07 Expedition Fuel Pump Driver Module Location: Find & Replace It Yourself (Step-by-Step Guide)
The Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM) on a 2007 Ford Expedition is located inside the vehicle, on the passenger side rear inner quarter panel, directly behind the spare tire. You MUST remove the spare tire to access the rectangular metal panel covering it.
If your 2007 Ford Expedition is experiencing hard starting, stalling, or a complete failure to start, the Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM) is a prime suspect. Knowing its precise location is half the battle in diagnosing or replacing this critical component. Located inside the cabin for this model year, accessing it involves specific steps focused around the rear cargo area.
Why the Fuel Pump Driver Module Matters (and Where It Went in 2007)
The FPDM is an electronic control unit that acts as the middle manager for your Expedition’s fuel pump. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) sends a signal telling it how much power the fuel pump needs. The FPDM then takes that command and delivers the actual high-current power required to run the pump at the correct speed, ensuring proper fuel pressure to the engine. Early Expeditions had the module mounted externally on the frame rail. Ford moved the FPDM inside the vehicle on the 2007 model specifically to protect it from water, road salt, debris, and physical damage common on exterior locations. The most common failure points are internal electrical component breakdown due to heat cycles and, crucially for older vehicles, corrosion damage to the electrical connectors or mounting surface caused by internal moisture or spills, especially in regions using road salt.
Symptoms Pointing to a Faulty 2007 Expedition FPDM
Recognizing these common symptoms can help determine if locating and inspecting/replacing the FPDM is necessary:
- Engine Cranks But Won’t Start: The most frequent symptom. You hear the starter turning the engine over, but the engine never fires up because no fuel is reaching the injectors.
- Engine Stalls While Driving: Sudden, unexpected loss of power and engine shutoff, often while at speed. The engine may restart after cooling down briefly.
- Intermittent Starting Problems: The engine sometimes starts fine, other times it cranks excessively before starting, or fails to start altogether. This can worsen over time.
- Hesitation or Lack of Power: Reduced fuel pressure can cause noticeable power loss, especially during acceleration or going uphill.
- No Fuel Pump Prime Sound: When you turn the key to the "ON" position (without starting the engine), you should hear a distinct whirring/humming from the rear fuel tank area for 2-3 seconds. The absence of this sound often points to a problem within the fuel pump circuit, including the FPDM, fuel pump relay, fuse, or the pump itself. Important: Verify by having someone else turn the key while you listen carefully near the rear of the truck.
Detailed Location: Getting to the 2007 Expedition FPDM
- Safety First: Park the Expedition on a level surface and engage the parking brake firmly. Disconnect the NEGATIVE (-) battery cable. This prevents accidental short circuits during work.
- Remove the Rear Cargo Mat/Carpeting: Lift any mats or carpeting covering the load floor in the very rear of the cargo area. Roll or move them out of the way.
- Locate the Spare Tire Winch Access: Look for the small rectangular or circular plastic access cover near the center-rear of the load floor, just behind the rear seats.
- Lower the Spare Tire: Remove the access cover. Insert the long lug wrench or the provided jack handle into the square opening. Turn the wrench counterclockwise (left) to lower the spare tire. Keep turning until the tire cable is fully slack. Manually lift the spare tire out of the cargo area and set it aside safely – accessing the FPDM is IMPOSSIBLE with the spare tire in place.
- Identify the FPDM Access Panel: With the spare tire removed, look along the passenger side inner rear quarter panel. You will see a roughly rectangular (approx. 1 foot by 2 feet) metal panel. It is secured by several (usually 5-8) small Torx-head bolts (size T30 is most common).
- Remove the Access Panel Bolts: Use a T30 Torx bit/socket to carefully remove all bolts securing the metal panel. Place the bolts somewhere safe. Caution: These bolts can be very tight, and some may be slightly rusty depending on climate. Apply penetrating oil beforehand if needed. Avoid letting bolts drop into the vehicle body.
- Remove the Access Panel: Carefully lift the metal panel straight up to remove it. Be mindful not to snag any hidden wiring. Set the panel aside.
- Locate the FPDM: Look at the exposed vehicle structure. You will see the Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM) bolted against the body sheet metal. It’s a small, black plastic or metal electronic box, roughly the size of a deck of cards or a small bar of soap. It will have a single, significant electrical connector plugged into it (usually a rectangular connector with locking tabs).
- Locate the Nearby Ground Stud: Crucially, the FPDM mounts onto a dedicated metal stud welded to the vehicle body. This stud is the module's essential electrical ground connection. The module is secured by a single nut (commonly 10mm) that threads onto this stud. Note: Heavy corrosion on this stud is a very frequent cause of FPDM failure. Clean it thoroughly during replacement.
