2013 Ford F150 Fuel Pump Relay Location – Finding The Fix
Finding the 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location is the first step in diagnosing a truck that cranks but won’t start. You can find this critical component in the Power Distribution Box located under the hood, specifically in slot number 8. This guide will help you locate the relay, troubleshoot common electrical failures, and address the notorious Fuse 27 melting issue.
There is nothing quite as frustrating as climbing into your truck, turning the key, and hearing the engine crank endlessly without firing up. Whether you are prepping for a weekend of off-roading or just trying to get to work, a fuel delivery issue can bring your plans to a grinding halt. You might suspect the fuel pump itself, but in many cases, the culprit is much simpler and cheaper to fix.
If you are currently stranded or troubleshooting in your driveway, you need to know the 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location to determine if power is actually reaching your pump. Many owners jump straight to replacing the expensive fuel pump, only to realize the problem was a five-dollar relay or a melted fuse. I have seen this happen dozens of times, and it is a mistake that is easily avoidable with a little guidance.
In this article, I will walk you through the exact steps to find, test, and replace your fuel pump relay. We will also dive into a specific design flaw known as the Fuse 27 issue, which is the most common reason for fuel-related no-starts in this generation of F-150. By the end of this guide, you will have the confidence to handle this repair like a seasoned technician.
Where is the 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location?
To find the 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location, you need to look under the hood of your truck. Unlike some older vehicles that hide relays in the cabin or near the fuel tank, Ford centralized the high-current components for the 2013 model year. You are looking for the Battery Junction Box, also known as the Power Distribution Box.
This box is a large black plastic rectangle situated directly above the radiator, near the center-front of the engine compartment. To access the internal components, you simply need to unlatch the plastic tabs on the side of the cover and lift it up. On the underside of this lid, Ford usually provides a basic diagram, but it can be difficult to read after years of engine heat and dust.
Inside this box, you will see a variety of square plastic cubes and colorful fuses. The fuel pump relay is specifically located in Slot 8. It is a small, black, rectangular relay that controls the high-current circuit to the fuel pump driver module. Identifying this spot is the key to starting your diagnostic journey and getting your 5.0L, 3.5L EcoBoost, or 6.2L engine back to life.
How to Identify Relay 8
Once you have opened the Power Distribution Box, look for the rows of larger relays. Relay 8 is typically positioned toward the front-middle section of the box. It is a standard micro-relay, and you will notice it is surrounded by other relays that control things like the cooling fans and the starter solenoid.
If you are unsure, look for the numbering embossed on the plastic floor of the fuse box. These numbers are tiny, so using a flashlight or your phone’s camera to zoom in can be very helpful. Knowing the exact 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location ensures you don’t accidentally pull the relay for the PCM or the starter, which would only add to your confusion.
Always remember to handle these components with care. While they are designed for rugged use, the plastic pins inside the fuse box can become brittle over time. If the relay feels stuck, a gentle wiggle while pulling upward is usually better than using heavy pliers, which can crush the relay’s plastic casing.
Understanding the Power Distribution Box Layout
The Battery Junction Box is the “brain” of your truck’s high-voltage electrical system. It houses the fuses and relays that protect the engine’s most vital systems. For the 2013 F-150, this box is designed to withstand moisture and vibration, but it is not immune to heat-related failures. Understanding how it is organized will make you a more efficient DIY mechanic.
Relays act as remote-controlled switches. When you turn your key to the “on” position, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) sends a low-current signal to the relay. This signal creates a magnetic field that closes a high-current circuit, allowing power to flow from the battery to the fuel pump. If this switch fails to close, your pump stays silent, and your engine stays dead.
In addition to the fuel pump relay, this box contains several other components that work in tandem with the fuel system. For instance, the PCM relay must also be functional for the fuel pump relay to receive its “wake up” signal. If you find that the 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location is empty or the relay is burnt, you have found a major clue in your investigation.
The Importance of the Fuse Box Lid Diagram
Never throw away or lose the lid to your fuse box. While I have provided the location for the fuel pump relay, the lid contains the map for every other circuit in your truck. If you are on a trail or a long road trip and a different system fails—like your headlights or trailer brakes—that diagram is your best friend.
If your lid is missing or the diagram is illegible, I recommend printing out a copy of the 2013 Ford F-150 owner’s manual. Keep it in your glove box. Having a physical copy of the fuse and relay maps can save you hours of searching on your phone when you have poor cell service in the backcountry.
