'87 Accord DX

For the life of me I can not figure out how to get the fuel pump cut-off relay out of its socket! Is there something I have to squeeze? or pry out? It is in such an awkward location!

I can see what look like two tabs on the side of the relay. I have tried squeezing the tabs and I have tried prying the tabs out. The relay feels "loose" in the socket but something (tabs?) are keeping me from pulling it out.

I replaced the fuel pump a few weeks ago because the car began to die on occasion. The car has run fine until last evening. I noticed that when I turned the key on I did not hear the pump running. The old pump was encased in plastic and you could not really hear it when you turned on the key. The new pump is not encased in plastic and you can hear it buzzing in the tank when you turn the key on. I towed the car home.

This morning I turned the key on and heard the pump. The car started fine and has been running well for a number of miles.

I suspect I need to replace the Fuel Pump Cut-off Relay but I can not remove it! I've tried prying on it a bit but it is not budging and I do not want to break anything. Is there something I need to squeeze? or pry out? anybody know the secret?

Nerdmeier:

I believe you are talking about the "Main System Relay" located underneath the driver's side of the dash. It is a real PITA to remove and replace the "MSR!" :thumbsdow But also extremely critical to engine operation! :yes:

These particular relays are problematic on the older cars. Interior heat, especially during the Summer, eventually causes them to malfunction else fail. Due to some past vendor issues, many of them have defective solder joints on the top of the PCB (printed circuit board)....even brand new! (If you take one apart; you'll see what I am talking about.) Needless to say, if the "MSR" malfunctions, you are likely getting a tow truck....else stranded, at the mercy of the Jungle. :mad: :boohoo: :censored:

Typical symptoms exhibited in the case of a defective "MSR" are: During the Winter, once the interior is heated (by the heater), the car will have intermittant starting and re-starting problems. During the Summer, when the interior of the car is extremely hot, the car may not start at all. Else you start it up, drive somewhere, shut it off, but then it won't restart. :paranoid:

Removing the coinpocket/fuse panel cover assembly, it is attached to the left bulkhead with a tanged bracket, using a single (6MM) bolt. Doing it the HARD way, I used a bizarre combination of extensions, adapters, and a swivel to (finally) get a 1/4" 10 MM socket on the bolt, then drop the entire unit down. Reinstalling said (6MM) bolt, while holding the new "MSR" in place is the tricky part. You need to be a contortionist, able to do things in "Braille!" :headbash:

Hint/suggestion: When reinstalling the bolt, use a magnet (else a small piece of Duct tape) inside the socket to hold the bolt. That way, it won't fall out of the socket, instantly vanishing into the kick panel. Also, apply a drop of oil to the tip of the bolt to help the "starter" threads. I was able to get one hand through the dash opening to hold the relay while I used my other hand to install the bolt. The tab on the relay bracket, of course, should be indexed with the hole in the bulkhead.

My mechanic "buds" at the dealer? They use a couple of LONG, thin flatblade screwdrivers on each "end tab," then gently pull the unit out of the plastic housing. You may care to try their method, exercising extreme caution.

I had to replace the "MSR" in my trusty '86 a couple of years ago. Being old, slow, with poor vision (and always in pain), the job took me about a 1.25 hours (One hour, 15 minutes).

My heart goes out to you, Sir! It's an evil task, but also a necessary one!

Lots of people don't even bolt the new one back in.

Russiankid:

Quite true. Many simply hang it from a wiring harness (or wherever) using a cable tie!