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Where is the fuel pump relay on a 1997 Ford e350?

The fuel pump relay on a 1997 Ford E-350 is typically located in the engine bay’s power distribution center (the fuse/relay box). It is usually labeled FUEL PUMP on the relay itself or in the diagram inside the box lid.


Where to look in a gasoline-powered E-350


In most 1997 E-350 vans with gasoline engines, start by locating the Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine compartment. The PDC is a black rectangular box with a removable lid, often mounted on the passenger side near the fender or firewall. The diagram on the inside of the lid lists each relay, including the fuel pump relay.


Use the following steps to identify and access the fuel pump relay inside the PDC.



  • Open the PDC cover and locate the relay labeled FUEL PUMP, PUMP, or something similar on the lid diagram. The relay itself is a small rectangular block with four or five pins.

  • If labeling is unclear, reference the lid diagram to trace the fuel pump circuit and identify the corresponding relay position in the relay block.

  • Carefully pull the suspected fuel pump relay straight out to inspect or swap with a known-good relay of the same type from the box.

  • To confirm, reinstall a known-good relay (or the swapped one) and try starting the vehicle or listening for the fuel pump priming sound when turning the key to ON.


With the cover reinstalled, test by turning the ignition to ON to hear the fuel pump prime or attempt starting; if there is no fuel pressure or the engine does not start, the relay or pump may be faulty.


Testing and verification


If you want to confirm the relay is the issue, perform these checks. The aim is to verify that the relay coil is energizing and the contacts are closing to power the fuel pump.



  • Swap the suspected fuel pump relay with another identical relay from the same PDC (for example, the A/C clutch or horn relay). If the engine runs or the pump primes with the swapped relay, the original relay is likely faulty.

  • With the ignition ON, test for voltage at the fuel pump connector or at the relay output to the pump. If voltage is absent, the relay or wiring may be the problem.

  • Check for a clicking sound from the relay when turning the key to ON. A lack of click can indicate a faulty relay or a control circuit issue.

  • If available, use a multimeter to verify the relay coil resistance matches the service manual spec. A coil outside spec usually means the relay should be replaced.


Note: If you cannot verify with the above steps, replacing the relay is a prudent initial diagnostic step. If issues persist after replacement, the fuel pump, wiring, or powertrain control module could be involved and may require deeper diagnosis.


Important notes


Vehicle configurations can vary by engine code and optional equipment. While the engine bay fuse/relay center is the common location for the 1997 E-350, some setups might place the fuel pump relay in a different sub-fuse block or have variations in labeling. Always refer to the diagram inside the PDC lid and the owner’s or service manual for your exact engine (gasoline vs. diesel) to confirm the precise location and wiring.


Summary


For a typical 1997 Ford E-350 with a gasoline engine, start by locating the engine-compartment power distribution center and identifying the relay labeled FUEL PUMP. Use the lid diagram to confirm the relay’s position, and test by swapping with a known-good relay or checking for voltage and coil operation. If problems persist, investigate the fuel pump, wiring, or control circuits with the manual as guidance.

Where is the fuel pump relay located on a 1997 Ford F150?


The 1997 Ford F-150 fuel pump relay is located in the power distribution box under the hood, on the driver's side. To access it, open the hood and lift the cover of the fuse box, which is located on the driver's side. The relay is in a specific slot, often labeled "relay number four" on the diagram on the box cover, or it can be identified by its position.
 
You can watch this video to see the location of the fuel pump fuse and relay: 1mDirt Road Auto RepairYouTube · Nov 2, 2021

  • Location: Power distribution box under the hood, on the driver's side. 
  • Access: Open the hood and remove the access panel from the fuse box. 
  • Identification: The fuel pump relay is located in slot number four of the relay block, according to diagrams for similar models. The box cover should have a diagram to help identify the correct relay. 
  • Testing: You can test the relay by swapping it with a similar, known-good relay, such as the starter relay, if they are the same type. 

This video demonstrates how to test the fuel pump relay: 56sAdvance Auto PartsYouTube · Jan 27, 2012



Where is the fuel pump relay on a E350 Ford?


Problem. So this right there that's going to be your fuel pump relay you can try swapping it with the horn relay. As a troubleshooting. Step.



Where is the fuel pump relay located?


The fuel pump relay is most commonly located in the fuse/relay box under the hood, though older cars may have it behind the dashboard or under the driver's side kick panel. The exact location varies by vehicle, so your best bet is to consult your owner's manual or search online for your specific make and model.
 
This video shows how to locate the fuel pump relay in a car: 21sPhillips VisionYouTube · Jan 2, 2022
Common locations

  • Under the hood: Look for a black plastic box, often near the battery, that contains fuses and relays. A diagram on the lid will identify each component. 
  • Under the dashboard: Some vehicles, especially older ones, may have the relay behind the instrument panel or under the driver's side of the dashboard. 
  • Driver's side kick panel: In many cases, you can find the relay behind a plastic cover on the driver's side, near where your feet would be. 

This video shows how to find the fuel pump relay in a car: 56sCarsNToysYouTube · Jan 27, 2016
Tips for finding it
  • Consult your owner's manual: It will have a diagram showing the precise location of the relay. 
  • Search online: Type your vehicle's year, make, and model with "fuel pump relay location" to find specific diagrams and videos. 
  • Look for the diagram: Most fuse boxes have a diagram on the inside of the lid that will point out the fuel pump relay. 



What are the symptoms of a failing fuel pump relay?


Symptoms of a bad fuel pump relay include an engine that cranks but won't start, sudden or intermittent stalling, a loss of power while driving, and a rough idle. You may also notice the fuel pump doesn't make its usual humming sound when you turn the key, and the check engine light might illuminate. Other signs are engine misfires and hesitation during acceleration.
 
Primary symptoms 

  • Engine won't start or cranks but doesn't start: The engine turns over but doesn't ignite because the relay is preventing fuel from reaching the engine. 
  • Stalling: The vehicle may stall suddenly while driving or after starting, especially if the relay fails intermittently. 
  • No fuel pump noise: When you turn the ignition to the "on" position, you won't hear the normal soft whirring sound from the fuel pump as it builds pressure. 

Other common symptoms
  • Loss of power: You may experience a loss of power, particularly during heavy acceleration or when going uphill. 
  • Rough idle: The engine may idle roughly or sputter due to an inconsistent fuel supply. 
  • Engine misfires: The engine may misfire, feeling like a hesitation or stumble, because some cylinders aren't getting enough fuel. 
  • Check Engine Light: The check engine light may come on as the car's computer detects a problem with fuel delivery. 
  • Intermittent starting problems: The car may start fine some days and be difficult to start on others, with the problem getting progressively worse over time. 
  • Unexplained battery drain: A faulty relay that gets stuck in the "on" position can cause the fuel pump to run continuously, leading to a dead battery. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.