1997 Ford Taurus Fuel Pump Relay Location: Your Complete Guide to Finding and Troubleshooting It

The fuel pump relay on a 1997 Ford Taurus is located inside the Integrated Control Relay Module (ICRM), which is a black box mounted on the radiator support frame on the driver's side of the engine compartment. If your 1997 Taurus cranks but won't start, the fuel pump relay is one of the first things you should check. The ICRM is a single module that houses multiple relays, including the fuel pump relay, PCM relay, cooling fan relay, and A/C relay . You do not need to replace individual relays inside this module—the entire ICRM must be replaced if the fuel pump relay fails. This guide will walk you through exactly where to find it, how to test it, and what to do if it's bad.

Where Exactly Is the Fuel Pump Relay on a 1997 Ford Taurus?

The 1997 Ford Taurus does not have a standalone fuel pump relay that you can swap out like a standard relay in a fuse box. Instead, the fuel pump relay is built into the Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM) or Integrated Control Relay Module (ICRM) . This module is located under the hood, mounted on top of the radiator support frame. Here is how to find it:

  1. Open the hood and look at the front of the engine compartment, directly behind the grille area.
  2. Locate the radiator and the metal frame that runs across the top of it (the radiator support).
  3. On the driver's side of this radiator support, you will find a flat plastic cover that sits on top of the radiator .
  4. Remove this plastic cover by pulling it upward. It snaps off easily.
  5. Underneath the cover, you will see a rectangular black box that measures about 3.5 inches by 5 inches. This is the ICRM . It has a wiring harness with approximately a dozen wires connected to it .

Important: This module is not just the fuel pump relay. It controls multiple systems, including the fuel pump, PCM (powertrain control module), cooling fan, and air conditioning . So if you are having issues with any of these systems, the ICRM could be the culprit.

How to Tell If Your Fuel Pump Relay Is Bad

Before you go replacing the whole ICRM, you need to confirm that the fuel pump relay inside it is actually the problem. Here are the most common symptoms of a failing fuel pump relay on a 1997 Ford Taurus:

1. Engine cranks but does not start. This is the most obvious symptom. You turn the key, the starter engages and the engine spins over, but it never fires up. If you do not hear the fuel pump prime for a few seconds when you turn the key to the "On" position, the relay may not be sending power to the pump .

2. Intermittent stalling or loss of power. A failing relay may cut power to the fuel pump intermittently. This can cause the engine to hesitate, lose power under load, or stall unexpectedly while driving . This symptom can be misleading because it mimics issues with the ignition system or fuel injectors .

3. No fuel pump noise. When you turn the ignition key to the "On" position (but not to "Start"), you should hear a brief whirring or humming sound from the rear of the vehicle. This is the fuel pump pressurizing the system. If you do not hear this sound, the relay is likely not providing power to the pump .

4. Cooling fan running with the key on. Here is a useful diagnostic clue: If the cooling fan runs continuously when you turn the key to the "On" position, and your OBD2 scan tool will not link up with the vehicle's computer, the PCM is not receiving power . This is a strong indicator that the ICRM (which houses both the fuel pump relay and the PCM relay) has failed internally .

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay on a 1997 Ford Taurus

Because the fuel pump relay is integrated into the ICRM, you cannot simply swap it with another relay like you can with a standard fuse box relay. However, you can still test the system to confirm the ICRM is bad.

Step 1: Listen for the fuel pump. Turn the ignition key to the "On" position. Listen closely near the rear of the car (near the fuel tank). If you hear a brief whirring sound for 2-3 seconds, the fuel pump relay is likely working, and the pump is receiving power. If you hear nothing, move to the next step .

Step 2: Check for power at the fuel pump. Locate the fuel pump connector near the fuel tank. Use a multimeter to test for voltage at the connector when the key is turned to the "On" position. If you have no voltage, the issue is either the ICRM (relay module) or the wiring between the module and the pump .

Step 3: Check the inertia switch. The 1997 Ford Taurus has a fuel pump shut-off switch (inertia switch) located in the trunk. On the sedan, it is on the right side of the trunk behind the trunk liner. On the wagon, it is behind the service panel on the right side of the cargo area . Press the reset button on top of the switch. If the switch was tripped, the fuel pump will not receive power even if the relay is good.

Step 4: Test the ICRM. If you have confirmed that the inertia switch is not tripped and you still have no power at the fuel pump, the ICRM is likely the problem. You can check for power at the ICRM connector. Pin 13 (red/light wire) should have power. Pin 15 (black wire) is the ground for the PCM relay coil . If you have power at the module but no output to the fuel pump, the module is bad.

What About the Fuse?

The 1997 Ford Taurus also has a fuse for the fuel pump circuit. The power distribution box (located in the engine compartment) contains a 30-amp fuse that protects the fuel pump circuit . Check this fuse first before condemning the relay. If the fuse is blown, the fuel pump will not get power regardless of whether the relay is good.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay (ICRM)

Since the fuel pump relay is part of the ICRM, you must replace the entire module. Here is what you need to know:

1. Purchase the correct ICRM. The 1997 Ford Taurus uses a specific ICRM part number. Make sure you get the correct one for your engine size (3.0L V6 or 3.4L V8 SHO). The part is available at auto parts stores, online retailers, or salvage yards .

