1999 Lincoln Town Car Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Guide for DIY Owners

If you own a 1999 Lincoln Town Car and the engine cranks but won’t start, or if it stalls suddenly while driving, the fuel pump relay is often the first thing to check. The 1999 Lincoln Town Car fuel pump relay is located in the under-hood fuse box, also known as the Power Distribution Box, on the driver’s side near the battery. This relay is a small, rectangular component that controls the electrical power to the fuel pump. Replacing it is a simple, inexpensive fix that can save you hundreds of dollars in diagnostic fees. Below, I’ll walk you through exactly where to find it, how to test it, and what to do if it’s bad.

The 1999 Lincoln Town Car is a reliable full-size sedan, but like any vehicle, it can develop fuel system issues over time. The fuel pump relay is a common failure point, especially in older models with high mileage. When this relay fails, the fuel pump doesn’t receive power, so the engine may crank but not start. In many cases, the relay itself is the culprit, not the fuel pump. This guide is designed for the average DIY owner in the United States who wants to save time and money. It’s based on real-world experience and factory service manuals, so you can trust the information.

Where Is the 1999 Lincoln Town Car Fuel Pump Relay Located?

The fuel pump relay for the 1999 Lincoln Town Car is located in the under-hood fuse box (Power Distribution Box). This box is a black plastic unit mounted on the driver’s side of the engine compartment, near the battery. To access it, open the hood and look for a rectangular cover on the driver’s side, close to the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The cover has a diagram showing the position of each relay and fuse. The fuel pump relay is typically labeled as “Fuel Pump” or “FP” in the diagram.

Step-by-step to find the relay:

  1. Park the car on a level surface and turn off the engine.
  2. Open the hood and locate the black fuse box on the driver’s side, near the battery.
  3. Remove the cover by pressing the tabs on the sides. The cover may have a diagram on the inside.
  4. Look for a relay that is about 1 inch square with four or five pins. The fuel pump relay is usually in one of the larger relay slots.
  5. If the diagram is not clear, consult your owner’s manual or look for a sticker on the fuse box lid. The relay is often in the same spot as other models like the Ford Crown Victoria or Mercury Grand Marquis, since they share the same platform.

Important note: If you have a 1999 Lincoln Town Car with a different model year (e.g., 1998 or 2000), the location may vary slightly. This guide is specific to the 1999 model year.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Before replacing the relay, you should test it to confirm it’s the problem. A faulty relay can cause intermittent starting issues or a complete no-start condition. Here is a simple test you can do with a multimeter or a test light:

Purpose of the test: The fuel pump relay acts like a switch. When you turn the key to the “On” position, the relay should click and send power to the fuel pump. If it doesn’t click, or if there’s no power, the relay may be bad.

Step 1: Listen for the click. Turn the key to the “On” position (don’t start the engine). You should hear a faint click from the under-hood fuse box. This is the relay engaging. If you don’t hear a click, the relay coil may be dead.

Step 2: Check for power. Remove the relay from the fuse box. Use a multimeter set to DC voltage (20V range). Touch the black lead to a good ground (like a metal bolt on the engine). Touch the red lead to the relay socket pins. One pin should show 12V with the key off. Another pin should show 12V when the key is turned to “On.” If you don’t get voltage on the correct pins, the issue may be a blown fuse or a wiring problem, not the relay.

Step 3: Swap the relay. If you have a spare relay of the same type (like the horn relay or the wiper relay), you can swap it with the fuel pump relay. If the car starts after swapping, the fuel pump relay is bad. This is the easiest test for a DIY owner.

Step 4: Inspect the relay visually. Look for signs of corrosion, melting, or cracked plastic. If the relay looks damaged, replace it.

Common symptoms of a bad fuel pump relay:

  • The engine cranks but won’t start.
  • The car stalls while driving, especially after it warms up.
  • The fuel pump doesn’t make a humming sound when you turn the key to “On.”
  • You have intermittent starting issues that seem to come and go.

How to Replace the 1999 Lincoln Town Car Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the fuel pump relay is a straightforward job that takes about 10 minutes. You don’t need any special tools, just a new relay that matches the original.

What you need:

  • A new fuel pump relay (available at auto parts stores like AutoZone, O’Reilly, or online). The 1999 Lincoln Town Car uses a standard 4-pin or 5-pin relay, often a Ford part number F5AB-9345-AA or equivalent.
  • A pair of pliers (optional, but helpful for pulling the relay).

