1999 Ford Explorer Fuel Pump Fuse: Location, Diagram, and Troubleshooting Guide
1. Where Is the Fuel Pump Fuse Located?
The exact location of the fuel pump fuse for a 1999 Ford Explorer is not always standardized across all trim levels or engine options, but the most common location is the Power Distribution Box .
Under the Hood (Power Distribution Box): This is the primary location. The Power Distribution Box is a large black box located in the engine compartment, near the battery on the driver’s side .
- Fuse Position: Mini fuse #9 .
- Amperage: 20-amp (yellow color) .
- Function: It powers the Fuel Pump Relay and the RAP Module .
Passenger Compartment (Instrument Panel): While the main fuse for the fuel pump circuit is under the hood, the passenger compartment fuse panel (located on the left side of the instrument panel, facing the driver's door) contains other related components. However, the specific fuel pump fuse is not typically found here .
Important Note: The 1999 Ford Explorer also has a Fuel Pump Relay (Relay #5 in the Power Distribution Box) and an Inertia Fuel Shut-Off Switch . If the fuse is good but the pump still doesn't run, check these next.
2. Identifying a Blown Fuel Pump Fuse
A blown fuse is easy to identify. Follow these steps to check the fuse:
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal before handling any fuses to prevent accidental short circuits .
- Locate the Fuse: Open the Power Distribution Box under the hood. Refer to the diagram on the lid or your owner's manual to find fuse #9 (20-amp yellow mini fuse) .
- Visual Inspection: Remove the fuse using a fuse puller (usually found inside the fuse box cover). Look through the transparent plastic casing. A good fuse will have a continuous metal wire connecting the two prongs. A blown fuse will have a broken, melted, or disconnected wire .
- Test with a Multimeter: For a more reliable check, set your multimeter to continuity or resistance mode. Touch the probes to the two metal prongs of the fuse. If you hear a beep or see a low resistance reading, the fuse is good. If you see "OL" (open loop) or infinite resistance, the fuse is blown .
3. What to Do If the Fuse Is Blown
If you find that the 20-amp fuse for the fuel pump is blown, do not just replace it and hope for the best. A blown fuse is often a symptom of a larger problem.
Replace the Fuse:
- Use the Correct Rating: Always replace a blown fuse with one that has the exact same amperage rating – 20 amps. Using a fuse with a higher amperage rating can cause severe wire damage and could start a fire .
- Test the System: After replacing the fuse, turn the ignition to the "ON" position (do not start the engine). Listen for a 2-3 second hum from the fuel pump near the rear of the vehicle. This is the pump priming . If you hear the hum, the pump is getting power.
If the New Fuse Blows Immediately:
If the new fuse blows immediately, you have a short circuit in the fuel pump wiring or a failing fuel pump motor. Do not keep installing new fuses. This indicates a more serious electrical issue that needs professional diagnosis.
If the Fuse is Good but the Pump Doesn't Run:
If the fuse is intact but the pump doesn't prime, the problem is likely elsewhere in the circuit:
- Check the Fuel Pump Relay: The relay is often located right next to the fuse in the Power Distribution Box. You can test it by swapping it with a known good relay of the same type (often the horn or A/C relay) . If the pump starts working after the swap, the relay is bad.
- Reset the Inertia Switch: The fuel pump shut-off switch (inertia switch) is located in the passenger footwell, behind the kick panel on the right side . If you have had a recent bump, collision, or even a hard stop, this switch may have tripped. Press the button on top of the switch to reset it .
- Test for Power at the Pump: If the fuse, relay, and inertia switch all check out, you need to test for 12 volts at the fuel pump connector. This requires accessing the fuel pump (usually under the rear seat or by removing the fuel tank). If no voltage is present, the wiring is damaged .
4. Why Replace with a KEMSO Fuel Pump?
If your diagnosis leads to a dead fuel pump, you need a reliable replacement. The fuel pump is the heart of your engine's fuel delivery system. A cheap, low-quality pump can fail within months, leaving you stranded.
KEMSO Fuel Pumps are the ideal choice for your 1999 Ford Explorer. Here’s why:
- High Performance: KEMSO pumps deliver superior fuel flow compared to stock. For example, their OEM replacement pump offers up to 200 liters per hour (LPH) , significantly outperforming the original 60-80 LPH stock pump . This ensures your engine gets the fuel it needs, even under heavy load or acceleration.
- OEM Replacement: They are designed as a direct, plug-and-play replacement for your Ford Explorer. This means no modifications, no adapters, and no hassle. They fit perfectly and work seamlessly with your vehicle's fuel system .
- Lifetime Warranty: KEMSO stands behind the quality of their products. Every fuel pump is backed by a lifetime warranty. This gives you complete peace of mind, knowing that your investment is protected for the life of your vehicle .
- Built to Last: Each pump is serialized and individually tested for flow and pressure performance. They are constructed from durable alloy steel and are compatible with both gasoline and ethanol blends, including E85 .
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5. Summary of Steps
To quickly diagnose and fix a fuel pump issue on your 1999 Ford Explorer, follow this checklist:
- Locate the Fuse: Check the 20-amp mini fuse #9 in the Power Distribution Box under the hood .
- Inspect the Fuse: Look for a broken wire. Use a multimeter to confirm it is good .
- Replace if Blown: Use a new 20-amp yellow mini fuse. If it blows again, look for a short circuit .
- Check the Relay: Swap the fuel pump relay with a known good relay in the same box .
- Reset the Inertia Switch: Press the reset button on the fuel pump shut-off switch in the passenger footwell .
- Test for Power: Use a multimeter to check for 12 volts at the fuel pump connector while someone turns the key to "ON" .
- Replace the Pump: If all electrical checks pass but the pump doesn't run, the fuel pump itself is faulty. Choose a high-quality replacement like KEMSO for reliability and a lifetime warranty.
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