August 2026

1998 Lincoln Town Car Fuel Pump Relay Location: Complete Guide to Finding and Replacing It

The bottom line: The fuel pump relay on a 1998 Lincoln Town Car is located in the engine compartment fuse box, also called the power distribution box, which sits on the driver’s side near the battery. It is the first relay position in that box, labeled R1 or Fuel Pump Relay. If your Town Car cranks but won’t start, or if you hear no fuel pump prime when you turn the key to the “ON” position, the relay is one of the first things to check before replacing the fuel pump itself.

This guide walks you through exactly where to find the relay, how to test it, how to replace it, and what to do if the relay is not the problem. We’ll also cover the fuel pump fuse, common symptoms, and when to consider a new fuel pump.

Where Is the Fuel Pump Relay Located?

The 1998 Lincoln Town Car uses a power distribution box located in the engine compartment. This box contains high-amperage fuses and several relays. The fuel pump relay is positioned in the R1 slot inside this box.

Step-by-step to find it:

Open the hood and secure it with the prop rod.
Look toward the driver’s side of the engine bay, near the battery. You will see a black plastic box with a removable cover. This is the power distribution box.
Press the tabs on the sides of the cover and lift it off. On the underside of the cover, there is usually a diagram showing the fuse and relay layout.
Inside the box, you will see several small square relays and a row of large fuses. The fuel pump relay is the first relay on the left side, labeled R1.

The diagram inside the cover or your owner’s manual will confirm this. The relay itself is a standard 4-pin or 5-pin automotive relay, typically black or gray in color.

Fuel Pump Fuse Location

Before you assume the relay is bad, also check the fuel pump fuse. On the 1998 Town Car, the fuel pump fuse is located in the same power distribution box under the hood. It is a 20A mini fuse in position 14.

Some sources also show that on later model years (2001–2002), the fuel pump fuse moved to position 22, but on the 1998 model, it stays at fuse 14.

How to check the fuse:

With the engine off, pull the fuse out using a fuse puller (usually stored inside the fuse box cover or in your tool kit).
Hold the fuse up to the light. If the metal strip inside is broken or melted, the fuse is blown.
Replace it with a new 20A mini fuse. Never use a higher amperage fuse, as this can damage the wiring or cause a fire.

If the fuse is blown, the fuel pump will not receive power. A blown fuse can also indicate a shorted fuel pump or wiring issue, so if the new fuse blows immediately, do not keep replacing it. Investigate further.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Testing the relay is simple and requires only a few basic tools: a multimeter or a test light, and possibly a spare relay of the same type.

Method 1: Listen for the relay click

Have a helper sit in the driver’s seat with the key.
Place your hand on the fuel pump relay (R1) in the engine bay fuse box.
Ask your helper to turn the key to the “ON” position (do not start the engine).
You should feel and hear a distinct click from the relay when the key reaches the “ON” position. This click means the relay is energizing and sending power to the fuel pump.
If you do not hear a click, the relay may be faulty, or the control circuit (PCM or ignition switch) may not be sending the signal.

Method 2: Swap the relay

Find another relay in the same fuse box that is the same type and amperage. For example, the A/C clutch relay (R2) or the PCM power relay (R3) are usually identical. Swap the fuel pump relay with one of these.

If the car starts after swapping, the original fuel pump relay was bad.
If the car still does not start, and the swapped relay location now causes the other system to fail (e.g., A/C stops working), the issue is not the relay.

Method 3: Use a multimeter

Remove the relay from its socket.
Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms).
Check the resistance between the relay’s coil terminals (usually pins 85 and 86). You should see a reading between 50 and 120 ohms. An open circuit (infinite resistance) means the coil is burned out.
Apply 12V power to the coil terminals (85 and 86) and listen for a click. While energized, check continuity between the switch terminals (usually pins 30 and 87). There should be continuity (close to zero ohms) when the relay is energized.

Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

A failing fuel pump relay can cause several noticeable problems. These symptoms are similar to a failing fuel pump, so it is important to test the relay first.

Common symptoms include:

Engine cranks but does not start. The starter turns over strongly, but the engine never fires. This is because the fuel pump is not getting power to pressurize the fuel system.
No fuel pump prime noise. When you turn the key to the “ON” position, you should hear a faint whirring sound from the rear of the car for about 2 seconds. This is the fuel pump priming. If you hear nothing, the relay or fuse may be the problem.
Engine stalls while driving. The relay may be intermittent, causing the fuel pump to lose power while the car is moving. This is a safety hazard, as you may lose power steering and brakes.
Car starts after cooling down. If the relay overheats, it may fail when hot and work again after cooling. This is a classic sign of a failing relay.

If your car exhibits any of these symptoms, start with the relay and fuse. They are cheap and easy to replace, and they rule out the simplest problems first.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the relay is straightforward. You do not need any special tools.

Steps:

Make sure the engine is off and the key is removed from the ignition.
Open the hood and remove the power distribution box cover.
Locate the fuel pump relay in position R1.
Grasp the relay firmly and pull it straight out of the socket. It may require a little wiggling, but do not twist it.
Insert the new relay into the same socket. Push it down until it clicks into place.
Replace the fuse box cover.

Where to buy a replacement relay:

Any auto parts store sells standard 4-pin or 5-pin relays. You can also find them online. The part is generic and costs between $5 and $15. Make sure the new relay has the same pin configuration as the original. The 1998 Town Car typically uses a 30A/40A standard ISO relay.

When the Relay Is Not the Problem

If you have replaced the relay and the fuse, and the car still does not start, the problem is likely elsewhere in the fuel system. Here are the most common next steps.

