1997 Ford Thunderbird Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Guide to Finding and Replacing It

The fuel pump relay on a 1997 Ford Thunderbird is located inside the Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM), which is a black plastic box mounted in the engine compartment behind the passenger side headlight, just in front of the air cleaner box. This is not a standalone relay you can swap out individually. The CCRM houses multiple relays, including the fuel pump relay, PCM power relay, cooling fan relay, and A/C relay, all soldered onto a circuit board. If the fuel pump relay goes bad, you typically need to replace the entire CCRM.

Understanding the 1997 Ford Thunderbird Fuel Pump Relay Location

The 1997 Ford Thunderbird uses a unique setup compared to many other vehicles. Instead of having a separate, plug-in fuel pump relay that you can pull out and replace individually, Ford integrated the fuel pump relay into a module called the Constant Control Relay Module, or CCRM. This module is also sometimes referred to as the Integrated Control Relay Module (ICRM) .

The CCRM is located in the engine compartment, on the passenger side. You will find it mounted on the radiator support, directly behind the right headlight assembly and in front of the air cleaner box . It is a long, narrow black plastic box with a removable lid. The module sits next to the radiator overflow reservoir .

To access the fuel pump relay, you need to open the CCRM lid. Inside, you will find a circuit board with three or more identical relays soldered into place. The fuel pump relay is one of these relays, but it is not serviceable as a standalone part. The CCRM connector has 21 wires (or more) and is held in place by a screw in the center of the connector .

How to Identify the Fuel Pump Relay in the CCRM

Since the relays inside the CCRM look identical, you need to know which one is the fuel pump relay. You can identify it by the wire colors and terminal positions. For a 1997 Ford Thunderbird, the CCRM connector has specific terminal numbers and wire colors that correspond to the fuel pump relay :

  • Terminal #5 (PK/BK): This is the fuel pump output wire (pink with black stripe).
  • Terminal #11 (BK/Y): This is the power supply wire going through the relay to the fuel pump (black with yellow stripe).
  • Terminal #18 (LB/O): This is the fuel pump relay control wire (light blue with orange stripe).

The PCM power relay, which supplies power to energize the fuel pump relay coil, is connected to terminals 8, 10, 12, 13, 16, and 24. If the PCM power relay is faulty, the fuel pump relay will not work, so it is worth checking both relays .

Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

If the fuel pump relay in your 1997 Ford Thunderbird fails, you will notice several symptoms. The most common sign is a no-start condition where the engine cranks but will not fire. You may also experience intermittent starting problems, where the car starts fine sometimes but not others. Another telltale sign is that you do not hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key to the "on" position. The fuel pump should run for about 3 seconds to pressurize the system. If you do not hear this, it could be a relay issue, a bad fuel pump, or a faulty inertia switch .

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay Without Removing It

You can test the fuel pump relay in the CCRM without removing the entire module. Use a multimeter or a 12-volt test light. Perform these basic checks:

  1. Check for power at the PCM: The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is located behind the right kick panel inside the passenger cabin. Check for power on the red wires at pins 71 and 97 of the PCM connector. These pins get their power from the PCM relay inside the CCRM .
  2. Listen for the cooling fan: On the 1997 Ford Thunderbird, if the cooling fan runs when you turn the key to the "run" position (without the engine running), this indicates the PCM relay is working. If the fan does not run, the PCM relay may be bad, which will also affect the fuel pump relay .
  3. Check the fuel pump inertia switch: The inertia switch is located in the trunk, on the driver's side wheel well. Remove the carpet to access it. Make sure the red button on top is pushed in. If the switch is tripped, it will cut power to the fuel pump .

