2014 Ford Focus Fuel Pump Relay Location: Exactly Where to Find It (Under the Hood)

The fuel pump relay on the 2014 Ford Focus is located inside the Battery Junction Box (BJB), also commonly called the underhood fuse box or power distribution box. It's situated on the driver's side of the engine compartment, near the battery and the vehicle's firewall.

Finding the specific fuel pump relay within this box is crucial when diagnosing a no-start condition or fuel delivery problems on your Focus. While the location itself is straightforward, identifying the correct relay among the many inside the box requires careful reference to the diagram.

Understanding the Fuel Pump Relay and Why Location Matters

The fuel pump relay is a critical electrical switch. Your car's computer, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), sends a small electrical signal to activate this relay. When activated, the relay "closes" an internal circuit, allowing much larger electrical current to flow from the battery directly to the fuel pump. This high current is necessary to power the pump motor that pressurizes the fuel system.
When this relay fails, the fuel pump doesn't receive power, preventing the engine from starting or running because no fuel gets delivered to the injectors. Knowing its location is step one in diagnosing these issues yourself. A malfunctioning relay mimics the symptoms of a dead fuel pump or other significant problems, but it's a relatively inexpensive and simple part to replace – making accurate diagnosis essential before spending more money.

Locating the Battery Junction Box (BJB) - Underhood Fuse Box on Your 2014 Focus

The Battery Junction Box (BJB) is the primary fuse and relay center located in the engine compartment. Here’s precisely where to find it on your 2014 Focus:

1. Open the Hood: Release the hood latch inside your car and lift the hood completely, securing it with the prop rod if necessary.
2. Position: Stand facing the engine compartment.
3. Driver's Side Location: Look towards the back of the engine bay on the driver's side. The BJB is positioned very near the vehicle's firewall (the wall separating the engine bay from the passenger cabin) and directly adjacent to the main vehicle battery. You will notice the battery cables leading to it.
4. Identification: The BJB is a rectangular, black plastic box with a removable lid. The lid typically has raised ribs and might have "BJB" or "Battery Junction Box" embossed on it. It's larger than the passenger compartment fuse box.

How to Access and Identify the Fuel Pump Relay Within the BJB

With the BJB located, follow these steps to find the fuel pump relay itself:

1. Remove the BJB Cover: The cover is secured by plastic clips. Feel around the edges (often front and back) for these clips. Gently pry them upwards or outwards (depending on design) to release the cover and lift it off. Set it aside carefully.
2. Locate the Diagram: The underside of the BJB lid contains a detailed diagram or chart. This diagram is absolutely essential. It maps out the location and function of every fuse and relay inside the box. Diagrams vary slightly depending on vehicle trim level and factory options, so relying only on the diagram printed on the lid for your specific car is mandatory.
3. Identify the Fuel Pump Relay Label: Carefully examine the diagram. Look for labels pertaining to the fuel pump relay. Common labels found on Ford diagrams include:
   • Fuel Pump Relay
   • FP Relay
   • Fuel Pump / PCM Relay (or similar combining PCM and FP)
   • F/P (short for Fuel Pump)
4. Understand Relay Position Notation: The diagram will use a numerical grid system or position numbers printed on the plastic base of the box next to each relay/fuse socket. It might look like a chart listing "Position 1", "Position 2", etc., with their functions.
5. Match the Label to the Position: Find the label identified in Step 3 ("Fuel Pump Relay," "FP Relay," etc.) on the diagram and note the corresponding position number assigned to it (e.g., Position 4, Position 8, R07, etc.).
6. Locate the Relay Position in the Box: Look at the plastic base of the now-exposed BJB. Find the socket matching the position number identified from the diagram.
7. Recognize the Relay: The fuel pump relay is typically a small, cube-shaped component (often black, gray, or tan) plugged into a multi-pin socket. It usually looks identical to several other relays in the box (like the horn relay, cooling fan relay, etc.), except for its position and function as identified by the lid diagram. The specific relay number for replacement (like "R45" or similar) is often printed on its top surface.
   • Key Visual: It will be one of the components slightly larger than the fuses, often sharing the same form factor as relays labeled for PCM power, headlights (on some models), cooling fans, or horns.

