2010 Honda Accord Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Guide to Finding, Testing, and Fixing It

The fuel pump relay in a 2010 Honda Accord is located inside the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box, not under the hood. This small but critical component controls power to your fuel pump, and when it fails, your engine may crank but not start, stall while driving, or sputter under load. Knowing exactly where to find it, how to test it, and how to replace it can save you time and money. This guide walks you through every step, from locating the relay to fixing the problem.

Why the Fuel Pump Relay Matters

The fuel pump relay acts as an electrical switch. When you turn the ignition key to the "ON" position, your car's Engine Control Unit (ECU) sends a low-current signal to the relay. This signal energizes the relay, which then closes a circuit that allows high current from the battery to flow directly to the fuel pump. The fuel pump then draws fuel from the tank and delivers it to the engine. Without a working relay, your fuel pump gets no power, and your engine gets no fuel.

Where to Find the Fuel Pump Relay in a 2010 Honda Accord

The fuel pump relay for the 2010 Accord is located in the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box. This is also called the PGM-FI Main Relay 2 (FUEL PUMP) in official Honda service manuals. Here is how to access it:

  1. Clear the area under the steering wheel. Move the driver's seat back as far as possible to give yourself room to work.
  2. Locate the fuse box. Look for a rectangular plastic panel, usually black or dark gray, under the dashboard on the driver's side, near the left side of the steering column. You may need a flashlight to see it clearly.
  3. Remove the fuse box cover. The cover is held in place by clips or tabs. Carefully pry it open using a small screwdriver or your fingers.
  4. Identify the relay. Once the cover is off, you will see a cluster of fuses and relays. The fuel pump relay is labeled "PGM-FI Main Relay 2 (FUEL PUMP)" or simply "Fuel Pump Relay." The easiest way to confirm is to check the diagram printed on the inside of the fuse box cover or your owner's manual.

Important: The 2010 Accord does not have the fuel pump relay in the under-hood fuse box near the battery. This is a common mistake. Always check the under-dash fuse box first.

Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump Relay

A bad fuel pump relay can cause a range of problems. Here are the most common signs:

  • Engine cranks but does not start. This is the most frequent symptom. You can hear the starter motor turning the engine over, but the engine never fires up.
  • Engine stalls while driving. A failing relay can provide intermittent power to the fuel pump, causing the engine to suddenly cut out.
  • Difficulty starting. The engine may take longer than usual to start, or it may start and then die immediately.
  • Sputtering or hesitation. The car may feel like it is running out of gas, especially under load or during acceleration.
  • No fuel pump noise. When you turn the ignition to the "ON" position (without starting the engine), you should hear a faint whirring noise from the fuel pump for about 2 seconds. If you hear nothing, the relay or the pump itself may be faulty.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Before replacing the relay, it is wise to test it. You can do this with a multimeter or by using the relay-swapping method.

Method 1: Use a Multimeter

  1. Remove the relay. With the ignition off, pull the relay straight out of the fuse box.
  2. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms). Connect the probes to the relay's coil terminals (usually pins 85 and 86). A good relay should show a resistance reading between 50 and 120 ohms. If you see no reading (infinite resistance) or a very low reading (near zero), the coil is likely bad.
  3. Test the switch terminals. Connect the probes to the switch terminals (usually pins 30 and 87). With the relay unpowered, you should see no continuity (open circuit).
  4. Apply 12V power to the coil terminals. You can use a 12V battery or a relay tester. When power is applied, you should hear a click, and the multimeter should now show continuity between the switch terminals. If the relay does not click or does not show continuity when powered, it is faulty.

Method 2: Swap Relays

This is a quick and easy diagnostic trick. Find another relay in the under-dash fuse box that is the same type and amperage rating as the fuel pump relay. Common candidates include the horn relay or the A/C compressor relay. Swap the suspected fuel pump relay with the known good relay. If the fuel pump now works (you hear it prime), but the horn or A/C stops working, you have confirmed that the original relay was faulty.

Replacing the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the relay is straightforward. Once you have confirmed it is bad, simply pull the old relay out and push a new one of the same part number into the same slot. Make sure the relay is fully seated. You can purchase a replacement at a Honda dealership, a reputable auto parts store, or online. Using the incorrect relay can damage the fuel pump or other electrical components, so always verify the part number.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

  • Check the fuse. If the relay tests good, check the No. 9 FUEL PUMP (20A) fuse in the driver's under-dash fuse/relay box. A blown fuse will also prevent the fuel pump from running.
  • Listen for the pump. Remove the fuel fill cap and listen near the fill port. When you turn the ignition to ON (II), you should hear the fuel pump run for about 2 seconds. If you hear it, the relay is likely working, and the problem may be elsewhere.
  • Aftermarket alarms. If your car has an aftermarket alarm or immobilizer, the fuel pump relay circuit may have been modified. This can make diagnosis more complex and may require professional help.
  • Inspect the wiring. Look for damaged, corroded, or loose wires connected to the relay and the fuse box.

When to Consider a New Fuel Pump

If the relay and fuse test good, but you still have no fuel pressure, the fuel pump itself may be failing. A worn-out pump can cause similar symptoms: hard starting, stalling, and loss of power. In this case, replacing the fuel pump is the next step.

For a reliable replacement, consider the KEMSO brand Fuel Pump. KEMSO Fuel Pumps are high-performance, OEM Replacement parts designed to meet or exceed original equipment standards. Each pump comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your repair is built to last. Whether you need a pump for a Honda Accord, a motorcycle, or a watercraft, KEMSO has a solution. Visit their website to explore their full product line and find the right pump for your vehicle:

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Conclusion

The fuel pump relay in your 2010 Honda Accord is located in the driver's under-dash fuse box, labeled as PGM-FI Main Relay 2 (FUEL PUMP). Knowing this location empowers you to quickly diagnose a common cause of no-start and stalling issues. Test the relay with a multimeter or by swapping it with a known good relay. If it is faulty, replace it with the correct part. If the relay is good, check the fuse and listen for the fuel pump. For a fuel pump replacement, KEMSO offers high-performance, OEM replacement parts with a lifetime warranty.

For more information on KEMSO Fuel Pumps and to find the right part for your vehicle, visit: https://www.kemsoracing.com/


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