2007 Honda Accord Fuel Pump Relay Location

The fuel pump relay on a 2007 Honda Accord is located in the under-hood fuse box, specifically near the battery on the driver’s side of the engine compartment. To access it, open the hood and look for a black rectangular plastic box close to the windshield washer fluid reservoir. Remove the box cover to reveal rows of fuses and relays. The fuel pump relay is typically the second relay from the front (passenger side) in the first row and is clearly labeled "FUEL PUMP" on the fuse box diagram inside the lid.

Why Locating the Fuel Pump Relay Matters

The fuel pump relay controls electrical power to your Accord's fuel pump. A failed relay directly prevents the pump from activating, leading to a no-start condition even if the battery, starter, and fuel pump are functional. Knowing the relay’s exact position helps you quickly test or replace it, avoiding unnecessary towing or diagnostic costs. Many Accord owners misdiagnose fuel system failures without checking this critical $15 part first.

Identifying the Fuse Box and Relay

The under-hood fuse box is mounted near the driver-side strut tower, easily identifiable by its black cover secured with metal clasps. Release the clasps and lift the cover to access the components. Locate the internal fuse diagram sticker affixed to the cover's underside. Match the "FUEL PUMP" label to its position. In most 2007 Accords, this relay occupies slot A24 in the fuse box grid. It matches other standard relays in shape—a small, cube-like plastic component with four electrical pins—but differs by its designated slot.

Step-by-Step Access and Removal Procedure

  1. Park the Accord on level ground and engage the parking brake.
  2. Turn off the engine and remove the key. Open the hood.
  3. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery using a 10mm wrench for safety.
  4. Release the fuse box cover clasps and set the cover aside.
  5. Refer to the diagram to pinpoint the relay slot. It usually sits next to the EFI relay.
  6. Firmly grip the relay with your fingers and pull it straight upward—no tools required.
  7. To reinstall, align the new relay’s pins with the socket holes and press down.

Visual Features and Testing for Failure

The factory relay has a black or dark gray plastic housing marked with "Honda" or a part number like 38240-SDA-A01. If the unit shows signs of overheating (melting, cracking, or burnt odors), replace it immediately. To test functionality:

  • Ensure battery power is available (12V).
  • Use a multimeter on terminals 85 and 86 to verify coil resistance (50–120 ohms).
  • Use jumper wires to apply 12V to terminals 85 and 86 while checking terminals 30 and 87 for continuity.
    No continuity signals a failure. Aftermarket relays must match Honda's mini-ISO configuration.

Symptoms of a Faulty Fuel Pump Relay

  • Crank but no start: The engine turns over but never fires.
  • Intermittent stalling: Sudden engine shutdown while driving.
  • Delayed start: Extended cranking before ignition (if relay contacts are corroded).
  • Silent fuel pump: No humming noise from the rear fuel tank when the key is turned to "ON."
    These issues mimic fuel pump or ignition failures. Always test the relay before replacing other components.

Common Confusion Points Clarified

  • Under-hood vs. Interior fuse box: The fuel pump relay is exclusively in the engine bay. Interior fuses under the dashboard relate to interior lights or audio systems.
  • Relay vs. Fuse: A blown fuse appears visually broken. A relay requires electrical testing.
  • I4 vs. V6 models: The relay position is identical for both engines.

Replacement Guidelines and Costs

Honda OEM relays are preferred for compatibility. Aftermarket equivalents from brands like Standard Motor Tools or Denso are cheaper (25) and widely stocked at auto parts stores. Installation takes under five minutes. Avoid relays with loose pins or exposed wiring. Always disconnect the battery during work to prevent short circuits.

Troubleshooting Beyond the Relay

If replacing the relay doesn’t resolve starting issues:

  • Test the fuel pump relay socket for 12V power.
  • Inspect wiring harnesses for corrosion or damage.
  • Check the main relay (under the dash) and fuel pump via fuel pressure tests.
    A professional scan tool can read fuel pump circuit codes like P0230 for confirmation.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Despite being durable, relays degrade over time. Replace them proactively every 100,000 miles. Keep the fuse box free of water, debris, and corrosion to extend relay life. Handle the relay only when the battery is disconnected to avoid voltage spikes. Store a spare relay in your Accord for emergencies.

Knowing the 2007 Honda Accord fuel pump relay location empowers you to solve a common failure swiftly. It prevents unnecessary panic and costly repairs by putting you in control of vehicle reliability. Test this critical component first when experiencing ignition troubles.