Electric fuel pumps (Honda Accord 3)

All Accord and Prelude models covered in this book use an electric fuel pump located near or inside the fuel tank. Accords through 1985 and Preludes through 1987 use an external fuel pump mounted underneath the vehicle in front of the left rear wheel. All other (later) vehicles use an electric fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank. Note that on some vehicles, the fuel tank does not need to be removed to replace the internal pump.

When you turn the ignition key to the "ON" position without starting the engine, you should hear the pump running. This action is necessary to create pressure inside the lines.

When the engine of a car with an external fuel pump turns over without starting and the pump does not operate, first check the relevant fuses. An emergency measure that sometimes works is to tap the pump body with the handle of a wooden hammer two or three times; sometimes the pump can be brought back to life. This is one of the few cases where a little "violence" can get you home.

In-tank pumps are smaller, more efficient and quieter; but are difficult to access when in a hurry. Fortunately, they are well protected from road hazards and rarely fail.