1999 Lincoln Town Car Fuel Pump Fuse: Location, Diagram, and Troubleshooting Guide
Here is the bottom line: If your 1999 Lincoln Town Car cranks but won’t start, or if it stalls while driving, the problem could be a blown fuel pump fuse. The main fuel pump fuse on a 1999 Lincoln Town Car is a 20-amp mini fuse located in the Power Distribution Box (engine compartment fuse box) on the driver’s side, specifically in position 14. There is also a second fuel pump fuse inside the passenger compartment fuse panel. Knowing exactly where to look and how to test these fuses can save you hours of diagnostic time and a costly trip to the mechanic.
Where Is the Fuel Pump Fuse on a 1999 Lincoln Town Car?
The 1999 Lincoln Town Car has two separate fuse boxes, and the fuel pump is protected by fuses in both locations. The primary fuse for the fuel pump circuit is in the engine compartment, but there is a secondary fuse in the cabin that also plays a role.
1. Engine Compartment Fuse Box (Power Distribution Box)
The main fuel pump fuse is located in the Power Distribution Box under the hood. This box is mounted on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, near the battery and the air cleaner housing.
Key details for this fuse box:
- Fuse number: 14
- Amperage: 20 amps
- Type: Mini fuse
- Color: Yellow (standard color for a 20-amp fuse)
According to the official fuse box diagram for the 1999 Lincoln Town Car, position 14 is a 20-amp fuse labeled specifically for the "Fuel Pump". This fuse provides power directly to the fuel pump relay and the fuel pump itself.
2. Passenger Compartment Fuse Panel (Interior Fuse Box)
There is also a second fuse that relates to the fuel pump circuit inside the car. This fuse panel is located under the driver’s side dashboard, to the left of the steering column, near the brake pedal.
Key details for the interior fuse panel:
- Fuse number: 20
- Amperage: 15 amps
- Protected circuit: Fuel pump relay, PCM power relay
This 15-amp fuse powers the control side of the fuel pump relay. If this fuse blows, the relay cannot engage, and the fuel pump will not receive power even if the main 20-amp fuse in the engine bay is good.
How to Test the Fuel Pump Fuse on a 1999 Lincoln Town Car
Before you start replacing parts, testing the fuse is the easiest and cheapest diagnostic step. You do not need any special tools other than a test light or a multimeter.
Step 1: Locate the fuse.
Open the hood and find the Power Distribution Box on the driver’s side. Press the tabs on the sides to remove the black plastic cover. Look for the diagram on the underside of the cover or refer to the list above to find position 14.
Step 2: Visually inspect the fuse.
Pull the fuse out using a fuse puller (usually stored inside the fuse box cover) or a pair of needle-nose pliers. Hold it up to the light. Look through the clear plastic body at the metal strip inside. If the metal strip is broken or melted, the fuse is blown.
Step 3: Test with a test light or multimeter.
If you have a test light, clip the ground wire to a clean metal bolt on the engine. Touch the probe to each of the two small metal prongs on top of the fuse (while it is still plugged in). If the light comes on for both prongs, the fuse is good. If the light only comes on for one prong, the fuse is blown. With a multimeter set to continuity, you should get a reading of near zero ohms across the two prongs of the fuse.
Step 4: Check the interior fuse.
If the engine bay fuse is fine, move to the interior fuse panel. Open the driver’s door and look under the dash. The fuse panel cover may have a diagram. Find fuse number 20 (15-amp). Test it the same way.
What Causes the Fuel Pump Fuse to Blow?
A blown fuse is a symptom, not the root cause. If you replace the fuse and it blows again immediately or shortly after, you have an underlying issue. Here are the most common reasons why the 1999 Lincoln Town Car fuel pump fuse keeps blowing:
1. Short circuit in the fuel pump wiring.
Over time, the wiring harness that runs from the fuse box to the fuel pump can rub against the chassis or other components. This wears through the insulation and causes the bare wire to touch metal, creating a short circuit. This is the most common cause of a repeatedly blown fuse.
2. Failing fuel pump motor.
When a fuel pump motor starts to fail internally, it can draw excessive current. The motor may seize up, causing a sudden spike in amperage that blows the 20-amp fuse. If the pump is old and the car has high mileage, this is a strong possibility.
3. Faulty fuel pump relay.
The fuel pump relay is located in the engine compartment fuse box and is marked as "R1" or "Fuel Pump Relay". If the relay fails internally, it can short out and blow the fuse. You can test the relay by swapping it with a relay of the same part number (like the horn relay or A/C clutch relay) to see if the problem moves.
4. Corroded fuse box terminals.
Moisture can get into the Power Distribution Box, causing corrosion on the metal terminals that hold the fuse. Corrosion creates resistance, which generates heat, which can eventually melt the fuse or the fuse box itself.
