2000 Lincoln LS Fuel Pump Fuse: Location, Replacement, and Troubleshooting Guide
If your 2000 Lincoln LS is having trouble starting, stalling, or losing power while driving, the fuel pump fuse is one of the first things you should check. The fuel pump fuse for the 2000 Lincoln LS is located in the rear power distribution box, which is in the trunk under the spare tire well cover. It is a 15-amp mini fuse, and it is number 17 in that fuse box. If that fuse is blown, the fuel pump will not receive power, and the engine will not run. However, there are also other components, like the fuel pump relay and the fuel pump shut-off switch, that can cause similar problems. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the fuel pump fuse, relay, and related systems on your 2000 Lincoln LS.
Understanding the Fuel Pump Fuse Location
The 2000 Lincoln LS has three separate fuse boxes: the passenger compartment fuse panel, the front power distribution box under the hood, and the rear power distribution box in the trunk. The fuel pump fuse is not in the passenger compartment or under the hood. It is specifically in the rear power distribution box.
To access the rear power distribution box, follow these steps:
- Open the trunk.
- Lift up the spare tire cover (the carpeted panel that covers the spare tire well).
- You will see the fuse box mounted near the battery. It is usually covered by a plastic lid.
- Remove the lid to access the fuses and relays.
Once you have the rear power distribution box open, look for fuse number 17. According to the official owner's manual and multiple fuse box diagrams, this is a 15-amp mini fuse labeled "Fuel Pump". The fuse itself is a small, white plastic piece with a metal strip running through it. If the metal strip is broken, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
What Does the Fuel Pump Fuse Do?
The fuel pump fuse is a safety device that protects the electrical circuit for the fuel pump. If there is a short circuit or an overload in the fuel pump wiring or the pump itself, the fuse will blow to prevent damage to the wiring or a fire. When the fuse is blown, the fuel pump will not receive any electrical power, and the engine will not start or will stall if it was running.
How to Test and Replace the Fuel Pump Fuse
Testing the fuel pump fuse is simple. You can do it with a test light or a multimeter, or you can just visually inspect the fuse.
Visual Inspection:
- Remove the fuse from the box using a fuse puller tool (usually provided on the fuse box cover) or a pair of needle-nose pliers.
- Hold the fuse up to a light. Look through the clear plastic body. You should see a continuous metal strip connecting the two prongs. If the strip is broken or melted, the fuse is blown.
- If the fuse looks good, you can also test it with a multimeter set to continuity mode. Place one probe on each prong. If you hear a beep, the fuse is good.
Replacement:
- If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new 15-amp mini fuse. Do not use a fuse with a higher amperage rating, as this can cause wire damage and start a fire.
- Push the new fuse firmly into the slot.
- Replace the cover on the fuse box and the spare tire cover.
- Start the car to see if the problem is resolved.
The Fuel Pump Relay: Another Key Component
If the fuse is good but the fuel pump is still not working, the next thing to check is the fuel pump relay. The fuel pump relay is also located in the rear power distribution box, in the trunk. It is relay number 007. According to some sources, this relay is the one that is by itself in the box.
The relay is a small, black box that clicks when it engages. It acts as a switch that sends power to the fuel pump when the ignition is turned on. If the relay fails, the fuel pump will not get power even if the fuse is good.
How to test the fuel pump relay:
- Locate relay 007 in the rear power distribution box.
- You can test it by swapping it with another relay of the same type in the box (like the horn relay or fog lamp relay). If the fuel pump starts working after the swap, the relay was bad.
- Alternatively, you can use a multimeter to test for power at the relay terminals. With the ignition on, you should see battery voltage on one of the relay's input terminals.
The Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch: A Common Overlooked Issue
One unique feature of the 2000 Lincoln LS is the fuel pump shut-off switch. This is a safety device designed to cut power to the fuel pump in the event of a collision. If the switch is triggered, the engine will crank but not start. This is a very common cause of no-start conditions after an accident or even a hard bump.
Location:
The fuel pump shut-off switch is located in the driver's foot well, behind the kick panel on the left side. The reset button is accessible through an opening in the kick panel.
How to reset the shut-off switch:
- Turn the ignition to the OFF position.
- Check the fuel system for any signs of leaks. If you see or smell fuel, do not proceed. Call a mechanic.
- If no fuel leak is apparent, push in the reset button on the shut-off switch. You should feel a click.
- Turn the ignition to the RUN position (not start). Listen for the fuel pump to prime. It should make a humming sound for a few seconds.
- Turn the key back to OFF, then try to start the engine.
- If the engine starts, check for fuel leaks again.
Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Fuse or Relay
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, the fuel pump fuse or relay could be the culprit:
- Engine cranks but does not start: This is the most common symptom. The starter motor turns the engine over, but there is no fuel pressure to start the combustion process.
- Engine stalls while driving: If the fuse blows or the relay fails while you are driving, the engine will suddenly lose power and stall.
- No sound from the fuel pump when turning the key: When you turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (before starting), you should hear a brief humming sound from the rear of the car. This is the fuel pump pressurizing the system. If you do not hear this sound, the pump is not getting power.
