Replacing The Fuel Relay In A 2000 Honda Accord

If you're looking to replace the fuel relay in your 2000 Honda Accord, you're in the right place. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step, so you can get your car running smoothly again. It's important to note that the fuel relay is located under the dash to the left of the steering column. Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools and a replacement relay that is compatible with your car. Now, let's get started!

Location of the main fuel pump relay

The main fuel pump relay in a 2000 Honda Accord is located under the dashboard on the left side of the steering column. This is also known as the Main System Relay (MSR).

The MSR is critical to the operation of the engine, and problematic in older cars. It is attached to the left bulkhead with a tanged bracket and a 6mm bolt.

To remove the MSR, you will need to remove the coinpocket/fuse panel cover assembly. Then, using a combination of extensions, adaptors, and a swivel, you can access the bolt with a 1/4" 10mm socket.

Reinstallation of the bolt, while holding the new MSR in place, is the tricky part. You may need to use a magnet or a small piece of duct tape to hold the bolt in place while manoeuvring the new MSR into position.

The MSR can also be removed using a couple of long, thin flatblade screwdrivers to gently pull the unit out of the plastic housing.

Replacing the relay

The fuel pump relay in a 2000 Honda Accord is located under the dashboard, to the left of the steering column. It is known as the "Main System Relay" or "MSR".

To replace the relay, first recline and move the front driver seat back to give yourself more room, and raise the steering wheel. Next, squeeze the tab on the connector and remove the plug from the old relay. Then, plug the new relay in and test it to ensure the car starts.

You can secure the new relay by using zip ties to attach it under the dashboard, or with superglue or electrical tape. Alternatively, you can remove the old relay from its bracket and install the new one there. To do this, slide a flat-head screwdriver between the relay and the holder and twist to snap the tab.

Once the new relay is in place, reconnect the plug, ensuring there is as little twist in the plug wire as possible to reduce stress on the connections.

Testing the battery

Step 1: Prepare the Car

Before testing the battery, you need to ensure that the engine is turned off. If the engine has been running, let the car rest for at least 5 minutes to stabilise its electrical charge. This step is important to ensure accurate readings. Additionally, turn on the headlamps for 30 seconds and then turn them off. This step helps eliminate small voltages that might interfere with the test results.

Step 2: Prepare the Multimeter

Set the multimeter to the correct measurement range by turning the selector to the option that reads 20 V. This adjustment ensures that the multimeter is calibrated correctly for testing the voltage of your car battery.

Step 3: Measure Battery Voltage with Engine Off

Connect the multimeter to the battery terminals. Attach the red probe to the positive terminal (+) and the black probe to the negative terminal (-). If the terminals are dirty, gently clean them by scratching them softly with the tip of the multimeter until you reach the metal surface. This step ensures a proper connection. Once connected, the multimeter will display the "available voltage" of the battery. A healthy battery should show a reading between 12 and 13 volts.

Step 4: Measure Starting Voltage with Engine On

With the multimeter probes still connected to the battery terminals, turn the engine on and observe the voltage drop when the engine starts. For this step, you may need assistance from another person. The voltage should drop, and the multimeter should display a reading above 9 V, typically falling between 9 and 11 volts.

Step 5: Check the Alternator

With the engine running and the multimeter probes in the same position, observe the voltage displayed on the multimeter. It should show a reading between 13.2 and 14.8 volts. At this point, turn on all the electrical accessories in your car, such as the lights, air conditioner, defogger, and any other electrical components. The multimeter reading should remain within the specified range.

Step 6: Accelerate and Observe Voltage

Now, accelerate your car until the engine reaches 3,000 RPM while keeping the electrical accessories turned on. The multimeter reading should still be within the aforementioned range of 13.2 to 14.8 volts. Finally, accelerate again and turn off all the electrical accessories. The multimeter reading should remain unchanged, indicating a healthy charging system.

Interpreting the Results:

If, during the testing process, the voltage goes outside the specified ranges, it could indicate issues with the voltage regulator or the alternator. A voltage increase beyond the range suggests a damaged voltage regulator, while a voltage decrease below the range points to a possible problem with the alternator.

Additionally, as mentioned by another Honda Accord owner, it is worth testing the battery or attempting to jump-start the car if you encounter issues with the immobilizer system, as a low battery can prevent the immobilizer from functioning correctly.

Battery Specifications:

When replacing the battery, ensure that you use a group 35 size battery, which is the recommended size for the Honda Accord. Additionally, always purchase batteries that are less than 6 months old, as older batteries may have decreased lifespan due to internal chemical wear.

Reprogramming the immobilizer

One method is to use a tool such as the CK-100+. This tool is plugged into the ODB-II port, and it allows you to reset all the keys and reprogram them to work with the immobilizer. You can purchase this tool online, and there are videos available that demonstrate how to use it. After you've reprogrammed your keys, you can sell the tool if you no longer need it.

Another option is to dismount the antenna and tape or wire the key stub inside the antenna so that the immobilizer can read the code of the key. This method was suggested by a user on Reddit, who stated that this is how the immobilizer normally works.

Additionally, if you have a new ignition lock assembly with new keys, you will need to program the keys to work with the car, or else it won't start. This programming can be done using a computer, but if you don't have access to one, you may need to consider other options, such as the CK-100+ tool or the antenna modification mentioned above.

It's worth noting that a low battery can prevent the immobilizer system from functioning properly, so it's important to ensure your battery is in good condition and has sufficient voltage.

Checking the fuse

To check the fuse of your 2000 Honda Accord, you must first locate the fuse box. The fuse box is located on the left side of the steering column, underneath the dashboard.

Once you have located the fuse box, you will need to identify the correct fuse. The fuse that controls the fuel pump is called the ACG fuse. You can identify the correct fuse by referring to the fuse box diagram, which can be found here: https://fuse-box.info/honda/honda-accord-1998-2002-fuse-box-diagram/honda-accord-1998-2002-fuse-box-diagram-driver-side-dashboard-fuse-panel-2 .

After you have identified the ACG fuse, you will need to check if it is blown. To do this, look through the small window on the top of the fuse. If the metal wire inside the fuse is intact, then it is not blown and is functioning properly. If the metal wire appears broken or melted, then the fuse is blown and will need to be replaced.

If the fuse is intact and not blown, there may be other issues causing your car not to start. It could be an issue with the immobilizer, which is a common problem. In this case, you may need to replace the immobilizer or consider an immobilizer bypass chip.

Additionally, it is important to check the battery voltage. A low battery can prevent the immobilizer system from functioning correctly. If your battery voltage is low, you may need to jump-start your car or replace the battery.

Frequently asked questions