2007 Ford Taurus Fuel Pump Relay: Where It Is, How to Test It, and How to Replace It

If you own a 2007 Ford Taurus and the engine cranks but will not start, the fuel pump relay is one of the first components you should check. The fuel pump relay on a 2007 Ford Taurus is located in the power distribution box under the hood, which is the main fuse box in the engine compartment. It is not labeled with the words "fuel pump relay" on the cover, so you will need to look at the diagram on the underside of the lid or consult your owner's manual to identify it. This relay is responsible for sending power to the fuel pump, and when it fails, the pump stops working, which means the engine gets no fuel and will not start. In this guide, you will learn exactly where the relay is, what symptoms a failing relay causes, how to test it, and how to replace it yourself.

Where the Fuel Pump Relay Is Located

The power distribution box on the 2007 Ford Taurus is located in the engine compartment, usually near the battery on the driver's side. Open the hood and look for a rectangular black box with a removable lid. Once you remove the lid, look at the diagram printed on the underside of the cover. According to the 2007 Ford Taurus owner's manual, the fuel pump relay is listed as position number 30 in the power distribution box. The owner's manual description for this position reads "Fuel pump relay," and the relay itself is a small, rectangular component that plugs directly into the fuse box.

It is important to note that the relay is not the same as the fuel pump fuse. The fuse for the fuel pump circuit is separate. In the 2007 Taurus, fuse number 16 in the power distribution box is rated at 20 amps and is labeled "Fuel pump relay". This fuse protects the relay circuit. If the fuse is blown, the relay will not receive power, and the fuel pump will not run. Always check both the fuse and the relay when troubleshooting a no-start condition.

The relay itself is often a standard automotive relay. On Ford vehicles of this era, the factory relay is commonly green in color, although aftermarket replacements may have a gray or black body. If you are unsure which relay is the fuel pump relay, count the positions in the fuse box or look for the relay that matches position 30 in the diagram on the lid. Do not guess, because pulling the wrong relay can lead to confusion and wasted time.

Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump Relay

A failing fuel pump relay can cause several noticeable symptoms. The most obvious one is a no-start condition. When you turn the key to the ON position, you should hear a brief whirring sound from the rear of the car as the fuel pump pressurizes the fuel system. If you do not hear this sound, the fuel pump is not receiving power, and the relay is a likely suspect.

Other symptoms include intermittent stalling. A relay that is failing may work sometimes and fail other times. This can cause the engine to stall while driving, especially under load or during acceleration. This symptom can be misleading, because it mimics problems with the ignition system or fuel injectors. If the engine loses power and dies while you are driving, and then restarts after sitting for a few minutes, the relay is a strong suspect.

You may also notice that the engine cranks but takes a long time to start. This happens when the fuel pump is not getting power consistently. When the relay finally closes, the pump pressurizes the system, but it takes longer than normal. In some cases, the relay may make a clicking sound repeatedly as it tries to engage.

A less common symptom is a faint whining or humming sound coming from the fuel tank area when you turn the ignition on. This can happen when the fuel pump is trying to engage but is not receiving full power due to a failing relay. If the pump does not engage at all, the absence of any sound from the fuel tank area is also a sign that the relay or the pump itself has failed.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Testing the fuel pump relay is a straightforward process that does not require special tools. You will need a multimeter if you want to check for continuity, but you can also do a simple swap test with another relay in the same fuse box.

1. Locate the power distribution box under the hood and remove the lid.
2. Identify the fuel pump relay, which should be in position 30 according to the owner's manual diagram.
3. Pull the relay straight out of its socket. You may need to use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry it out if it is stuck.
4. Look for a similar relay in the same fuse box. The owner's manual lists several other relays in the power distribution box, including the wiper park relay, the PCM power relay, and the fan relay. You can swap the fuel pump relay with one of these to test it.
5. Install the relay from the other circuit into the fuel pump relay socket.
6. Turn the ignition to the ON position and listen for the fuel pump. If you hear the whirring sound, the original relay was bad. If you still hear nothing, the problem is elsewhere.

If you want to test the relay with a multimeter, check for continuity between the relay's coil terminals. The relay should have four or five pins. Use the wiring diagram from the owner's manual to identify the coil pins, and apply 12 volts from a battery to energize the coil. When energized, you should hear the relay click, and continuity should exist between the switched terminals. If the relay does not click, or there is no continuity when it clicks, the relay is defective.

Another method is to check for power at the fuel pump connector. With the relay in place and the ignition ON, use a multimeter or a test light to check for voltage at the fuel pump harness connector. If there is no power, the relay or its wiring is at fault. If there is power but the pump does not run, the pump itself is the problem.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the fuel pump relay on a 2007 Ford Taurus is a simple job that takes less than five minutes. You do not need any special tools, and you do not need to disconnect the battery, although it is a good safety practice to do so.