Common Symptoms Pointing Towards Fuel Pump Relay Failure

Knowing the relay location is most useful when troubleshooting these common signs of failure:

1. Engine Cranks But Won't Start: This is the hallmark symptom. The starter turns the engine over normally, but the engine never "catches" and runs because the fuel pump isn't activating to deliver fuel.
2. Intermittent Starting Problems: The engine might start fine sometimes, but refuse to start at other times, often after the vehicle has been sitting or on a hot restart. This points to a failing relay where internal contacts are becoming unreliable.
3. No Sound from Fuel Pump at Key-On: When you turn the ignition key to the "On" position (without cranking), you should normally hear a brief humming or buzzing sound (1-2 seconds) from under the rear seats or near the fuel tank. This is the fuel pump priming the system. No sound strongly suggests an issue with power supply, relay, or the pump itself. Listen carefully or have someone listen near the rear of the car while you turn the key to "On".
4. Engine Stalls Unexpectedly: A relay failing while the engine is running can cause sudden engine stalls during operation. The engine might restart immediately after stalling, or it might refuse to start again for a period.
5. No Power to Fuel Pump Confirmed: If you can access the fuel pump wiring (often requires rear seat removal) and use a multimeter to test for voltage when the key is turned on, finding no voltage reaching the pump points to the relay (or fuse, or wiring).

Basic Steps to Test and Replace the 2014 Ford Focus Fuel Pump Relay

Once located, here's what you can do:

1. Safety First: Before touching any relays or fuses, always disconnect the negative (-) terminal of your vehicle's battery. This prevents accidental short circuits or electrical shocks.
2. The "Swap" Test: Often the easiest preliminary test. Find another relay in the BJB with the exact same part number as the one identified as the fuel pump relay. Good candidates are typically relays like the horn relay or an unused relay slot (if available and same part number - refer to your lid diagram for function). Swap the suspected fuel pump relay with this identical, known-good relay. Attempt to start the vehicle. If the problem is resolved (the car starts and runs), the original fuel pump relay is likely faulty. If the problem persists, the issue lies elsewhere (fuel pump, fuse, wiring, PCM).
3. Multimeter Testing (More Advanced): Requires a digital multimeter (DMM).
   • Voltage Test (Terminals 85/86): Set the DMM to Volts DC. With the ignition key turned to the "On" position, check for voltage across terminals 85 and 86 on the relay socket (you will need a pinout diagram for the relay or to follow the circuit tracing the coil pins from the PCM). You should see ~12V for a second when the key is turned on.
   • Voltage Test (Terminal 30): Check for constant ~12V at the terminal designated as "30" on the relay socket. This should be present at all times.
   • Circuit Test (Terminal 87): With the relay removed, check for continuity between terminal 87 on the socket and the fuel pump positive wire connection (accessible often at the top of the pump assembly, requiring rear seat removal).
   • Relay Coil Test (Resistance): Remove the relay. Set DMM to Ohms (Ω). Test resistance between terminals 85 and 86. A reading typically between 50-200 ohms indicates the coil is likely intact. Infinite resistance (OL) means a bad coil.
   • Relay Contact Test: With relay removed, set DMM to continuity (beep mode). Apply 12V from a separate source (like a 9V battery) across terminals 85 (+) and 86 (-). The relay should click audibly. Simultaneously, check continuity between terminals 30 and 87. Continuity should appear when coil voltage is applied and disappear when voltage is removed.
4. Replace a Faulty Relay:
   • Ensure the ignition is OFF and battery disconnected.
   • Grasp the relay firmly and pull it straight up and out of its socket. It might be snug.
   • Insert the new relay, ensuring it matches the orientation of the old one and the socket. Align the pins and press down firmly until it seats completely. Check the lid diagram to confirm the replacement part number and position one last time.
   • Reconnect the battery negative terminal.
   • Turn the key to "On" and listen for the fuel pump priming sound. Attempt to start the engine.

