1993 Ford Taurus Fuel Pump Relay: Location, Symptoms, and How to Replace It
If your 1993 Ford Taurus cranks but won’t start, the fuel pump relay is a very likely culprit. This small electrical component controls the power supply to the fuel pump, and when it fails, the engine gets no fuel. The good news is that the relay is easy to test and replace, and you can often fix the problem yourself in under an hour without special tools. The fuel pump relay for a 1993 Taurus is located inside the Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM), which is a black box mounted on top of the radiator support on the passenger side of the engine bay . Many owners mistakenly replace the fuel pump itself when the real issue is a faulty relay, so understanding this part can save you time and money.
What Is the Fuel Pump Relay and Why Does It Matter?
The fuel pump relay is an electromagnetic switch that acts as a gatekeeper for the electrical current going to the fuel pump. When you turn the ignition key to the "On" position, the engine computer sends a signal to the relay, which then closes the circuit and sends battery voltage to the fuel pump. The pump runs for a couple of seconds to pressurize the fuel system, then shuts off unless the engine is cranking or running . This design prevents the pump from running continuously when the engine is off, which is a safety feature. If the relay fails, the fuel pump gets no power, and the engine cannot start.
Where Is the Fuel Pump Relay on a 1993 Ford Taurus?
The 1993 Ford Taurus uses a design that integrates several relays and the PCM power relay into a single sealed unit called the Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM) . On the 3.0L V6 and 3.8L V6 models, the CCRM is located on top of the radiator support, on the right (passenger) side of the engine bay. It is a rectangular black plastic box, roughly 3.5 x 5 inches, with a large wiring harness plugged into it . The fuel pump relay is not a separate, standalone relay that you plug into a fuse box like in older cars. Instead, it is built into the CCRM. This means you cannot replace just the fuel pump relay individually; you must replace the entire CCRM module if the relay fails.
Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay in a 1993 Ford Taurus
A bad fuel pump relay can cause several distinct problems. Here are the most common symptoms:
1. Engine cranks but will not start
This is the most frequent symptom. You turn the key, the starter motor turns the engine over normally, but it never fires up. You will not hear the usual 2-second hum of the fuel pump when you turn the key to the "On" position .
2. No fuel pump prime sound
When you turn the ignition to the "On" position (without cranking), you should hear a faint whirring sound from the rear of the car for about 2 seconds. If you hear nothing, the relay may not be sending power to the pump.
3. Cooling fan runs continuously
On the 1993 Taurus, the CCRM also controls the engine cooling fan. A failing CCRM can cause the fan to run at full speed constantly, even with the engine cold and the key off . Many owners report this symptom along with a no-start condition.
4. Intermittent stalling
A failing relay may work sometimes but not other times. The car may start and run fine for a while, then suddenly stall and refuse to restart. After sitting for a few minutes, it might start again.
How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay on a 1993 Ford Taurus
Before buying a new CCRM, you should confirm that the relay is actually the problem. Here is a straightforward testing procedure:
Step 1: Check the fuel pump fuse
The fuel pump circuit is protected by a 30-amp fuse in the under-hood fuse box. On a 1993 Taurus, this is fuse number 3, labeled "PCM RELAY / FUEL PUMP" . Use a test light or multimeter to verify the fuse is good. A blown fuse will cause the same symptoms as a bad relay.
Step 2: Listen for the pump
Turn the key to the "On" position. Have a helper listen near the fuel tank (under the rear of the car) for a 2-second hum. If you hear nothing, the relay or fuse is likely the issue.
Step 3: Check for power at the CCRM
Use a digital multimeter to test the CCRM connector. The yellow wire and the black with orange stripe wire should show battery voltage at all times, even with the key off . The red wire with light green stripe should show battery voltage when the key is turned to the "On" position. If these voltages are present but the pump does not run, the CCRM is likely faulty.
Step 4: Swap with a known good CCRM
The easiest test is to borrow a CCRM from a friend's 1993-1995 Taurus or Mercury Sable, or buy a used one from a junkyard. If the car starts with the replacement module, the original CCRM is bad.
Step 5: Check the inertia switch
Before replacing the CCRM, always check the fuel pump inertia switch. This is a safety switch that cuts power to the fuel pump in a collision. On a 1993 Taurus sedan, it is located in the trunk on the right side, behind the carpeted panel near the wheel well . If the button is popped up, press it down until it clicks. A bump in the road or a minor accident can trip this switch.