1. Open the hood and locate the power distribution box.
2. Remove the lid and set it aside.
3. Identify the fuel pump relay in position 30.
4. Pull the relay straight out of its socket. It should come out with a firm pull. If it is stuck, gently rock it back and forth while pulling.
5. Insert the new relay into the same socket. Make sure it is pushed in all the way until it clicks into place.
6. Reinstall the power distribution box lid.
7. Turn the ignition to the ON position and listen for the fuel pump. If you hear the whirring sound, the replacement was successful.

The relay is a standard 30-amp SPST (single-pole, single-throw) relay. You can purchase a replacement from an auto parts store or online. The OEM part number for the fuel pump relay on the 2007 Ford Taurus is 5M5Z-14N089-A. This same relay is used for several other circuits in the vehicle, including the horn and the door locks. If you are not sure which relay to buy, bring the old one to the parts store and compare the pin configuration.

Other Components to Check

If you replace the relay and the fuel pump still does not run, there are a few other components to check before you assume the pump is bad.

The fuel pump shut-off switch, also called the inertia switch, is located on the right side of the trunk behind the trunk liner. This switch automatically cuts power to the fuel pump in the event of a collision. It can also be triggered by a sudden impact, such as hitting a pothole or a curb. If the switch is tripped, you will need to reset it by pressing the button on top. The owner's manual says to turn the ignition to the OFF position, check for fuel leaks, and then press the reset button.

The fuel pump driver module, or FPDM, is another component in the fuel pump circuit. This module is located in the rear of the vehicle, near the fuel tank. It controls the speed of the fuel pump and can fail, causing the same symptoms as a bad relay. The wiring diagram for the 2004-2007 Ford Taurus fuel pump circuit shows the relay, the inertia switch, the FPDM, and the fuel pump all connected in series. A failure in any one of these components will prevent the fuel pump from running.

You should also check the fuel pump fuse, which is fuse number 16 in the power distribution box. This is a 20-amp mini fuse. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same rating. If the new fuse blows immediately, there is a short circuit in the wiring, and you will need to trace the wiring harness to find the problem.

A Quick Word on the Fuel Pump Itself

If the relay tests good, the fuse is fine, the inertia switch is reset, and the FPDM is working, then the fuel pump itself is likely the problem. The fuel pump on the 2007 Ford Taurus is located inside the fuel tank. Replacing the fuel pump is a much bigger job than replacing the relay. It involves either dropping the fuel tank or cutting an access panel in the trunk floor. The average cost for a fuel pump replacement is between $916 and $1,165, including parts and labor. If you are not comfortable working on the fuel system, this is a job best left to a professional mechanic.

Preventive Maintenance

Fuel pump relays do not fail often, but they do wear out over time. This is especially true in older vehicles like the 2007 Taurus, which is now nearly two decades old. Regularly inspecting the relay and its connections for corrosion or damage can help you avoid an unexpected breakdown. If you are doing routine maintenance on the car, it is a good idea to pull the relay and check the socket for any signs of corrosion or overheating. A relay that shows signs of melting or discoloration should be replaced immediately.

If you want to avoid being stranded on the road, consider replacing the relay proactively. The part is inexpensive, and the replacement takes only a few minutes. This is a simple preventive measure that can save you from a much bigger headache later.

Where to Buy a Replacement Relay

You can buy a replacement fuel pump relay for the 2007 Ford Taurus at any auto parts store, including AutoZone, O'Reilly, or Advance Auto Parts. You can also order one online. The OEM part number is 5M5Z-14N089-A. Aftermarket relays are also available and work just as well. When you buy a relay, make sure it has the same pin configuration as the original. Most standard relays will work, but it is always safest to match the OEM specifications.

If you are also considering replacing the fuel pump itself, you may want to look at high-quality aftermarket options. One brand worth considering is KEMSO. KEMSO fuel pumps are known for their high performance and are designed as OEM replacement parts. They come with a lifetime warranty, which gives you peace of mind that the product will last. You can browse their selection of fuel pumps at https://www.kemsoracing.com/. Whether you drive a car, a motorcycle, a jet ski, or an ATV, KEMSO likely has a fuel pump that fits your vehicle. Their product lineup includes pumps for popular makes and models, and all of them are built to meet or exceed the original equipment specifications.

Final Thoughts

The fuel pump relay on a 2007 Ford Taurus is a small but critical component. When it fails, your car will not start, and you could be stranded. Knowing where the relay is, how to test it, and how to replace it can save you time and money. The relay is located in the power distribution box under the hood in position 30. You can test it by swapping it with another relay in the same box, and you can replace it in a matter of minutes with no special tools. If the relay is not the problem, check the fuse, the inertia switch, and the fuel pump driver module before assuming the fuel pump is bad. And if you do need a new fuel pump, consider a high-performance replacement from KEMSO, available at https://www.kemsoracing.com/. Their pumps are OEM replacement quality, built for performance, and backed by a lifetime warranty. Taking the time to understand your car's fuel system will keep you on the road and out of the repair shop.