Critical Tips and Safety Precautions

• Relay Identification is Paramount: Never guess which relay is the fuel pump relay based on appearance or position without consulting the lid diagram. Removing the wrong relay can disable a critical system or cause electrical problems. Always rely solely on the diagram printed on your specific car's BJB lid.
• Battery Disconnect: Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on any electrical component to prevent shorts, sparks, damage to modules, or personal injury.
• Relay Orientation Matters: Relays are keyed and can only be inserted one way due to the pin configuration. Note the orientation of the original relay before removal and ensure the replacement goes in the same way. Forcing it can damage the socket pins or the relay.
• Buying a Replacement: Take the old relay with you to the parts store to ensure an exact match. Ford OEM relays are usually the most reliable choice. The part number (e.g., 3F2Z-14B192-AA, 5M5Z-14B192-AA, or similar variations) is usually printed on the relay housing. Aftermarket equivalents are widely available.
• Distinguish from Passenger Compartment Fuse Box: The 2014 Focus has a smaller fuse box (Smart Junction Box - SJB) inside the car, usually located low in the passenger footwell area. While it contains fuses for interior components, the fuel pump relay is NOT located here. It is only in the underhood BJB.
• Inspect the Fuse: The fuel pump relay controls power, but the fuel pump circuit also has its own fuse for protection. It is also located in the underhood BJB. The lid diagram will identify it (often labeled "Fuel Pump" or "F/P"). Before assuming the relay is bad, it's wise to visually check this fuse. A blown fuse will prevent the relay from delivering power to the pump even if the relay itself is good. A blown fuse also indicates a potential problem in the wiring or the pump that caused it to blow.
• If Problems Persist: If replacing the relay and fuse doesn't solve the problem (and you've confirmed the relay socket is getting the correct signals), the issue could be a faulty fuel pump itself, damaged wiring (especially near the fuel tank or pump access cover), a faulty fuel pump driver module (FPCM - located under the car near the tank on some models), fuel filter blockage, or an issue with the PCM command signal.

FAQs About the 2014 Ford Focus Fuel Pump Relay

1. Is it easy to change myself? Yes, replacing a relay is one of the simplest automotive electrical repairs. Finding the correct relay using the lid diagram and pulling it out carefully are the key steps. Always disconnect the battery first.
2. How much does a new fuel pump relay cost? Fuel pump relays are generally inexpensive. Expect to pay between $10and$30 USD for a quality replacement relay, either OEM Ford or major aftermarket brand.
3. Can I drive with a failing fuel pump relay? It's not safe. A failing relay can cause sudden stalling while driving, which could lead to an accident, especially in traffic or hazardous situations. Get it diagnosed and replaced as soon as symptoms appear.
4. Why did my fuel pump relay fail? Relays eventually wear out due to age, heat cycling in the engine bay, or simply bad luck. Switching the large current needed for the fuel pump causes internal contact erosion over time. Using poor quality relays can also lead to premature failure.
5. Are the relays interchangeable within the box? Only if they have the exact same part number and the socket is designed for the same function. Swapping identical relay types (like the horn relay) temporarily for testing is common practice. However, permanently installing a different relay, even if it physically fits, can cause malfunctions.
6. Where can I find the diagram if my lid is missing? Your best options are the official Ford Owner's Manual (which often includes basic BJB layouts), searching online forums with your specific VIN or build date details, or purchasing a Ford Workshop Manual (like a Helm manual). Reputable online auto parts retailer fuse box diagrams can also be a resource, but cross-reference carefully.
7. What happens if I put the relay in backward? Relays generally won't fit if forced in backward. The pins are usually offset or of different sizes. If somehow installed incorrectly, it could damage the relay, blow a fuse, or cause a short circuit. Always align the relay to match the socket's keying.
8. Can a bad fuel pump cause the relay to fail? Indirectly, yes. A fuel pump drawing excessive current (due to it failing or being blocked/siezing) can overload the circuit, causing the relay contacts to overheat, weld together, or burn out, and potentially also blowing the fuel pump fuse. Repeated relay failure can be a symptom of a failing pump.

Knowing exactly where to find the fuel pump relay in your 2014 Ford Focus BJB empowers you to tackle a common no-start problem quickly and cost-effectively. Remember the mantra: Locate the Underhood Box, Remove the Lid, Consult the Diagram. By following the steps to safely test and replace a potentially faulty relay, you can save yourself the hassle and expense of a tow truck or unnecessary repairs. Always confirm the diagnosis, start with the simple checks (fuse and relay swap), and proceed safely.