Testing to see if the fuel pump is defective on the 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 2.0L Honda CR-V is not difficult.
You can test a no-fuel/no-start condition with starting fluid or a fuel pressure test gauge. The most accurate test of the two is the fuel pressure test with a fuel pressure test gauge.
In this tutorial, I'll explain how to do both tests in a step-by-step way.
Contents of this tutorial:
You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Cómo Probar La Bomba De Combustible (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V) (at: autotecnico-online.com).
Download the free fuel pump troubleshooting guide PDF here: How To Test The Fuel Pump Troubleshooting Guide.
See the YouTube video of this tutorial here: How To Test The Fuel Pump (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).
WIRING DIAGRAMS: You can find the fuel pump wiring diagrams here:
- Fuel Pump Circuit Diagram (1997 2.0L Honda CR-V).
- Fuel Pump Circuit Diagram (1998-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V).
Symptoms Of A Bad Fuel Pump
In the majority of cases when the fuel pump fails, in your 1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V, the engine won't start because it isn't receiving any gasoline.
In some cases the fuel pump still functions and the engine runs, but the fuel pump doesn't send enough fuel to the engine to keep it running optimally.
A fuel pump that isn't sending enough fuel to the fuel injectors will cause one or more of the following symptoms:
- Rough idle.
- Engine starts after extended cranking.
- Lack of power when accelerating the vehicle down the road.
- Back-fires thru' the intake manifold when accelerating your vehicle down the road.
- Lean air/fuel mixture trouble code: P0171: Fuel System Too Lean.
The cool thing is that both conditions can be easily tested with a fuel pressure test gauge.
Where To Buy A Fuel Pressure Test Gauge
You can buy a fuel pressure test gauge just about anywhere and is one of the most important tools any serious DIY'er should have in his/her tool box.
The fuel pressure test gauge kit (that comes with the 12mm x 1.25 banjo adapter) that I recommend for its low price and durability is the: Actron CP7838 Professional Fuel Pressure Tester.
All of the following fuel pressure test gauge kits include the 12mm x 1.25 banjo adapter you need to test your 2.0L Honda CR-V fuel pressure:
TEST 1: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge
The most accurate way to test the fuel pump, on your 1997-2001 2.0 Honda CRV, is with a fuel pressure test gauge that comes with a 12mm x 1.25 banjo bolt adapter.
The 12mm x 1.25 banjo bolt adapter takes the place of the banjo bolt that connects the fuel line (that feeds the fuel injectors fuel) the output side of the fuel filter.
If you don't have a fuel pressure test gauge (and the 12mm x 1.25 banjo bolt adapter), you can run down to your local auto parts store and borrow one (for a small deposit which they will return when you return the tool).
Or, you can buy one online and I have included links to where you can get a good deal on one. You can check them out here: Where To Buy A Fuel Pressure Test Gauge.
FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATION: The fuel pressure specification is: 40-47 PSI with the Key On Engine Off (KOEO) and 40-47 PSI with the key on engine running (KOER) and the fuel pressure regulator's vacuum hose disconnected.
OK, let's get started with this test:
- 1
Place a shop towel around the fuel filter's banjo bolt. The shop towel's job is to absorb any fuel that may leak when doing step 2.
- 2
Remove the banjo bolt that connects the fuel line to the fuel filter.
NOTE: Be careful not to lose the 2 copper washers that seal the fuel line to the banjo bolt and fuel filter. - 3
Connect the fuel line to the fuel filter using the 12mm x 1.25 banjo adapter. You'll reuse the 2 copper washers from step 2 to seal the fuel line to the banjo adapter and the fuel filter.
NOTE: The 12mm x 1.25 banjo adapter will take the place of the banjo bolt. - 4
Connect the fuel pressure test gauge to the adapter.
- 5
When ready, ask your helper to cycle the key ON and OFF but don't crank the engine while you observe the fuel pressure tester's gauge.
Check the connection at the fuel filter for fuel leaks and if any, eliminate them. - 6
Your fuel pressure gauge should register: 40 to 47 PSI with the Key On Engine Off (KOEO) if the fuel pump is OK.
Let's examine what your fuel pressure test result means:
CASE 1: The fuel pressure test gauge registered 0 PSI. This tells you that the fuel pump is not working.
Before replacing the fuel pump, verify that the fuel pump is getting this power when cranking the engine. If 12 Volts are being supplied to the fuel pump, the you have now 100% verified that the fuel pump is fried and needs to be replaced.
CASE 2: The fuel pressure test gauge registered 40 to 47 PSI. This fuel pressure gauge result lets you know that the fuel pump is working and delivering enough fuel to the fuel injectors. The fuel pump is not defective.
