Replacing The Fuel Pump Relay In Your 2010 Acura Rdx

The fuel pump relay is an important component of your car's fuel system. It sends an electric current to the fuel pump, which then sends gasoline to the engine, allowing your car to start. The fuel pump relay is typically located under the hood or under the dashboard, near the steering wheel. If your car is not starting, stalls unexpectedly, or is slowing down without braking, it may be time to replace the fuel pump relay. This is a job best left to a professional mechanic, who will be able to diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs. The cost of replacing the fuel pump relay can vary depending on your location, but it is generally an inexpensive repair.

Disconnect the battery

Disconnecting the battery is the first step in replacing the fuel pump relay in an Acura RDX. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Locate the battery

The battery is located under the hood of your Acura RDX, on the right front side of the car. It is hidden under a cover, which can be easily removed by popping it up without any tools. Simply locate the cover, remove it, and set it aside.

Step 2: Disconnect the battery

With the cover removed, you will see the battery connected by a black cable (negative) and a red cable (positive). The positive cable is on the left, and you will see a "plus" symbol above the post on the battery. The negative cable is on the right, and the battery will have a "negative" symbol above the post.

Using a 10 mm socket and ratchet, or a 10 mm wrench, crescent wrench, or even pliers, loosen the nut that tightens the bracket securing the cables to the posts. Always remove the negative cable first, and then the positive. Some people prefer to wrap the end of the negative cable in a towel or rag after it is disconnected to prevent accidental contact with the negative battery terminal.

Step 3: Re-connect the battery

Once you have finished working on your car, be sure to reconnect the battery by following these same steps in reverse. First, connect the positive terminal to the positive post, and then connect the negative terminal to the negative post. Just hand-tighten the nuts on the terminals; you don't need to put a lot of effort into it. Make sure the terminals cannot be moved off their posts without considerable effort. Finally, replace the battery cover and close the hood.

Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery is a simple process that can be done in a matter of minutes and will save you time and money when working on your car.

Remove rear seats

To remove the rear seats of your 2010 Acura RDX, follow these steps:

Begin by opening the rear doors and locating the rear seat release levers. These are typically located at the base of the seatback, where the seat cushion and seatback meet. Once located, pull the levers to release the seatbacks, and fold them forward. If your RDX is equipped with a split-folding rear seat, you can choose to fold down one or both seatbacks, depending on your preference and the amount of space needed.

Next, locate the bottom seat cushion release levers or latches. These are often positioned along the sides of the seat cushion, near the base, or at the front edge of the cushion, closest to the front seats. Pull or release these levers/latches to detach the bottom seat cushion from the floor hooks or locks. Carefully lift and remove the seat cushion, and set it aside in a safe place, taking care not to damage any of the surrounding interior components or upholstery.

With the seatback folded down and the seat cushion removed, you will now have access to the rear seat mounting hardware. Typically, there will be a combination of bolts, screws, and/or clips holding the rear seat frame in place. Use the appropriate tools to remove this hardware. For bolts and screws, a socket wrench or a screwdriver may be required. Work carefully and methodically to avoid dropping any hardware into the crevices of the vehicle's interior.

Once all the hardware is removed, carefully lift and pull the rear seat frame out of the vehicle. The seatback and seat cushion may still be attached to the frame, depending on their design. If they are still attached, you can now detach them by locating the connectors or hinges that join them to the frame. Work carefully to avoid damaging any of the seat's upholstery or padding.

With the rear seat assembly removed, you can now access the underlying space for your fuel pump replacement project, or any other necessary maintenance work. When reinstalling the rear seats, follow these steps in reverse, ensuring that all hardware is securely tightened and that the seat cushions and seatbacks are properly locked into place.

Remember to work carefully and methodically throughout this process, and always refer to your Acura RDX service manual for additional vehicle-specific information if needed.

Remove fuel pump assembly

To remove the fuel pump assembly of an Acura RDX, you will first need to disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical shorts and potential fires. You can locate the battery under the hood and disconnect the negative (black) battery cable.

Next, you will need to remove the rear seats to access the fuel pump. Remove any plastic trim pieces covering the seat mounting bolts and then remove the bolts themselves using a socket and ratchet. With the help of a friend, lift and remove the seat assembly.

With the seats removed, you can now access the fuel pump through a small flap in the carpet. Fold back the carpet flap to reveal the fuel pump cover. You may need to cut the carpeting with a utility knife along the perforated area to fully expose the pump.

Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws securing the pump cover. As the pump cover uses an adhesive backing, you may need to pry it upwards gently with a screwdriver or small pry bar to remove it completely.

Once the cover is off, disconnect the electrical harness plug and fuel line from the fuel pump. Now, remove the lock ring from the fuel pump using a lock ring wrench, water pump pliers, or a drift punch and hammer.

After removing the lock ring, carefully lift the fuel pump assembly out of the tank, allowing any residual fuel to drain. Tilt the pump to clear the fuel level sensor arm and remove it from the tank.

At this point, you have successfully removed the fuel pump assembly and can proceed with installing a new one.

Reassembly

Now that you've replaced the fuel pump, it's time to put everything back together. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with the reassembly process:

• Install the new fuel pump: Place the new fuel pump into the fuel tank, being careful not to damage the fuel level sensor arm. Ensure that the pump is fully seated and positioned correctly to allow for the connection of the fuel line and electrical harness plug.
• Secure the fuel pump: Install the locking ring and tighten it securely to prevent fuel leaks.
• Reconnect the fuel line and electrical harness: If necessary, transfer the old fuel line quick connect coupler to the new fuel pump nipple and attach the fuel line. Connect the fuel pump wiring harness plug as well.
• Reinstall the fuel pump cover: Secure the fuel pump cover in place using screws.
• Reinstall the rear seat: Place the rear seat back into position and tighten the mounting bolts. Install any plastic seat mount trim covers that were removed earlier.
• Reconnect the battery: Reconnect the negative (black) battery cable that was disconnected earlier.
• Test for leaks: Before installing the fuel pump cover, you can start the car and examine the pump for any signs of wetness or leaks.
• Road test: Once everything is reassembled, take the car for a test drive to ensure that the new fuel pump is functioning properly and there are no issues.

By following these steps, you can confidently reassemble your Acura RDX after replacing the fuel pump.

Test for leaks

To test for leaks in your fuel pump, you'll need to inspect the fuel lines near the pump for any visible leaks. Leaking fuel can cause a loss of pressure and is a serious fire hazard, so it's important to address any issues immediately.

Here's a step-by-step guide to testing your fuel pump for leaks:

Step 1: Check the Basics

Before you begin, check the fuel pump fuse and relay. A blown fuse or faulty relay can prevent the pump from working correctly. Replace any blown fuses and test or bypass the relay to see if that gets the pump running.

Step 2: Test Fuel Pressure

Use a fuel pressure gauge to determine if the pump is maintaining the correct pressure:

• Attach the gauge to the fuel rail or a test port on the fuel line.
• Turn the ignition key to the "on" position without starting the engine to prime the fuel pump.
• The pressure should fall within the manufacturer's specified range, typically around 30-50 psi. Check your manual for the exact specifications for your vehicle.
• If the pressure is low or non-existent, this could indicate a problem with the pump.

Step 3: Listen for Sounds

With the ignition on, listen closely near the fuel tank for a humming or buzzing sound. This indicates that the fuel pump is running. If you hear nothing, the pump may not be receiving power or could be malfunctioning.

Step 4: Inspect Fuel Lines

Carefully examine the fuel lines near the pump for any signs of leakage. Fuel leaks can be dangerous and impact the performance of your vehicle, so it's important to address them promptly.

Step 5: Use an OBD2 Scanner

To take your diagnostics to the next level, use an OBD2 scanner. This tool can read error codes related to the fuel pump and other parts of the fuel system. Some common trouble codes associated with a failing fuel pump include:

• P0087 – Fuel Rail Pressure Low
• P0230 – Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction
• P0171 / P0174 – System Too Lean (Fuel Delivery Problem)

An OBD2 scanner will also provide you with real-time data from your vehicle's sensors, allowing you to monitor fuel pressure and fuel trim to assess the performance of the fuel pump.

Step 6: Test Electrical Connections

Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the fuel pump's electrical connector. With the ignition on, you should see a reading of around 12 volts. If the voltage is too low or absent, there may be an issue with the wiring, fuse, or relay.

Safety Precautions

When testing your fuel pump for leaks, it's important to keep the following safety precautions in mind:

• Ventilate the area: Work in a well-ventilated space, preferably outdoors, to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
• Keep sparks away: Ensure that any flames, sparks, or hot surfaces are kept away from the fuel system to prevent fires.
• Wear protective gear: Gloves and safety glasses are essential to protect yourself from fuel and debris.

By following these steps, you can effectively test your fuel pump for leaks and identify any issues that may require repair or replacement.

Frequently asked questions