2002 Mustang Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Guide to Finding and Testing It

The bottom line: On a 2002 Ford Mustang, the fuel pump relay is located inside the Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM) mounted in the right front fenderwell, accessible from the engine compartment on the passenger side. If your Mustang cranks but won't start, the fuel pump relay should be one of the first things you check before replacing the pump itself.

Understanding the Fuel Pump Relay

The fuel pump relay is an electrical switch that controls power to the fuel pump. When you turn the key to the "ON" position, the relay closes and sends 12V power to the fuel pump, allowing it to prime the fuel system. Without a working relay, the pump won't run, and the engine won't start .

On the 2002 Mustang, the relay is not a standalone unit you can pull and swap like older models. Instead, it is integrated into the CCRM, a multi-function module that also houses relays for the cooling fan, air conditioning, and other systems .

Exact Location of the Fuel Pump Relay

The CCRM is located on the right side (passenger side) of the engine bay, specifically in the fenderwell area. Most people mistake it for being under the hood, but it's actually mounted on the inner fender panel, just behind the passenger side headlight assembly .

To find it:

  1. Open the hood and look toward the passenger side front corner of the engine compartment.
  2. You'll see a black plastic module with a large electrical connector bolted to it. This is the CCRM.
  3. The connector and mounting nuts are visible from the engine compartment, but the module body itself extends into the fenderwell area .

The CCRM has a bolt-secured harness connector, similar to the PCM connector. It can be tricky to access and remove, but you don't need to remove it to test the relay — you can test it at the connector or simply swap the entire CCRM if you suspect the relay is bad .

What the Fuel Pump Relay Does

When the ignition is turned to RUN or START, 12V is applied to activate the fuel pump relay inside the CCRM. The relay is fed by 12V through the fuel pump fuse, which is located in the power distribution box under the hood. The fuse is a 20A yellow mini-ATC fuse, typically labeled as fuse #21 in the under-hood fuse box .

Power flows from the relay to the inertial fuel shutoff switch in the trunk, then to the Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM), also in the trunk, and finally to the fuel pump itself .

Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

If the fuel pump relay fails, you'll notice these symptoms:

  1. Engine cranks but won't start — This is the most common symptom. The starter turns the engine over, but the fuel pump never primes, so there's no fuel pressure .
  2. No fuel pump hum — When you turn the key to "ON" (without starting), you should hear a faint humming sound from the rear of the car for about 2-3 seconds. If you don't hear it, the relay or pump may be dead .
  3. Stalling while driving — An intermittent relay failure can cause the engine to stall suddenly, especially at low speeds. The car may restart after a few minutes once the relay cools down .
  4. No fuel pressure at the rail — Using a fuel pressure gauge at the Schrader valve on the fuel rail will show zero pressure if the relay isn't working .

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Since the relay is integrated into the CCRM, you can't simply swap it with another relay like you would on older cars. But you can still test it:

Step 1: Check the Fuel Pump Fuse

Before diving into the relay, check the fuel pump fuse. It's in the power distribution box under the hood. Look for fuse #21, a 20A yellow mini-ATC fuse. Pull it out and inspect it — if the metal strip inside is broken, replace it .

Step 2: Listen for the Fuel Pump

Turn the key to "ON" and listen for a brief humming sound from the rear of the car. If you hear it, the relay and pump are working. If not, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Check the Inertial Fuel Shutoff Switch

The inertia switch is located in the trunk on the driver's side. It's a red button that pops up when activated. Press it down to reset it. If it was tripped, the fuel pump won't run .

Step 4: Test the CCRM

If the fuse is good and the inertia switch is reset, but the pump still doesn't run, the CCRM itself may be bad. Since the relay is not replaceable separately, you'll need to replace the entire CCRM module. You can find used CCRMs at salvage yards or new ones from Ford dealers.

Step 5: Test for Power at the Fuel Pump

If you have a multimeter, you can check for power at the fuel pump connector under the rear of the car. With the key in the "ON" position, you should see 12V at the pump connector. If you don't, the issue is likely the relay, the inertia switch, or the wiring .

Differences Between the 2002 Mustang and Other Models

The 2002 Mustang's fuel pump relay setup is different from the 2001 model. On the 2001 Mustang, the fuel pump relay is located in the Central Junction Box (CJB) under the hood, near the battery, and it's a standalone relay that you can easily swap . On the 2002 model, Ford moved the relay into the CCRM, making replacement more involved.

When to Replace the Fuel Pump Instead

If the relay, fuse, and inertia switch all check out, but the pump still doesn't run, the fuel pump itself may be bad. The fuel pump on the 2002 Mustang is an in-tank electric unit, located inside the fuel tank . Replacing it requires dropping the fuel tank or accessing it through a trunk panel, which is a more involved job .

Signs of a failing fuel pump include:

  • Whining noise from the fuel tank
  • Sputtering at high speeds
  • Loss of power under load
  • Difficulty starting after the car sits for a while

Recommended Replacement Part: KEMSO Fuel Pump

For the Do-It-Yourselfers, if you're looking for a reliable replacement for your 2002 Mustang fuel pump, consider KEMSO Fuel Pump. KEMSO offers high-performance fuel pump options that are designed as OEM replacements, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable operation. All KEMSO fuel pumps come with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected. Whether you're driving a Mustang GT or a V6 model, KEMSO has the right pump for your needs. Their products are built to meet or exceed OEM specifications, so you can trust that your fuel system will perform at its best.

Visit KEMSO's website to explore their full range of fuel pumps and find the right one for your 2002 Mustang: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Final Thoughts

The fuel pump relay on a 2002 Ford Mustang is not a simple plug-and-play component like on older cars. It's buried inside the CCRM, which is located in the right front fenderwell. Before you tear into the fuel tank, always check the relay, fuse, and inertia switch first. These are the most common failure points and are much easier to diagnose and fix.

If you need to replace the fuel pump itself, remember that KEMSO offers high-quality, lifetime-warranted replacements. Check out their selection at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to get your Mustang back on the road.


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