Where is the fuel pump fuse on a 1990 Honda Civic?
The fuel pump fuse on a 1990 Honda Civic is located in the engine bay fuse/relay box and is labeled on the diagram as FUEL PUMP or EFI. The fuse is typically in the 15–20 amp range, and replacement should use the same rating.
To help you locate and verify the correct fuse, this article walks through the two common fuse locations used on the 1990 Civic, how to read the box diagrams, and the steps to inspect or replace the fuse if the fuel system isn’t delivering power to the pump. The Civic from this era generally uses two fuse panels: one under the hood and one inside the vehicle. Below you’ll find detailed guidance for both spots.
Where to look for the fuse
There are two likely spots for the fuel pump fuse on a 1990 Civic. Checking both increases the chances you’ll find the correct fuse quickly. Always verify the labeling on the specific fuse box cover, as layouts can vary by market and trim level.
- Under-hood fuse/relay box: This is the primary location in the engine bay. The box cover has a diagram indicating the circuits it protects, with a label such as FUEL PUMP or EFI. Access is typically on the side of the engine bay near the firewall or fender area, depending on the body style.
- Interior fuse panel (driver’s side kick panel or under the dash): Some Civic variants route the EFI/FUEL PUMP fuse here. Remove the panel cover and consult the diagram on the cover or inside the panel to identify the correct fuse.
Concluding the list, check both fuse panels to confirm which one contains the fuel pump circuit for your particular car. If the fuse blows, use the same amperage rating for a replacement and monitor for repeated failure, which points to a deeper electrical issue.
Steps to inspect and replace the fuse
Before you replace anything, ensure you have a safe working environment and the car is off. Follow these steps to locate, inspect, and replace the fuel pump fuse on a 1990 Civic.
- Turn off the ignition and disconnect the battery if you’re going to handle wiring. Open the hood and locate the under-hood fuse/relay box.
- Remove the fuse box cover and find the fuse labeled FUEL PUMP or EFI on the diagram. Use the fuse puller or a pair of insulated pliers to remove it.
- Inspect the fuse for a blown element (a broken wire inside or a darkened area). If needed, test with a multimeter for continuity or use a dedicated fuse tester.
- Replace the fuse with one of the same amperage rating. Do not exceed the rating, and if you’re unsure of the exact rating, refer to the diagram on the fuse box cover or the owner’s manual.
- Reinstall the fuse box cover and attempt to start or run the engine to verify power reaches the pump. If the vehicle runs normally, the fuse replacement resolved the issue; if not, further diagnostics are required.
After performing these steps, you will have a clear sense of whether the fuse was the issue or if there is a further electrical fault in the fuel system.
What to do if the fuse keeps blowing
A fuse that repeatedly blows means there is an ongoing electrical fault beyond a simple blown fuse. The fuel pump fuse protects the pump circuit and EFI wiring, so repeated blows often indicate a short, a failing pump, or a faulty relay. Proceed with careful diagnostic steps rather than simply replacing components each time.
- Inspect the wiring harness around the fuel pump and along the path from the pump to the fuse box for any signs of abrasion or corrosion.
- Test or temporarily swap the EFI fuel pump relay to rule out a faulty relay causing surge conditions.
- Measure voltage at the pump connector when cranking to verify that the pump is receiving proper voltage; a constant drop can indicate a wiring or ground issue.
- Consider fuel-pump or EFI system faults beyond the fuse, such as a clogged fuel filter or a failing pump, and seek professional diagnosis if the fuse continues to fail.
Persistent fuse issues warrant a thorough electrical diagnosis to prevent safety risks and ensure reliable fuel delivery.
Summary
On a 1990 Honda Civic, start by checking the under-hood fuse/relay box for a fuse labeled FUEL PUMP or EFI. If you don’t find it there, inspect the interior fuse panel as well. Replace with the same amperage rating and test. If the fuse continues to blow, inspect wiring, relays, and the pump for faults, or consult a qualified mechanic for a detailed diagnosis.
Where is the fuel pump relay on a 1990 Honda Civic hatchback?
For a 1990 Honda Civic, the main fuel pump relay is located inside the driver's side cabin fuse panel, mounted beneath the dashboard near the lower portion of the steering column. This critical electrical component powers the fuel pump, and accessing it requires removing the fuse panel cover by pressing its tabs.
Which fuse is the fuel pump fuse?
The fuel pump fuse is identified by looking at the fuse box diagram, which is often on the back of the fuse box lid or in the owner's manual. Its location can be under the hood, under the steering column, or in the trunk. The fuse itself is a small, removable component that can be visually inspected for a broken metal link, indicating it has blown.
You can watch this video to learn how to find the fuel pump fuse and relay in your car: 57sBlaser BuildsYouTube · Feb 18, 2023
How to find the fuel pump fuse
- Locate the fuse box: Your vehicle has at least one fuse box, often in the engine bay (under the hood) and possibly another one inside the cabin, such as under the steering column or behind a kick panel.
- Find the diagram: Open the fuse box and look for a diagram on the inside of the lid that shows which fuse corresponds to which component. The owner's manual will also have this information.
- Identify the fuse: Find the "fuel pump" or "fuel pump/injector" label on the diagram to identify the correct fuse number and amperage.
- Remove and inspect: Use a fuse puller or needle-nose pliers to carefully remove the fuse.
- Check for a blown fuse: Look at the metal strip inside the fuse. If it is broken or looks burnt, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
This video demonstrates how to check if the fuel pump fuse is blown: 1mLehewYouTube · Jan 12, 2021
Where is the fuel pump fuse on a 1991 Honda CRX?
To locate the fuel pump fuse on a 1991 Honda CRX, check the under-hood fuse box near the battery. Inspect the fuse labeled 'Fuel Pump' or 'EFI. ' A blown fuse can prevent the fuel pump from priming the carburetor, causing starting issues.
Where is the fuel pump relay on a Honda Civic?
The location of the Honda Civic fuel pump relay varies by generation, but it is commonly found in an under-dash fuse/relay box, typically on the driver's side behind a panel, or in an under-hood fuse box. For older models, it may be a "main relay" behind the glove box. To find the exact location for your vehicle, consult your owner's manual or search for the relay location based on your specific model year.
Location by generation
This video shows the location of the fuel pump relay in a 2006 Honda Civic: 58sLehewYouTube · Oct 2, 2020
- 2006-2015: In the under-dash fuse relay box.
- 2018: In the under-hood fuse box near the battery.
- 1996-2000: A black "main relay" is located on the passenger side, behind the glove box.
- 2001-2005: Located behind the passenger side instrument panel.
Troubleshooting
- A bad fuel pump relay can cause the engine to crank but not start, or to stall intermittently.
- You can test the relay by swapping it with a similar one (if available) or by checking the relay and the corresponding fuse for issues.
- In some cases, the issue may be a failing solder joint inside the relay itself, which can be repaired with a soldering iron, notes this YouTube video.
This video demonstrates how to troubleshoot fuel pump relay issues in a Honda Civic: 1mADVANCED LEVEL AUTOYouTube · Aug 5, 2020