Steps for Replacing the 2007 Expedition FPDM
- Disconnect the Electrical Connector: Pinch or push the locking tabs on the connector and firmly pull it straight off the module. Do not pull on the wires. Inspect the connector terminals inside for any corrosion or bent pins (a small flashlight helps). Clean with electrical contact cleaner if needed.
- Remove the Mounting Nut: Locate the ground stud where the FPDM attaches. Using the appropriate size socket wrench (usually 10mm), unscrew and remove the securing nut. Keep this nut safe.
- Remove the Old Module: The FPDM is now held only by its attachment to the metal backing plate or stud via its mounting bracket. Wiggle it gently to free it from its mounting location. Lift the module away.
- Prepare the Mounting Location: CRITICAL STEP: Before installing the new module, thoroughly inspect and clean the metal ground stud and the surrounding mounting area on the vehicle body. Remove ALL rust, paint, or debris using a wire brush or scraper until bare, shiny metal is achieved. Apply a small amount of electrical contact grease or anti-corrosion compound (like dielectric grease sparingly on the stud, avoiding getting it inside the hole). A clean ground is essential for the new module to function correctly and prevent premature failure. Also, clean the flat surface where the module itself mounts.
- Install the New Module: Position the new FPDM into its mounting location, aligning the hole in its bracket with the cleaned ground stud. Ensure it sits flat against the vehicle body.
- Secure with Mounting Nut: Place the mounting nut onto the ground stud and tighten it securely with the wrench. Do not overtighten and risk breaking the stud.
- Reconnect the Electrical Connector: Align the connector correctly with the module’s plug. Push it firmly straight in until you hear and feel the locking tabs click into place. Give a gentle tug to ensure it is secure.
- Test Before Final Reassembly (Optional but Recommended): Temporarily reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (don't start the engine). You should hear the new fuel pump run for 2-3 seconds. If you don’t hear it, turn the key off and back on 2-3 more times. If you still hear nothing, double-check connections and the fuse (see below). Note: A single prime cycle might be silent if the system retained pressure. Hearing the prime sound at least once confirms basic operation.
- Reinstall the Metal Access Panel: Place the metal panel back into position. Carefully insert all the Torx bolts and tighten them firmly by hand. Avoid over-tightening which can strip the sheet metal threads. A cross-pattern tightening sequence helps ensure an even fit.
- Reinstall the Spare Tire: Carefully lift the spare tire back into the spare tire well. Insert the winch cable hook into the tire’s center hole. Insert the lug wrench/jack handle into the access hole and turn it clockwise (right) to raise the tire securely back into its stowed position. Listen for the click or feel when the winch mechanism locks the tire firmly in place. Replace the small plastic access cover.
- Replace Carpeting/Mats: Put the cargo area carpeting or mats back into their original position.
- Start the Engine: Turn the key to start the engine. It should start normally. Let the engine run for a few minutes, checking for any leaks (though internal FPDM replacement shouldn’t cause fuel leaks) and ensuring idle is smooth.
Troubleshooting & Tips
- Check Fuse First! Always verify Fuse #45 (30 Amp Mini fuse) in the Battery Junction Box (BJB - under the hood) before assuming the FPDM is bad. A blown fuse will cause identical "no fuel pump" symptoms. Replace the fuse if blown, but investigate why it blew (could indicate a short circuit fault).
- Ground Connection is Key: Failure to clean the ground stud meticulously is the single biggest mistake during replacement. Poor ground causes immediate or rapid failure of the new module. Don’t skip this step!
- Use Quality Parts: While Motorcraft (Ford’s OEM brand) is recommended, aftermarket brands like Standard Motor Products (SMP), Bosch, and Delphi generally offer reliable replacements at a lower cost than the dealership. Avoid the cheapest no-name parts.
- No Programming Needed: The FPDM is a simple module and does not require any programming after replacement.
- Dealing with Rust: Bolts securing the access panel can seize. Apply penetrating oil liberally and allow it to soak before attempting removal. Use the correct size Torx bit to avoid stripping the heads. Rounded Torx bolts can be extremely difficult to remove.
- Listen for the Pump: If you don’t hear the pump prime after replacement and you’ve confirmed the fuse is good and connections are secure, the issue could lie elsewhere: the fuel pump relay (also in the BJB), the fuel pump itself (located inside the tank), or wiring damage between the FPDM and the fuel pump.
- If the Truck Still Won't Start: After ensuring FPDM replacement and fuse are correct, the fuel pump itself or its wiring harness within the tank could be the culprit. Diagnosing this requires more invasive steps.
Knowing exactly where to find the 2007 Expedition Fuel Pump Driver Module (inside, passenger rear quarter panel, behind the spare tire) and following the detailed steps for access and replacement empowers you to solve this common failure efficiently. Paying meticulous attention to the ground connection cleaning dramatically increases the longevity of the repair. By tackling this job yourself, you save significant money and gain valuable insight into your vehicle’s vital fuel delivery system.