2010 Honda Accord Fuel Pump Relay Location: Your Essential Guide (Quick Answer Inside!)

The fuel pump relay for the 2008-2012 Honda Accord (8th generation, including your 2010 model) is located inside the under-hood fuse/relay box. Specifically, it sits in the position labeled "#6 FUEL PUMP" (FUEL PUMP). This box is typically found in the engine compartment, near the battery on the driver's side.

If your 2010 Honda Accord cranks but won't start, you're experiencing hesitation or sputtering during acceleration, or the engine stalls unexpectedly, the fuel pump relay is a potential culprit. Knowing exactly where this critical relay is located is the first step to diagnosing or fixing the problem yourself, saving time and potentially significant repair costs.

Here's Exactly Where to Find the 2010 Accord Fuel Pump Relay

  1. Locate the Under-Hood Fuse/Relay Box: Open the hood of your Accord. Look on the driver's side of the engine compartment, near the battery (the large black box with "+" and "-" terminals). You'll find a rectangular, usually black plastic box with a lid – this is the primary under-hood fuse and relay box.
  2. Identify Position #6 (FUEL PUMP):
    • Carefully pry open the lid of the fuse/relay box. It might be clipped or require gentle pressure on tabs to release.
    • Look on the underside of the lid. You will find a detailed fuse and relay diagram printed there. This diagram is your roadmap.
    • Locate the position labeled "#6 FUEL PUMP" or sometimes simply "FUEL PUMP" on this diagram. The position number might also be molded into the plastic base within the box itself, near each slot.
    • If the lid diagram is missing or damaged, examine the actual box base. Position numbers are almost always molded near each socket. Find slot #6.
  3. Visually Identify the Relay: Look at the box's contents. Position #6 should have a small, typically black, cube-shaped component plugged into it. This is the fuel pump relay. Its appearance matches other relays used in the same box (like the main relay, fan relay, etc.).

Why Finding the Correct Relay Matters

The fuel pump relay acts as an electronically controlled switch. It takes a relatively low-current signal from your Accord's Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) or Immobilizer System and uses it to switch the much higher electrical current needed to power the fuel pump itself. When you turn the key to "ON" (before starting), the ECM briefly energizes this relay. The relay then "clicks" closed, allowing battery power to flow to the fuel pump for a few seconds to pressurize the fuel system. When you start the car, it remains energized continuously to keep the pump running. A faulty relay fails to switch power effectively, preventing the fuel pump from getting the electricity it needs, leading to non-starting or stalling conditions.

Signs Pointing to a Potential Bad Fuel Pump Relay

While a failing fuel pump itself can cause similar symptoms, the relay is generally easier and cheaper to diagnose and replace. Suspect the relay if you experience:

  • Engine Cranks but Won't Start: This is the most common symptom. The engine turns over strongly, but it refuses to fire up. You likely won't hear the brief whirring sound of the fuel pump priming when you first turn the key to "ON."
  • Intermittent Starting Problems: The car starts perfectly sometimes and fails to start other times, often with no clear pattern or after being driven a short distance.
  • Engine Stalling Unexpectedly: The car suddenly dies while driving, especially at low speeds or when coming to a stop, but might restart after sitting for a few minutes (or longer).
  • No Fuel Pump Prime Sound: With the driver's door open, turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (don't crank the engine). You should hear a distinct whirring or humming sound from the rear of the car (where the fuel tank and pump are located) lasting 1-2 seconds. Silence strongly indicates a potential issue with the relay, fuse, or the pump itself.
  • Relay "Clicking" Sounds: Sometimes, a failing relay will audibly "chatter" (rapid clicking on/off) instead of making a single, solid "click" when energized. This indicates internal arcing or failure.

Step-by-Step: Diagnosing & Testing the 2010 Accord Fuel Pump Relay (Safety First!)

Before touching anything, ensure safety:

  • Park on a level surface, apply the parking brake firmly, and turn the ignition OFF.
  • Disconnect the NEGATIVE Battery Terminal: This is CRUCIAL to prevent accidental short circuits, electrical damage, or even sparks near the battery. Always disconnect the negative (-) cable first.