How to Replace the Fuel Pump Fuse
Replacing the fuel pump fuse on a 1999 Lincoln Town Car is a straightforward job that anyone can do in a few minutes.
1. Buy the correct fuse.
You need a 20-amp mini fuse for the engine bay (position 14) and a 15-amp mini fuse for the interior (position 20). Fuses are color-coded. Yellow is 20 amps, and blue is 15 amps. You can find them at any auto parts store or grocery store.
2. Remove the old fuse.
Use the fuse puller tool that is usually clipped into the fuse box cover. If you do not have a fuse puller, you can use a pair of needle-nose pliers. Grip the fuse firmly and pull straight out.
3. Install the new fuse.
Push the new fuse straight into the same slot. Make sure it seats fully and is not loose. A loose fuse can cause intermittent problems.
4. Test the system.
Turn the key to the "ON" position (do not start the engine). You should hear the fuel pump prime for about two seconds. If you hear a humming sound coming from the rear of the car (near the fuel tank), the pump is getting power. Start the car and check for proper operation.
5. Check for leaks.
After the engine has been running for a minute, visually inspect the fuse box area and the fuel lines for any signs of fuel leaks.
What If the Fuse Is Good but the Fuel Pump Still Does Not Work?
A good fuse does not always mean the fuel pump is getting power. If the fuse tests fine but the car still will not start, you need to dig deeper into the fuel pump circuit.
Check the fuel pump relay.
The relay is located in the engine compartment fuse box. You can hear it click when you turn the key to the "ON" position. If you do not hear a click, the relay may be bad, or the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is not sending the signal to engage it.
Check the inertia switch.
The 1999 Lincoln Town Car has an inertia fuel shutoff switch. This is a safety device that cuts power to the fuel pump if the car is in a collision. The switch is usually located in the trunk, behind the trunk liner on the driver’s side. If the switch is tripped, you will need to push the reset button on top of it.
Check the fuel pump ground.
A bad ground connection is a common cause of fuel pump failure. The fuel pump ground wire is usually located near the fuel tank. A corroded or loose ground connection will prevent the pump from running even if the fuse and relay are good.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 1999 Lincoln Town Car Fuel Pump Fuse
Q: Is there only one fuel pump fuse on a 1999 Lincoln Town Car?
No, there are two. The main 20-amp fuse is in the engine compartment fuse box (position 14). A secondary 15-amp fuse for the fuel pump relay control circuit is in the interior fuse panel (position 20).
Q: What should I do if the new fuse blows immediately?
Do not put a larger fuse in. This is a clear sign of a short circuit. The most likely causes are a failing fuel pump motor that is drawing too much current, or a chafed wire in the fuel pump harness shorting to ground. You will need to inspect the wiring and possibly test the fuel pump current draw.
Q: Can a bad fuel pump relay cause the fuse to blow?
Yes, it can. If the relay coil or internal contacts short out, it can cause excessive current draw that blows the fuse. Swapping the fuel pump relay with a known good relay of the same type is a quick test.
Q: Where is the inertia switch on a 1999 Lincoln Town Car?
The inertia fuel shutoff switch is located in the trunk, typically on the driver’s side rear wheel well area, under the carpet or behind the trunk liner. It is a small black box with a red reset button on top.
Why Buying a High-Quality Replacement Fuel Pump Matters
If you have gone through the fuse testing, checked the relay, and the inertia switch, and determined that the fuel pump itself is the problem, the next step is choosing a replacement. Not all fuel pumps are created equal. A cheap, low-quality pump may fail again in a short time, leaving you stranded and costing you more money in labor.
KEMSO Fuel Pumps are the best choice for your 1999 Lincoln Town Car. KEMSO is the US #1 aftermarket fuel pump manufacturer for cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs. Their fuel pumps are designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable performance for your vehicle. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can buy with confidence knowing your investment is protected.
KEMSO fuel pumps are high-performance, direct OEM replacement units. They are built with premium materials, including heat-treated components and corrosion-resistant alloys, to ensure long-lasting durability. Whether you are restoring a classic Town Car or keeping your daily driver on the road, a KEMSO fuel pump delivers the flow and pressure your engine needs.
Visit KEMSO Racing today to find the perfect fuel pump for your 1999 Lincoln Town Car: https://www.kemsoracing.com/
Final Thoughts
The 1999 Lincoln Town Car fuel pump fuse is a 20-amp mini fuse located in position 14 of the engine compartment Power Distribution Box. It is the first thing you should check when your car has a no-start condition or stalls while driving. Always test the fuse before replacing expensive parts. If the fuse is blown, replace it and test the system. If the new fuse blows again, you have an underlying issue such as a short circuit, a failing fuel pump motor, or a bad relay. Do not ignore the problem. Proper diagnosis will save you time and money.
For a reliable replacement that will keep your Lincoln on the road for years to come, choose KEMSO. Visit their website at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the right fuel pump for your vehicle.