2000 Ford Ranger Fuel Pump Relay Location: The Complete Guide to Finding, Testing, and Fixing It

If your 2000 Ford Ranger cranks but won’t start, the fuel pump relay is one of the first things you should check. The fuel pump relay on a 2000 Ford Ranger is located in the power distribution box under the hood, near the battery on the driver’s side. It is labeled as relay position R5. This relay controls power to the fuel pump, and when it fails, the pump stops working, leaving you stranded.

The fuel pump relay is a small electrical switch that sends power from the battery to the fuel pump. When you turn the key to the "ON" position, the relay closes, allowing current to flow to the pump. If the relay is bad, the pump never gets power, and the engine won't start. This guide will walk you through exactly where to find it, how to test it, and what to do if it needs replacing.

Where Is the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2000 Ford Ranger?

The 2000 Ford Ranger has two fuse boxes: one inside the passenger compartment and one under the hood. The fuel pump relay is in the under-hood power distribution box.

Step 1: Open the hood. The power distribution box is located on the driver’s side, right next to the battery. It is a black plastic box with a removable cover .

Step 2: Remove the cover. Squeeze the tabs on the sides of the cover and lift it off. On the underside of the cover, you will find a diagram showing the location of each fuse and relay.

Step 3: Find the relay. The fuel pump relay is listed as relay number 5 (R5) in the power distribution box . It is a standard four-prong or five-prong relay, usually black in color. It is located near the PCM power relay and the starter relay.

Step 4: Identify the related fuse. The fuel pump circuit is also protected by a 20-amp mini fuse, labeled as fuse number 9 in the power distribution box. This fuse is marked "Fuel Pump Relay and RAP Module" . If the relay is working but the pump still doesn't run, check this fuse first.

How the Fuel Pump Relay Works

Understanding how the relay works makes troubleshooting much easier. The relay has four main terminals: 30, 87, 85, and 86 .

  • Terminal 30: Receives constant 12V power from the battery through the fuel pump fuse.
  • Terminal 87: Sends power out to the fuel pump (through the inertia switch).
  • Terminal 85: One side of the relay's electromagnetic coil. It receives 12V power from the EEC power relay when the key is turned on.
  • Terminal 86: The other side of the coil. This wire goes to the engine computer (PCM). The PCM grounds this terminal to activate the relay.

When you turn the key to the "ON" position, the PCM sends a ground signal to terminal 86 for about two seconds to prime the fuel system. If the engine starts and RPMs rise above 400, the PCM keeps the relay grounded, and the pump runs continuously . If the engine stalls or the key is turned off, the PCM removes the ground, and the relay opens, shutting off the pump.

Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

A faulty fuel pump relay can cause a range of problems. The most common symptoms include:

  1. Engine cranks but won’t start. This is the classic symptom. You hear the starter turning the engine over, but the engine never fires up because no fuel is reaching the injectors.
  2. No fuel pump prime noise. When you turn the key to the "ON" position, you should hear a faint whirring sound from the fuel tank for about two seconds. If you don’t hear that sound, the relay or pump may be bad.
  3. Intermittent starting issues. Sometimes the truck starts fine, and other times it won’t start at all. This points to a failing relay that works intermittently.
  4. Engine stalls while driving. If the relay fails while you are on the road, the pump will lose power, and the engine will shut off immediately.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Testing the relay is simple and only requires a few tools: a multimeter, a jumper wire, and possibly a test light.

Method 1: Listen for the Relay Click

With the key off, have a helper turn the key to the "ON" position (do not crank the engine). Place your hand on the relay. You should feel and hear a single click as the relay energizes. If you hear the click but the pump doesn't run, the relay contacts may be burned out.

Method 2: Swap the Relay

This is the easiest test. The 2000 Ford Ranger has several identical relays in the power distribution box. The horn relay, the fog lamp relay, and the A/C relay are often the same type. Simply swap the fuel pump relay with one of those other relays . If the fuel pump starts working, the original relay is bad. If the other component (like the horn) stops working, that confirms the relay was the problem.

