2013 Ford F150 Fuel Pump Fuse Location: The Ultimate Guide

The fuse primarily responsible for the fuel pump in a 2013 Ford F150 is Fuse 27 (20A), located in the Battery Junction Box (BJB) under the hood. However, locating and understanding it requires detailed information. If your F150 won't start or struggles to run, a blown fuel pump fuse is a common and relatively easy first check before suspecting the pump itself. This guide details exactly where to find both the main fuel pump fuse and its relay, explains potential locations, and offers troubleshooting tips.

Understanding the Fuse Box Layouts
The 2013 F150 has two primary fuse panels:

  1. Battery Junction Box (BJB): This is the larger fuse and relay box located under the hood.
  2. Passenger Compartment Fuse Panel (CJB): This panel is located on the right side (passenger side) kick panel, behind a trim piece inside the cabin, near the floor.

Finding the Fuel Pump Fuse in the Engine Bay (Battery Junction Box - BJB)

  1. Locate the Box: Open the hood. The BJB is situated on the driver's side, near the firewall (the wall separating the engine compartment from the cabin). It's a large, typically black, plastic box with a lid.
  2. Open the Box: Press the clips or release tabs on the sides of the box lid and lift it off.
  3. Identify Fuse 27: Look for the fuse map printed directly on the underside of the box lid. This diagram labels every fuse and relay inside the box numerically and by function.
    • Key Information: Find the fuse labeled "27". It should have a rating of 20 Amps (20A). The description associated with it will explicitly include "Fuel Pump".
    • Physical Identification: Inside the box, the fuses are arranged in rows and columns. Locate the socket position labeled "27" on the plastic molding around the fuses. Fuse 27 is a standard Mini blade fuse. Its exact position within the array can vary slightly depending on the specific engine variant (e.g., 3.7L, 5.0L, 3.5L EcoBoost), but its numbering and function (Fuel Pump) remain consistent for the 2013 model year.
  4. Visual Inspection: Pull the fuse straight out using a fuse puller (often clipped inside the BJB lid or provided with the truck's tools) or carefully with needle-nose pliers. Hold it up to the light. Look closely at the thin metal strip running between the two plastic blades.
    • Intact Fuse: The metal strip will be continuous and unbroken.
    • Blown Fuse: The metal strip will have a visible gap or be melted/charred. This break in the circuit stops power from reaching the fuel pump.

Finding the Fuel Pump Relay in the BJB

While diagnosing a fuel pump issue, checking the relay associated with it is also prudent:

  1. Locate on Diagram: Look at the fuse map on the underside of the BJB lid.
  2. Identify the Relay: Find the relay labeled for the "Fuel Pump".
  3. Relay Identification: Relays are typically square or rectangular components larger than fuses, with 4 or 5 prongs underneath. The diagram will indicate its position by a number within a box. Common relay positions (like R01, R02, etc.) are also labeled on the box.
  4. Function: The relay acts as a high-power switch controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). When the ignition is turned on, the PCM briefly energizes the relay coil, which closes internal contacts, sending the main battery power to the fuel pump via the fuse. If the relay fails, no power reaches the fuse or the pump.