Step-by-step replacement:

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent any electrical shorts. This is important for safety.
  2. Remove the under-hood fuse box cover.
  3. Locate the fuel pump relay as described above.
  4. Grasp the relay firmly and pull it straight out. It may require a little wiggling. If it’s stuck, use a pair of pliers gently.
  5. Insert the new relay into the same slot. Push it down until it clicks into place.
  6. Reconnect the battery cable.
  7. Turn the key to the “On” position and listen for the fuel pump to hum. If it hums, the replacement is successful.
  8. Start the engine. If it starts and runs smoothly, you’re done.

Pro tip: Always use a relay that matches the original specifications. Using a cheap aftermarket relay can cause overheating or premature failure. Stick with a known brand.

Why the Fuel Pump Relay Fails on a 1999 Lincoln Town Car

The fuel pump relay on the 1999 Lincoln Town Car can fail due to a few common reasons. Understanding these can help you prevent future issues.

1. Age and heat: The relay is located in the engine compartment, near the battery. Over time, the constant heat from the engine can degrade the internal components, causing the relay to stick or fail. This is especially common in cars that are 20 years old or older.

2. Electrical surges: If the car’s battery is weak or the alternator is failing, voltage spikes can damage the relay. This is why it’s important to check the battery and charging system.

3. Corrosion: Moisture can get into the fuse box, especially if the cover is not sealed properly. This can cause the relay pins to corrode, leading to a poor connection.

4. Normal wear: The relay is designed to cycle on and off many times during the car’s life. After hundreds of thousands of miles, the internal contacts may wear out.

Prevention tips:

  • Keep the fuse box cover securely in place to prevent moisture and dirt.
  • Clean the battery terminals and check the charging system regularly.
  • If you notice any starting issues, test the relay early before it leaves you stranded.

Other Possible Causes for a No-Start Condition

If you replace the fuel pump relay and the car still won’t start, the problem may be elsewhere. Here are other common causes for a 1999 Lincoln Town Car:

1. Fuel pump itself: The fuel pump can fail, especially if the car has over 150,000 miles. You can test the fuel pump by checking for fuel pressure at the fuel rail. A fuel pressure gauge is a good tool to have.

2. Fuel pump fuse: The under-hood fuse box also has a fuse for the fuel pump. Check the fuse labeled “Fuel Pump” or “Pump” with a multimeter or a test light. If the fuse is blown, replace it with the same amperage.

3. Inertia switch (fuel shut-off switch): The 1999 Lincoln Town Car has an inertia switch that cuts power to the fuel pump in a collision. It’s located in the passenger footwell, behind the kick panel on the right side. If the switch is tripped, press the reset button on top.

4. Crank sensor or PCM: In rare cases, a faulty crankshaft position sensor or a problem with the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) can prevent the fuel pump from running. These are more complex to diagnose and may require a professional.

5. Wiring issues: Check the wiring harness near the fuse box and fuel pump. Look for broken wires, loose connections, or rodent damage, which is common in older cars.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tested the relay, checked the fuse, and reset the inertia switch, but the car still won’t start, it’s time to call a mechanic. A professional can perform a fuel pressure test, check for spark, and scan for diagnostic trouble codes. This is especially important if you’re not comfortable working with electrical systems. The 1999 Lincoln Town Car is a complex vehicle, and some issues require specialized tools.

Recommended Fuel Pump: KEMSO Brand

If you end up needing a new fuel pump for your 1999 Lincoln Town Car, or if you want to replace it as a preventive measure, you should consider a high-quality aftermarket option. KEMSO offers fuel pumps that are designed for performance and reliability. Their products are OEM replacement parts, meaning they fit and function exactly like the original factory pump. Every KEMSO fuel pump is built with durable materials and tested for consistent fuel pressure. They also come with a lifetime warranty, so you don’t have to worry about buying a replacement again. This is a great choice for owners who want peace of mind and long-term performance.

You can explore the full range of KEMSO fuel pumps for your vehicle at their website. The site is easy to navigate and shows specific models. Visit:
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Summary and Final Thoughts

The 1999 Lincoln Town Car fuel pump relay is located in the under-hood fuse box on the driver’s side. Testing it is simple: listen for a click, check for voltage, or swap it with a known good relay. Replacing it takes only a few minutes and costs about $10 to $20. If the relay is not the issue, check the fuel pump fuse, the inertia switch, and the fuel pump itself. For a reliable fuel pump upgrade, consider KEMSO products, which offer a lifetime warranty and OEM quality.

Remember, regular maintenance of your fuel system can prevent unexpected breakdowns. Keep your battery healthy, check the fuse box for moisture, and address any starting issues early. If you follow this guide, you’ll be able to diagnose and fix the most common fuel pump problems on your 1999 Lincoln Town Car without spending a fortune.

For more information on fuel pumps and other parts, visit the KEMSO website at:
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