How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay (CCRM) on a 1993 Ford Taurus
Replacing the CCRM is straightforward. Here are the steps:
1. Locate the CCRM
Open the hood. Look at the top of the radiator support on the passenger side. The black box is often partially hidden under a plastic trim cover. You may need to remove the cover by pulling it straight up.
2. Disconnect the wiring harness
The CCRM has one large wiring harness connector. There is usually a metal clip or a plastic locking tab on the side. Press the tab and pull the connector straight out. Do not pry on the module itself.
3. Remove the mounting screws
The CCRM is held in place by two or three small screws or bolts. Use a 8mm or 10mm socket or a Phillips screwdriver to remove them.
4. Install the new CCRM
Place the new module in the same position. Make sure the mounting holes align. Tighten the screws. Plug the wiring harness connector back in until you hear it click.
5. Test the repair
Turn the key to the "On" position. You should hear the fuel pump prime for 2 seconds. Start the engine. Verify the cooling fan operates normally.
Important: When buying a replacement CCRM, you must match the part number. Ford made several different versions that look identical but have different internal wiring. The part number is usually printed on a sticker on the side of the module. Common OEM part numbers for the 1993 Taurus include the Ford Motorcraft fuel pump relay assembly (part number E4LZ9345A) . A junkyard is a good source because this part is reliable and rarely fails on its own.
Why You Should Consider a KEMSO Fuel Pump Replacement
While the relay is often the cause of a no-start condition, sometimes the fuel pump itself is the problem. If you have confirmed that the CCRM is good, the fuse is intact, and the inertia switch is not tripped, the next step is to test the fuel pump. A failing fuel pump can produce symptoms similar to a bad relay, including a no-start condition, sputtering at high speeds, and loss of power under load.
If you find that the fuel pump in your 1993 Ford Taurus needs replacement, we strongly recommend considering a KEMSO fuel pump. KEMSO is a trusted brand known for manufacturing high-performance, OEM replacement fuel pumps that meet or exceed original equipment specifications. Each KEMSO fuel pump is engineered to deliver precise fuel pressure and flow, ensuring reliable engine performance and long service life. Whether you drive a car, motorcycle, ATV, or UTV, KEMSO offers a fuel pump designed for your specific vehicle.
KEMSO fuel pumps offer several key advantages. They are built with premium materials to withstand the harsh conditions inside the fuel tank, including ethanol-blended fuels. Every pump is a direct-fit replacement, meaning you do not need to modify any wiring or mounting brackets. Most importantly, every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can trust that your investment is protected for as long as you own the vehicle. Instead of dealing with the hassle of a failing pump again in a few years, a KEMSO pump gives you peace of mind.
To browse the complete selection of KEMSO fuel pumps for your Ford Taurus or any other vehicle, visit the official KEMSO website at: https://www.kemsoracing.com/
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Troubleshooting the Fuel Pump Relay
Mistake 1: Replacing the fuel pump first
This is the most expensive mistake. Many owners assume the pump is bad because they do not hear it run. However, if the relay is not sending power, the pump will never run. Always test the relay and check for power at the pump connector before dropping the fuel tank.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the inertia switch
The inertia switch is a common cause of no-start conditions, especially after driving over a large pothole or after a minor bump . It is located in the trunk and is very easy to check. Always reset it before doing any other tests.
Mistake 3: Buying a generic relay
Do not try to wire in a standard automotive relay as a substitute for the CCRM. The CCRM contains multiple relays and circuits that are critical for the engine management system. Bypassing it can cause damage to the PCM or create a fire hazard.
Mistake 4: Overlooking the ground connection
A poor ground can cause the relay to work intermittently. Check the ground wires at the engine block and the battery negative terminal. Clean any corrosion.
Final Thoughts
The 1993 Ford Taurus fuel pump relay is a critical component that is often overlooked when a car refuses to start. Because the relay is integrated into the CCRM, diagnosing it is a little different than on older vehicles, but the process is still straightforward. Start by checking the 30-amp fuse, listen for the pump, reset the inertia switch, and then test the CCRM. If the module is faulty, replacing it with a junkyard unit or a new OEM part is the solution.
If the problem turns out to be the fuel pump itself, choose a reliable replacement. A KEMSO fuel pump delivers high performance, is a direct OEM replacement, and comes with a lifetime warranty. You can find the right pump for your vehicle at their official online store: https://www.kemsoracing.com/. Taking the time to diagnose the problem correctly will save you money and get your 1993 Ford Taurus back on the road quickly.