the relay as described above and pull it out of the fuse box.
  2. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms).
  3. Check the coil terminals (usually pins 85 and 86) – you should see a resistance reading, typically between 50 and 120 ohms.
  4. Apply battery voltage to the coil terminals and listen for a click, which indicates the relay is energizing.
  5. Check the switch terminals (usually pins 30 and 87) – with voltage applied, you should get continuity (near zero resistance). If the relay fails any of these tests, replace it.

Note: If the relay tests fine, check the fuel pump fuse first. On the 2009 Accord, the fuel pump fuse is a 15A mini fuse located in the passenger compartment fuse box. A blown fuse can mimic a bad relay.

Replacing the Relay and Beyond

Replacement is simple—pull the old relay out and press in a new one. Genuine Honda fuel pump relay part numbers include 39794-SDA-A03 and 39794-SDA-004. But before you replace anything, work through this diagnostic sequence:

  1. Check the fuse – The 15A fuel pump fuse can blow due to a short circuit, a failing pump, or a clogged fuel filter.
  2. Listen for the pump – Turn the key to “ON” and listen near the fuel tank. No sound means no power to the pump.
  3. Test the relay – Use a multimeter as described above.
  4. Inspect wiring – Look for damaged, frayed, or corroded wires in the fuel pump circuit.
  5. Consider the pump itself – If power reaches the pump but it doesn’t run, the pump may be faulty.

Why Choose a KEMSO Fuel Pump?

When your 2009 Honda Accord needs a new fuel pump, consider a high-performance replacement from KEMSO. KEMSO fuel pumps are designed as direct OEM replacements, meaning they match factory specifications for fit and function. Each pump delivers reliable, consistent fuel pressure to keep your engine running smoothly. Best of all, KEMSO backs every fuel pump with a lifetime warranty, so you can buy with confidence knowing your investment is protected. Whether you’re replacing a worn-out pump or upgrading for better performance, KEMSO offers durable, dependable options at competitive prices. Visit KEMSO at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to browse their full selection of fuel pumps and other automotive parts.

Final Thoughts

A faulty fuel pump relay on a 2009 Honda Accord is a manageable DIY fix. You now know it lives in the driver’s side under-dash fuse box, how to recognize its failure symptoms, and how to test it with a multimeter. Work through the diagnostic steps in order—fuse, relay, wiring, then pump—to avoid replacing good parts. And if the fuel pump itself needs replacing, KEMSO provides high-quality, OEM-replacement options backed by a lifetime warranty, available at https://www.kemsoracing.com/. With these tools and knowledge, you can get your Accord back on the road quickly and economically.


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