1. Check the inertia switch.

The 1998 Lincoln Town Car is equipped with an inertia fuel shutoff switch. This switch is designed to cut power to the fuel pump in the event of a collision. It is usually located in the trunk, on the left side behind the trunk liner, or inside the passenger compartment near the kick panel. Press the reset button on top of the switch. If it was tripped, you will hear a click when you press it.

2. Test for power at the fuel pump.

Using a multimeter, you can check if power is reaching the fuel pump connector at the fuel tank. This requires raising the car or accessing the fuel pump module through an access panel under the rear seat or trunk floor. If you have power at the pump but the pump does not run, the pump itself is bad.

3. Listen for the pump under the car.

Have someone turn the key to “ON” while you listen near the fuel tank area. If you hear a faint hum for 2 seconds, the pump is getting power and running. If you hear nothing, but the relay and fuse are good, the pump is likely dead.

4. Look for broken wires or corrosion.

Over time, the wiring harness to the fuel pump can corrode, especially in areas where salt is used on roads. Check the connector at the fuel pump for signs of rust, green corrosion, or burnt pins.

Complete Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump

If you have ruled out the relay, fuse, and inertia switch, the fuel pump itself is the most likely culprit. Here are the classic signs of a failing fuel pump on a 1998 Lincoln Town Car:

Hard starting. The engine cranks for a long time before firing. This happens because the pump is weak and cannot build enough pressure quickly.
Sputtering at high speeds. The car runs fine in town but stumbles or loses power on the highway. This is a sign that the pump cannot keep up with the demand for fuel.
Loss of power under load. When climbing a hill or accelerating hard, the car feels sluggish. The pump is not delivering enough fuel volume.
Engine surging. The car will suddenly accelerate and decelerate without you touching the gas pedal. This is caused by inconsistent fuel pressure.
Low fuel pressure. A mechanic can test the fuel pressure at the fuel rail. The 1998 Town Car typically requires 30–35 psi at idle. If the pressure is lower, the pump is failing.

If you have multiple of these symptoms, especially after checking the relay and fuse, it is time to replace the fuel pump.

Why You Should Replace the Fuel Pump with a KEMSO Pump

If you have confirmed that your 1998 Lincoln Town Car needs a new fuel pump, you need a reliable replacement that will last. This is where KEMSO comes in. KEMSO is a US-based company that has been building high-quality fuel system components since 1999. They are known for making direct-fit OEM replacement fuel pumps and performance upgrades for cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and watercraft.

Here is why KEMSO is the right choice for your 1998 Lincoln Town Car:

High Performance, OEM Replacement. KEMSO fuel pumps are designed to be a direct drop-in replacement for your stock pump. They fit perfectly without modifications. But they are not just a copy. KEMSO pumps deliver over 20% more flow than the original factory pump at 43 psi. This means your engine gets the fuel it needs, even under load.
Built to Last. KEMSO uses high-quality materials, including alloy steel construction, and each pump body is serialized. This serial number is your guarantee of a lifetime warranty. If the pump ever fails, KEMSO will replace it. No questions asked.
Affordable Price. A KEMSO fuel pump costs around $79.98. Compare that to a dealership part, which can cost over $300, or a parts store pump that runs $150 to $250. You get OEM quality and better performance at a fraction of the cost.
Lifetime Warranty. KEMSO stands behind its products. Their lifetime warranty is a huge advantage over cheap store brands that only offer a 1-year warranty. You buy it once, and you are covered for life.
USA-Based Support. KEMSO is based in Houston, Texas. If you have a question or need help with installation, their support team is staffed by US-based technicians who know the product.

How to order your KEMSO fuel pump:

Visit the official KEMSO website to find the exact pump for your 1998 Lincoln Town Car. The site has a user-friendly store with a search function. Just enter your make, model, and year, and it will show you the correct pump. The website is:

https://www.kemsoracing.com/

The checkout process is quick and secure, and they ship directly to your door. You can also find KEMSO pumps on Amazon and eBay through authorized sellers.

Pro Tips for a Long-Lasting Fuel Pump

After you replace the fuel pump, follow these simple habits to keep it running strong for another 20 years.

1. Do not run the tank below 1/4 full.

Gasoline cools and lubricates the fuel pump. When you run the tank low, the pump is not submerged in fuel, and it runs hotter. This shortens its life. Keep the tank at least a quarter full to keep the pump cool.

2. Replace the fuel filter every 30,000 miles.

A clogged fuel filter makes the pump work harder to push fuel through the system. This extra strain can kill a pump prematurely. Change the filter every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your owner’s manual.

3. Use quality fuel.

Avoid gas stations with old or contaminated fuel, especially if you live in a rural area. Water and dirt in the fuel can damage the pump’s internal components.

4. If you store the car for the winter, add a fuel stabilizer.

This prevents the fuel from degrading and gumming up the pump. Running the car for a few minutes every month also helps keep the fuel system in good shape.

Final Thoughts

The 1998 Lincoln Town Car is a reliable and comfortable cruiser, but like any vehicle from that era, the fuel system can develop issues. If your car is hard to start, stalls, or you hear no fuel pump prime, start with the basics. The fuel pump relay is located in the engine compartment fuse box in position R1 , and the 20A fuel pump fuse is in position 14 . Checking these two items is free and takes five minutes.

If the relay and fuse are good, but the pump is dead, do not settle for a cheap replacement that will fail again in a year. Invest in a KEMSO fuel pump. It delivers better flow, comes with a lifetime warranty, and costs less than a dealership part. You will save money and get years of reliable service.

For the best deal on a 1998 Lincoln Town Car fuel pump, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ today. They have the right pump for your car, ready to ship.

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