Important Considerations & Potential Confusion Points

  • Cabin Fuse Panel (CJB) Misconception: Do not look for the main fuel pump fuse in the cabin fuse panel. While the CJB contains important fuses (like for the PCM and interior electronics), the primary power feed to the fuel pump runs through the engine bay fuse box (BJB).
  • Fuse Descriptions Matter: Always rely first on the specific function ("Fuel Pump") printed on the fuse map lid, not just the fuse number "27", especially if previous owners may have altered wiring. The number is standard for 2013 F150s, but verifying the description eliminates doubt.
  • Inertia Switch: The 2013 F150 has an inertia shut-off switch located behind the passenger-side kick panel, near the CJB. This safety switch cuts power to the fuel pump in the event of a collision. If your truck recently experienced a jolt or bump, resetting this switch (simply press the reset button firmly on its top) is a crucial step if the fuse is good but the pump isn't running. While not a fuse, checking this is essential during any fuel pump no-power diagnosis.
  • Fuse 27 Powers More Than Just the Pump: Fuse 27 also powers elements of the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This interdependence means a blown fuse prevents the PCM from communicating properly and will definitely cause a no-start condition, with the pump being a primary symptom. Replacing the blown fuse is still step one.
  • What Blows the Fuse? A short to ground in the wiring harness, a failing fuel pump drawing excessive current, or very rarely, a faulty relay itself can cause the fuse to blow. If the fuse blows again immediately after replacement with a new fuse of the correct amperage (20A), you have a deeper electrical fault or a severely failing pump that must be addressed before continuing.

Troubleshooting Steps When You Suspect a Fuel Pump Fuse or Relay Issue

  1. Safety First: Park on level ground, set the parking brake firmly, and place wheel chocks if possible. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the battery to prevent accidental sparks or shorts. Wait a few minutes before proceeding (allows any residual energy to dissipate).
  2. Locate the BJB: Find the engine bay fuse box as described.
  3. Check Fuse 27: Open the BJB, use the lid diagram to locate Fuse 27, pull it out, and inspect it visually. Confirm it's a 20A fuse. Replace it with a brand new 20A Mini blade fuse if it's blown. Do not "repair" a blown fuse or substitute a higher amp fuse – this is a fire hazard.
  4. Check the Inertia Switch: After any recent impact or just as part of diagnosis, locate the inertia switch near the passenger-side floor kick panel (usually labeled or identifiable by a red button). Press the reset button firmly.
  5. Listen for the Pump: Have a helper turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (without cranking the engine). You should hear the fuel pump hum for 2-3 seconds as it pressurizes the system. This sound comes from the rear of the truck, near or on top of the fuel tank. If you hear it after replacing the fuse/resetting the inertia switch, the pump circuit is likely restored. If not, proceed.
  6. Check the Fuel Pump Relay: With the ignition in the "ON" position, listen and feel for a distinct "click" coming from the relay location identified on the BJB diagram. A clicking sound usually indicates the relay coil is being energized by the PCM. No click could point to a faulty relay, a blown PCM-related fuse (often in the cabin CJB), or an issue with the PCM command.
  7. Swap Relays: The easiest way to test the fuel pump relay is to swap it with another identical relay in the BJB that you know controls a non-critical function when the truck isn't running (e.g., the horn relay R02 or headlamp relay R03 are common choices – refer to your specific lid diagram). Pull the known-good relay, swap it into the fuel pump relay socket. Try turning the ignition on again and listen for the pump. If the pump now runs, your original fuel pump relay is faulty and needs replacing. Remember to swap the relays back after testing!
  8. Seek Professional Help: If after replacing the fuse, resetting the inertia switch, and testing/swapping the relay, you still get no fuel pump operation (no sound), the problem lies deeper. Potential causes include:
    • Faulty fuel pump motor.
    • Broken wire or corroded connector between the fuse box/relay and the pump.
    • Failed or partially failed fuel pump driver module (FPDM) – though this was more common on older F150 models.
    • A faulty PCM signal not activating the relay.
    • A blown fuse supplying power to the PCM itself (check CJB fuses).

Why Accurate Knowledge Matters

Knowing exactly where the 2013 Ford F150 fuel pump fuse location is saves significant time, frustration, and potential diagnostic costs when your truck won't start. The fuse box lid is your definitive guide within the vehicle itself, and this information aligns with Ford's official documentation for the model year. Starting with the fuse check is the fastest and most economical step. Remember that Fuse 27 (20A) in the under-hood Battery Junction Box (BJB) is the critical component powering the fuel pump, while the nearby relay controls the heavy current flow to it. Checking the inertia switch completes the essential no-power checks for the pump circuit.