Steps to Test or Verify the Relay:

  1. Locate the Relay: Follow the detailed location steps above to find relay position #6 in the under-hood box.
  2. Identify Spares: Honda often places identical spare relays in other positions within the same under-hood box. Check the lid diagram for positions labeled SPARE or positions not critical for engine operation (like rear defogger if equipped and not needed immediately). Ensure the spare is physically the same size and has the same terminal pattern (number/size of pins).
  3. Swap Relays:
    • Carefully pull the suspect #6 FUEL PUMP relay straight up out of its socket. Relays can be snug; wiggle gently but firmly.
    • Pull the known working spare relay from its socket.
    • Insert the spare relay into the FUEL PUMP socket (#6).
    • Reconnect the negative battery cable (temporarily for testing).
  4. Test for Operation:
    • Turn the ignition key to "ON" (do not start). Listen carefully near the rear under the car for the brief fuel pump priming sound. If you hear it now, the original relay was likely faulty. If the problem (no prime sound, no start) persists, the relay might NOT be the issue, or the spare relay could also be bad.
    • Try starting the car. If it starts and runs normally with the swapped relay, the original fuel pump relay is confirmed bad.
  5. Replacement: If swapping solved the problem, purchase a new relay of the correct specification (Honda part number 39794-SDA-A01, 39794-SNA-A01, or equivalent aftermarket number like 30100-PPA-014, Tyco V23134-A52-X004). Insert the new relay firmly into socket #6. Return the spare relay to its original position. Securely reconnect the battery negative terminal.

Addressing Common Confusion and Mistakes

  • Under-Hood Fuse Location: The fuse protecting the fuel pump circuit is NOT in the under-hood box with the relay. It's located inside the interior fuse box, usually on the driver's side lower dashboard/kick panel. Check your owner's manual or the interior fuse box lid diagram for its location and rating (often 15A or 20A). While replacing the relay, it's wise to visually check this fuse (a burned metal strip inside the clear top is broken) to eliminate it as a cause.
  • In-Cab Relay Box: There is usually another fuse/relay box inside the car. The main relay (PGM-FI) is in the under-hood box, NOT inside the car (unlike some older Honda models).
  • The "Main" Relay (PGM-FI): Located also in the under-hood box, often position #1, #2, or "PGM-FI" (check diagram). While crucial for overall engine management power, it is separate from the dedicated fuel pump relay (#6). Problems with the main relay can sometimes mimic fuel pump relay failure but often cause more wide-ranging electronic issues.
  • Myth: Using Any Relay: Relays have specific internal wiring patterns ("pinouts") and current ratings. Using a relay from a non-spare position (like radiator fan or headlights) can cause component damage or failure to work. Only use a confirmed spare relay or a brand-new relay specified for your Accord. If you hear the fuel pump run continuously after shutting the car off with a mismatched relay, this is a major problem requiring immediate correction.

When to Seek Professional Help

  • If swapping a known good spare relay into the #6 position does not resolve the no-start or no-fuel pump prime sound issue.
  • If you are uncomfortable performing these steps, especially disconnecting the battery.
  • If symptoms persist even after relay replacement, pointing to potential issues like a bad fuel pump, wiring harness problems, fuel pressure regulator failure, ECM fault, immobilizer problems, or crankshaft/camshaft position sensor failures.

Conclusion: Precise Location is Key

Remember, for your 2010 Honda Accord's starting and fuel delivery issues, the fuel pump relay’s location is precisely and consistently within the under-hood fuse/relay box, occupying the socket labeled Position #6 (FUEL PUMP). By identifying its position accurately, understanding its role, and following safe testing procedures involving swapping with a known spare relay, you can efficiently determine if this small component is the source of your trouble. While a replacement relay is inexpensive and the fix straightforward (if confirmed faulty), never discount the need to check related components like fuses and ultimately diagnose other potential failures if the relay proves not to be the root cause. Knowing where to look empowers you to take the first crucial step.

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