2. Disconnect the battery. Before working on any electrical components, disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent shorts or accidental starts.

3. Remove the old ICRM. The module is located on the radiator support as described earlier. Unplug the wiring harness connector. The module is held in place by screws or bolts. Remove them and lift the module out.

4. Install the new ICRM. Plug the wiring harness into the new module, secure it with the screws or bolts, and reconnect the battery.

5. Test the system. Turn the key to the "On" position and listen for the fuel pump to prime. The engine should start normally.

Cost of Replacement

Replacing the ICRM on a 1997 Ford Taurus is relatively affordable. The part itself typically costs between $50 and $100 for an aftermarket replacement, or $130 to $160 for a new OEM part . If you have a shop do the work, labor is usually around $95, bringing the total to approximately $115 to $150 for the repair . A dealer will charge more, typically $170 to $220 .

Other Common Causes of No-Start on a 1997 Ford Taurus

Before you rush to replace the ICRM, keep in mind that several other issues can cause the same symptoms. Here are the most common ones:

1. Fuel pump itself. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank and can fail over time . If you hear the relay clicking but the pump does not run, the pump itself may be bad.

2. Fuel filter. A clogged fuel filter can starve the engine of fuel. It is cheap and easy to replace, so do this first .

3. Crankshaft or camshaft position sensor. If these sensors fail, the PCM may not command the fuel pump to run, even if the relay is good .

4. Wiring issues. Corroded or damaged wiring at the fuel pump connector or at the ICRM can cause intermittent or total failure .

5. PCM (powertrain control module) failure. On the 1997 Ford Taurus, the PCM is located behind the right kick panel (passenger side) . If the PCM is not receiving power from the ICRM, the fuel pump will not run.

Preventative Maintenance

To avoid unexpected fuel pump relay failure on your 1997 Ford Taurus, here are a few tips:

  • Regularly inspect the ICRM and its connections for corrosion or damage, especially if you live in a humid or salty environment .
  • Replace the ICRM proactively during routine maintenance, as these modules are known to fail from heat exposure over time .
  • Keep the engine bay clean and free of debris that can trap heat around the radiator support area.
  • Check the fuel pump fuse during routine inspections.

Why You Should Consider a KEMSO Fuel Pump for Your 1997 Ford Taurus

If you determine that your 1997 Ford Taurus fuel pump itself (not just the relay) needs replacement, we highly recommend choosing a KEMSO brand fuel pump. KEMSO is a trusted name in the automotive aftermarket, known for producing high-performance fuel pumps that meet or exceed OEM specifications.

What makes KEMSO fuel pumps stand out?

  • High Performance: KEMSO fuel pumps are engineered to deliver consistent fuel pressure and flow, ensuring your engine runs smoothly under all driving conditions.
  • OEM Replacement: Every KEMSO fuel pump is designed as a direct OEM replacement. This means it fits perfectly into your 1997 Ford Taurus without any modifications, and it matches the original factory specifications for pressure and flow rate.
  • Lifetime Warranty: KEMSO stands behind the quality of their products. Every fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.

How to order a KEMSO fuel pump for your 1997 Ford Taurus:

Visit the KEMSO website at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to browse their selection of fuel pumps. The website is easy to navigate. You can search for your specific vehicle by year, make, and model. KEMSO offers fast shipping and excellent customer support. If you have any questions about compatibility or installation, their team is ready to help.

Why buy from KEMSO?

  • Quality you can trust: KEMSO fuel pumps are built to last, using high-grade materials and precision manufacturing.
  • Affordable pricing: You get a premium product at a competitive price, often much less than what you would pay at a dealership.
  • Lifetime warranty: Most aftermarket fuel pumps come with a limited warranty. KEMSO goes the extra mile with a lifetime warranty, showing their confidence in their product.

Don't settle for a cheap, unknown fuel pump that could fail again in a few months. Invest in a KEMSO fuel pump for your 1997 Ford Taurus and enjoy reliable performance for years to come.

Final Thoughts

The 1997 Ford Taurus fuel pump relay is located inside the Integrated Control Relay Module (ICRM) on the radiator support frame. This module is a common failure point, especially in older vehicles exposed to heat and vibration. If your Taurus is cranking but not starting, start by checking the fuel pump fuse, listening for the fuel pump prime, and checking the inertia switch in the trunk. If those check out, the ICRM is likely the culprit.

Replacing the ICRM is a straightforward DIY job that can save you a trip to the mechanic. Just remember to disconnect the battery first and ensure you get the correct module for your specific Taurus model. And if you need to replace the fuel pump itself, trust KEMSO for a high-quality, durable, and warranty-backed solution.

For more information on fuel pumps and to find the perfect replacement for your 1997 Ford Taurus, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ today.


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