Method 3: Use a Multimeter to Test Continuity

  1. Remove the fuel pump relay from the power distribution box.
  2. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms).
  3. Place the probes on terminals 85 and 86. You should see a resistance reading between 50 and 120 ohms. If the reading is infinite (open circuit), the relay coil is broken .
  4. To test the switch contacts, apply 12V power to terminal 85 and ground terminal 86. You should hear the relay click. Then, use the multimeter to check continuity between terminals 30 and 87. If there is no continuity, the relay contacts are burned out.

Method 4: Bypass the Relay (Temporary Test)

If you need to confirm the fuel pump itself is good, you can bypass the relay. With the key off, use a short jumper wire to connect terminal 30 and terminal 87 in the relay socket . When you turn the key to the "ON" position, the fuel pump should run continuously. If the pump runs, the wiring and pump are good, and the relay is the problem. Important: Do not drive the truck with the relay bypassed. This is a temporary test only.

Common Causes of Fuel Pump Relay Failure

Relays are electromechanical parts, and they wear out over time. The most common reasons for failure include:

  • Current overload. If the fuel pump starts drawing more current than normal (due to wear or a partial short), the relay contacts can overheat and burn out .
  • Short circuit. A short in the wiring harness or the fuel pump itself can cause a sudden current spike that destroys the relay.
  • Age and vibration. After 20+ years, the internal mechanical parts of the relay can simply wear out. The spring that opens the contacts can weaken, or the coil can break internally .
  • Corrosion. Moisture can get into the power distribution box, causing corrosion on the relay terminals. This increases resistance and generates heat, which damages the relay.

What to Do If the Relay Is Good but the Pump Still Doesn't Work

If you have tested the relay and it clicks and has continuity, but the pump still doesn't run, the problem is elsewhere in the circuit. Check these items in order:

1. Check the inertia switch. The inertia switch is a safety device that cuts power to the fuel pump in the event of a collision. On the 2000 Ford Ranger, it is located behind the passenger side kick panel, near the floor. Press the reset button on top of the switch. If it was tripped, you will hear a click, and the pump should start working .

2. Check the fuel pump fuse. As mentioned earlier, fuse number 9 in the power distribution box is a 20-amp fuse that protects the fuel pump relay circuit. If this fuse is blown, the relay will not receive power .

3. Check the wiring. Look for damaged, corroded, or loose wires at the relay socket, the inertia switch, and the fuel pump connector. The black/yellow wire from the relay to the inertia switch is a common failure point.

4. Check the ground. The fuel pump relies on a good ground connection. A poor ground can cause the pump to run slowly or not at all.

5. Test the fuel pump itself. If all the wiring checks out, the pump inside the tank may have failed. You can test it by applying 12V directly from the battery to the pump connector. If it doesn't run, it needs to be replaced.

Why Bypassing the Relay Is Not a Permanent Fix

Some owners consider bypassing the fuel pump relay so the pump runs whenever the key is on. This is a bad idea for several reasons. First, the fuel pump relay is a safety feature. If you are in an accident, the inertia switch cuts power, but if the pump is permanently wired, it will keep pumping fuel, creating a fire hazard . Second, the relay is designed to handle the pump's current draw. A direct wire bypass may overheat the wiring. Third, running the pump continuously with the key on but the engine off drains the battery. Always replace a faulty relay, never bypass it permanently.

Replacing the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the relay is the easiest part of the job. You can buy a replacement relay at any auto parts store for around $10 to $20. The Ford part number for the fuel pump relay on a 2000 Ranger is F5TZ-9K469-A, but any standard automotive relay with the same pin configuration will work .

Steps to replace the relay:

  1. Locate the power distribution box under the hood.
  2. Remove the cover.
  3. Identify relay R5 (fuel pump relay).
  4. Grasp the relay firmly and pull it straight out of the socket. You may need a relay puller tool or a pair of needle-nose pliers.
  5. Insert the new relay into the same socket. Make sure it is pushed all the way in until it clicks.
  6. Replace the cover on the power distribution box.
  7. Turn the key to the "ON" position and listen for the fuel pump to prime. It should run for two seconds and then stop.

Final tip: If you are not sure which relay is the fuel pump relay, look at the diagram on the underside of the power distribution box cover. It clearly labels each relay and fuse. If the diagram is missing or worn off, you can find a copy in your owner's manual or online.

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