Other Related Components to Check

If your 1997 Ford Thunderbird is experiencing fuel delivery problems, there are several other components you should check before replacing the CCRM:

  • Fuel pump fuse: The fuel pump fuse is located in the under-hood fuse box. The specific fuse is in location #13FL .
  • Fuel pump itself: The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank. It is not accessible without dropping the fuel tank .
  • Fuel pump wiring: Inspect the wiring harness from the CCRM to the fuel pump for any corrosion, breaks, or loose connections. Corroded wires or connections can cause intermittent problems .
  • Ground connections: The grounds for the CCRM and the PCM are critical. Check the ground cable from the battery to the radiator support, and the ground wires near the PCM. Loose or corroded grounds can cause the fuel pump relay to malfunction .

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay on a 1997 Ford Thunderbird

Since the fuel pump relay is soldered into the CCRM circuit board, you cannot replace it individually. The entire Constant Control Relay Module must be replaced. Here is how to do it:

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. This is important for safety and to prevent damage to the electrical system.
  2. Locate the CCRM. It is mounted on the radiator support, behind the passenger side headlight, in front of the air cleaner box .
  3. Remove the air cleaner box if necessary. This will give you better access to the module.
  4. Unplug the electrical connector. The connector has a screw in the center that holds it to the CCRM. Remove the screw, then carefully pull the connector straight out .
  5. Remove the mounting bolts. The CCRM is held in place by a few bolts or screws. Remove them and lift the module out.
  6. Install the new CCRM. Place the new module in position, secure it with the mounting bolts, and plug in the electrical connector. Make sure the screw in the center of the connector is tightened securely.
  7. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Test the system by turning the key to the "on" position. Listen for the fuel pump to prime for about 3 seconds.

Recommended Fuel Pump Replacement: KEMSO Brand

While the fuel pump relay is the subject of this article, the fuel pump itself is another common failure point on the 1997 Ford Thunderbird. If you are replacing the fuel pump, you need a reliable, high-performance replacement that will last. KEMSO offers high-quality fuel pump products that are designed as direct OEM replacements and deliver superior performance.

KEMSO fuel pumps are built to meet or exceed OEM specifications. They are designed for gasoline and E85 compatibility, and they offer higher flow rates than stock pumps. For example, a KEMSO 340LPH high-performance fuel pump can support up to 600 BHP in naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and supercharged applications. All KEMSO fuel pumps come with a lifetime warranty on the pump body, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.

When you need a replacement fuel pump for your 1997 Ford Thunderbird, choose KEMSO for reliability, performance, and confidence. Visit their website to find the right fuel pump for your vehicle and take advantage of their lifetime warranty.

Visit KEMSO at: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Troubleshooting Tips for Common Issues

If you are still having trouble with your 1997 Ford Thunderbird fuel system, here are some additional troubleshooting tips:

  1. Check for DTC codes: Use an OBD2 scan tool to check for diagnostic trouble codes. Common codes related to fuel pump issues include P0230 (Fuel Pump Primary Circuit), P0231 (Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low), and P0192 (Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Low) .
  2. Inspect the engine grounds: The PCM and CCRM rely on good grounds to function properly. Check the ground cable that connects the battery to the radiator support. This is a common area for corrosion and loose connections .
  3. Test the CCRM connector: Corrosion inside the CCRM connector can cause intermittent problems. Remove the connector, inspect the pins for corrosion or bent pins, and clean them with electrical contact cleaner if necessary.
  4. Check the cooling fan operation: If the cooling fan runs when the key is turned to the "run" position (with the engine off), the PCM relay inside the CCRM is working. If the fan does not run, the PCM relay is likely bad, and you may need to replace the entire CCRM .

Conclusion

The fuel pump relay on a 1997 Ford Thunderbird is located inside the Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM) in the engine compartment, behind the passenger side headlight. It is not a serviceable part, so you must replace the entire CCRM if the relay fails. Before replacing the module, check the fuel pump fuse, the inertia switch in the trunk, and the ground connections. If you are also replacing the fuel pump, consider using a KEMSO fuel pump for its high performance, direct OEM fitment, and lifetime warranty.

For more information on KEMSO fuel pumps and to find the right product for your 1997 Ford Thunderbird, visit: https://www.kemsoracing.com/


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