- Loss of power under load: If the fuse is partially blown or the relay is intermittent, the fuel pump may not get enough voltage to maintain proper fuel pressure, causing the car to hesitate or lose power when accelerating.
Other Fuses Related to the Fuel System
While the fuel pump fuse is number 17 in the rear power distribution box, there are other fuses in the vehicle that are related to the fuel system. Knowing these can help you with broader diagnostics.
In the passenger compartment fuse panel (located on the right-hand side kick panel), fuse number 4 is a 5-amp fuse that powers the "Cluster, PCM Relay, Fuel Pump Relay, REM, Transit Relay". This fuse is not for the fuel pump itself, but it powers the control modules that operate the fuel pump relay. If this fuse is blown, the fuel pump relay may not engage.
In the front power distribution box (under the hood), fuse number 5 is a 20-amp fuse for the "Fuel Injectors". While this is not the fuel pump fuse, fuel injectors are part of the fuel delivery system. If this fuse is blown, the injectors will not spray fuel, and the engine will not run.
What to Do If the Fuse Keeps Blowing
If you replace the fuel pump fuse and it blows again immediately or after a short time, there is a deeper electrical problem. This typically means there is a short circuit in the fuel pump wiring or the fuel pump itself is drawing too much current. Here are the steps to diagnose this:
- Inspect the wiring: Look at the wiring harness that runs to the fuel pump. It is located under the rear seat or in the trunk area. Check for any damaged, frayed, or pinched wires.
- Check the fuel pump: A failing fuel pump can draw excessive current and cause the fuse to blow. If the pump is old or has internal damage, it may need to be replaced.
- Check for water damage: If the trunk has been exposed to water, the rear power distribution box could have corrosion, causing short circuits.
- Consult a professional: If you cannot find the source of the short, it is best to have a qualified mechanic inspect the fuel system and electrical system. A blown fuse is a symptom, not the root cause.
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Checklist
If your 2000 Lincoln LS is not starting or is stalling, follow this checklist in order:
Step 1: Check the Fuel Pump Shut-Off Switch
- Go to the driver's foot well and press the reset button. This is the quickest and easiest thing to check.
Step 2: Check the Fuel Pump Fuse
- Open the trunk, remove the spare tire cover, and find fuse number 17 in the rear power distribution box. Inspect it visually or test it with a multimeter. Replace if blown.
Step 3: Check the Fuel Pump Relay
- Locate relay 007 in the same fuse box. Swap it with a known good relay of the same type. If the car starts, the relay was bad.
Step 4: Listen for the Fuel Pump
- Turn the ignition to the "ON" position. Listen for a humming sound from the rear of the car. If you hear it, the pump is getting power. If not, proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Check the Passenger Compartment Fuse
- Check fuse number 4 in the passenger compartment fuse panel. This 5-amp fuse powers the fuel pump relay control circuit.
Step 6: Test for Power at the Fuel Pump
- If you have a multimeter and are comfortable working with electrical systems, you can test for power at the fuel pump connector. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank. You will need to access the fuel pump module, usually under the rear seat.
Why You Should Consider a KEMSO Fuel Pump Replacement
If you have gone through all the diagnostics and determined that the fuel pump itself is the problem, you will need to replace it. This is a common repair on vehicles with high mileage. When choosing a replacement, quality matters. A cheap, low-quality fuel pump can fail quickly, leaving you stranded.
KEMSO Fuel Pumps are an excellent choice for your 2000 Lincoln LS. They are designed as high-performance, direct OEM replacements. This means they fit perfectly and perform just like the original pump, or better. Every KEMSO fuel pump is built to strict quality standards, ensuring consistent fuel pressure and flow. This is critical for the smooth operation of your engine.
One of the best things about KEMSO is their Lifetime Warranty. If your KEMSO fuel pump ever fails due to a manufacturing defect, they will replace it for free. This gives you total peace of mind. You do not have to worry about the cost of a replacement pump again.
To find the perfect KEMSO fuel pump for your 2000 Lincoln LS, visit their official website: https://www.kemsoracing.com/ . They have a broad catalog of parts for many makes and models, and their customer support team can help you confirm compatibility. Choosing KEMSO means you are getting a reliable, high-quality product that is backed by a company that stands behind its work.
Final Thoughts
Diagnosing a no-start or stalling issue on a 2000 Lincoln LS does not have to be complicated. Start with the simplest checks: the fuel pump shut-off switch in the driver's foot well, then the 15-amp fuel pump fuse (number 17) in the trunk, and then the fuel pump relay (number 007). These three components are the most common causes of fuel delivery problems.
If you replace the fuse and it blows again, there is a deeper issue that needs professional attention. Do not ignore a repeatedly blown fuse, as it can lead to more serious electrical damage or even a fire.
For a reliable, long-lasting repair, invest in a quality replacement fuel pump. KEMSO Fuel Pumps offer the performance, reliability, and warranty you need to get your Lincoln back on the road with confidence. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ today to see their full lineup of high-performance fuel pumps.