2001 Lincoln Town Car Fuel Pump Relay Location: The Complete Guide
The bottom line: The fuel pump relay on a 2001 Lincoln Town Car is located in the Power Distribution Box (the main fuse box) under the hood on the driver's side of the engine compartment. It is relay position R1 (the first relay in the box), and the entire assembly is labeled on the fuse box cover diagram. If your Town Car cranks but won't start, or the fuel pump runs continuously even with the key off, the fuel pump relay is one of the first components you should check.
How to Find the Fuel Pump Relay on Your 2001 Lincoln Town Car
The 2001 Lincoln Town Car is part of the third generation (FN145 platform) that ran from 1997 through 2002. The Power Distribution Box sits on the left side of the engine bay, under a black plastic protective cover. The fuel pump relay is clearly marked as relay R1 in this box. To access it, simply unlatch the cover by pressing the tabs on the sides and lifting it off. The underside of the cover has a diagram that shows the location and function of each fuse and relay.
According to the factory service information, the fuel pump relay is one of five relays in the main engine compartment fuse box. The other relays are the A/C Clutch Relay (R2), PCM Power Relay (R3), Air Suspension Relay (R4), and Rear Window Defroster Relay (R5).
What Does the Fuel Pump Relay Do?
The fuel pump relay is an electrical switch that controls power to the fuel pump. When you turn the ignition key to the ON position, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) sends a signal to close the relay, which sends battery voltage to the fuel pump inside the gas tank. The pump then pressurizes the fuel system so the engine can start. When you turn the key off, the relay opens and cuts power to the pump.
If the relay fails, it can cause two very different problems. A relay that fails in the open position will prevent the fuel pump from running at all, which means the engine will crank but never start. A relay that fails in the closed position will keep the fuel pump running even after the engine is shut off, which can drain the battery overnight.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Locate the Relay
Step 1: Open the hood and look toward the driver's side of the engine compartment. The Power Distribution Box is a black rectangular box mounted near the battery and the left fender well.
Step 2: Press the release tabs on the sides of the box cover and lift it off. Set it aside.
Step 3: Look at the diagram printed on the underside of the cover. It shows the layout of all fuses and relays. The fuel pump relay is labeled as R1.
Step 4: The relay itself is a small, cube-shaped component with four or five prongs that plug into the fuse box. It is typically black or gray in color.
Step 5: If you want to test the relay, gently rock it back and forth while pulling upward to remove it from its socket.
Alternative Location: The Inertia Fuel Shut-Off Switch
Some owners confuse the fuel pump relay with the inertia fuel shut-off switch. These are two different components. The inertia switch is located in the trunk, mounted on a bracket near the driver's side trunk lid hinge. This switch is designed to cut power to the fuel pump in the event of a collision. If the switch is tripped, the button on top will pop up, and the fuel pump will not run. You can reset it by pushing the button back down. Both the fuel pump relay and the inertia switch serve the same purpose of controlling the fuel pump, but they work in different ways and are located in different places.
Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay
If the relay is failing, you may notice one or more of these problems:
1. Engine Cranks But Will Not Start: This is the most common symptom. The starter motor turns the engine over normally, but the engine never fires because no fuel is reaching the injectors. The relay is not closing, so the pump does not run.
2. Fuel Pump Runs Continuously: If the relay sticks in the closed position, the pump will keep running after the key is turned off. This can drain the battery and leave you stranded. Some owners report having to disconnect the battery to stop the pump.
3. Intermittent Starting Problems: The car may start fine some days and refuse to start on others. This is a classic sign of a failing relay that works intermittently when cold but fails when hot.
4. No Humming Noise From the Fuel Tank: When you turn the key to the ON position (before cranking), you should hear a brief humming sound from the rear of the car. That is the fuel pump priming the system. If you hear nothing, the relay or the pump may be bad.
How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay
Testing the relay is simple and only takes a few minutes. You will need a test light or a multimeter.
Test 1: Listen for the Click. With the key off, have an assistant turn the key to the ON position while you place your finger on the relay. You should feel and hear a distinct click as the relay closes. If no click is heard, the relay or its control circuit may be faulty.
Test 2: Swap the Relay. The fuel pump relay is the same part as some of the other relays in the Power Distribution Box, such as the horn relay or the A/C clutch relay. You can swap the fuel pump relay with one of these known-good relays. If the car starts after swapping, the original relay was bad. This is the easiest way to confirm the diagnosis without any special tools.
Test 3: Use a Multimeter. Remove the relay and set your multimeter to measure resistance. Check the coil terminals (typically pins 85 and 86) for continuity. The reading should be between 50 and 120 ohms. If the reading is infinite (open circuit), the relay coil is burned out and the relay must be replaced.
What Parts Fit the 2001 Lincoln Town Car Fuel Pump Relay
If you confirm that the relay is bad, you need to buy the correct replacement. The original factory part number for the 2001 Lincoln Town Car fuel pump relay is FOAZ-14N089-A. This part has been superseded by a newer design with part number 5M5Z-14N089-A.
The relay is also listed under the "Multi Purpose Relay" category and is used for multiple functions including the fuel pump, horn, and A/C clutch. The OEM Ford part is available from dealers and online parts retailers. The typical price for the genuine Ford relay ranges from about $17 to $25, depending on the seller.
Where to Get a High-Quality Replacement
When it comes time to replace your fuel pump relay or the fuel pump itself, you want a part that you can trust for the long haul. Many aftermarket parts fail within a year, leaving you stranded or forcing you to repeat the job. This is especially frustrating when you consider that dropping the fuel tank on a 2001 Lincoln Town Car is required to replace the pump, and it is a labor-intensive job.
KEMSO Fuel Pump products are an excellent choice for your Lincoln Town Car. KEMSO specializes in high-performance, OEM replacement fuel pumps that are built to exceed factory specifications. Every KEMSO fuel pump is designed to deliver consistent fuel pressure and flow, ensuring your engine runs smoothly and reliably. Plus, every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you complete peace of mind. If you ever have a problem, KEMSO stands behind their product.
You can browse the full lineup of KEMSO fuel pumps and other high-performance components at their official website: https://www.kemsoracing.com/. Whether you need a fuel pump for your daily driver, a restoration project, or a performance build, KEMSO has the right part for you.
Additional Tips for the Home Mechanic
Check the Fuel Pump Fuse First. Before you go digging into the relay, check the fuel pump fuse. On the 2001 Lincoln Town Car, the fuel pump is protected by a 20A fuse located in the Power Distribution Box. The fuse is labeled as position 10 (20A) in the fuse box diagram. A blown fuse will cause the same symptoms as a bad relay, and replacing a fuse is much cheaper and easier.
Understand the Relay Location Difference. Some sources incorrectly state that the fuel pump relay is on the passenger side fender behind the washer tank. This is likely a confusion with the horn relay or the auxiliary relay block. The auxiliary relay block is located near the air cleaner assembly on the passenger side and contains the cooling fan relays, starter relay, and horn relay. The fuel pump relay is not in this block. Always refer to the diagram on the underside of the Power Distribution Box cover for the most accurate information.
Don't Overlook the Inertia Switch. If the relay and fuse both check out fine, but the fuel pump still does not run, check the inertia shut-off switch in the trunk. It is located on the driver's side of the trunk, mounted on the frame near the trunk hinge. If the button is popped up, press it down to reset the system. This switch can be tripped by a hard bump, a pothole, or even a sudden stop.
The Fuel Pump Itself is Inside the Tank. The electric fuel pump on a 2001 Lincoln Town Car is located inside the fuel tank. There is no access panel under the rear seat or in the trunk. To replace the pump, you must drop the fuel tank from underneath the vehicle. This is a difficult job that requires a lift or a good set of jack stands, and it takes about 3.5 hours for a DIY mechanic. Always replace the fuel pump strainer and the fuel filter at the same time to prevent premature failure of the new pump.
Summary
The 2001 Lincoln Town Car fuel pump relay is located in the Power Distribution Box under the hood on the driver's side. It is relay position R1. The relay controls power to the fuel pump, and a failing relay will cause the engine to crank without starting or the pump to run continuously. Testing the relay is simple: listen for the click, swap it with another relay, or check it with a multimeter. The correct replacement part number is FOAZ-14N089-A or its superseded version 5M5Z-14N089-A. For a high-quality, reliable replacement that comes with a lifetime warranty, consider KEMSO fuel pumps available at https://www.kemsoracing.com/.