When looking at the layout, you should also take note of Fuse 27. While our primary focus is the relay, this specific fuse is located just a few inches away from the relay. In the world of F-150 troubleshooting, the relay and Fuse 27 are practically inseparable because they fail for similar reasons.
The Infamous Fuse 27 Issue: Why Your Relay Might Be Fine
Before you spend money on a new relay, we have to talk about the “Elephant in the Room.” For many 2013 F-150 owners, the 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location is perfectly fine, but the engine still won’t start. This is often due to Fuse 27, a 20-amp mini-fuse that is notorious for melting.
The issue isn’t that the fuse “blows” due to a power surge. Instead, the fuse and its socket suffer from resistive heating. Because the fuse is too small for the constant current load of the fuel pump, it gets hot enough to melt the plastic of the fuse box itself. This creates a poor connection, eventually cutting power to the fuel pump entirely.
I strongly advise every 2013 F-150 owner to pull Fuse 27 and inspect it immediately. Even if your truck is running fine today, you might see charred plastic or “burnt toast” marks on the fuse legs. If you see this, the relay isn’t your problem—the fuse socket is. This is a safety hazard that can cause the truck to stall while driving at highway speeds.
The Permanent Fix: Fuse 27 Relocation Kit
Ford eventually released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) for this exact problem. The fix involves moving the fuel pump circuit from the tiny Fuse 27 slot to a much larger, more robust slot in the same fuse box. This requires a Fuse 27 Relocation Kit (Part number: EL3Z-14293-A).
This kit includes a heavy-duty wire, a larger fuse, and heat-shrink tubing. It requires some basic soldering or crimping skills, but it is a permanent solution. If you find that your 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location is getting power but the truck won’t start, this relocation is almost certainly what you need.
Don’t just replace the fuse with another 20-amp mini-fuse. The heat has likely damaged the terminals inside the box, and a new fuse will eventually melt just like the old one. Do the job right once, and you won’t have to worry about being stranded in the middle of nowhere.
How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay and Circuit
If your Fuse 27 looks pristine, it is time to test the relay itself. Testing is better than “parts cannoning” (throwing parts at a problem until it goes away). To test the relay at the 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location, you can use a few different methods depending on the tools you have on hand.
The simplest method is the “Swap Test.” Look for another relay in the box with the same part number. Often, the relay for the horn or the trailer tow battery charge is identical. Swap that relay into Slot 8. If the truck starts, you know the original relay was faulty. Just remember to buy a replacement so you don’t lose your horn or trailer charging capabilities!
For a more scientific approach, use a multimeter. A relay has two sides: the control side and the load side. You want to ensure that the relay is receiving a signal from the computer and that it is successfully passing battery voltage through to the pump. This step-by-step check is the hallmark of a true DIY expert.
Using a Multimeter for Diagnostics
- Set your multimeter to DC Volts.
- Have an assistant turn the key to the “on” position (don’t crank yet).
- Check for 12V at the relay socket pins. You should see power at the constant battery pin and the signal pin from the PCM.
- Check for continuity across the relay’s switch pins while it is energized. If the relay clicks but doesn’t show continuity, the internal contacts are burnt.
If you have power at the 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location but no fuel pressure at the engine, the problem might be further down the line. You could be looking at a bad Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM) located above the spare tire, or a dead fuel pump inside the gas tank. However, starting at the relay is always the smartest move.
Always check your grounds as well. A relay can be brand new, but if the ground wire for the fuel circuit is corroded or loose, the circuit won’t complete. On an F-150, ground points are often located on the frame rails or near the battery tray. A quick cleaning with a wire brush can solve many “ghost” electrical issues.
Tools and Parts Needed for the Repair
One of the best things about working on a 2013 F-150 is that you don’t need a massive shop full of tools to handle relay and fuse issues. Most of these tasks can be completed with a basic homeowner’s tool kit. However, if you are performing the Fuse 27 relocation, you will need a few specialized items.
For a basic relay replacement at the 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location, you really only need your hands or a small pair of needle-nose pliers. If you are doing a full diagnostic, a standard digital multimeter is essential. I always recommend keeping a small “emergency electrical kit” in your truck’s storage bin for these exact scenarios.
If you are tackling the relocation kit, you will need a wire stripper, a heat source (like a butane lighter or heat gun), and either a soldering iron or high-quality crimping tool. Using marine-grade heat shrink is a great “pro tip” for off-roaders, as it prevents moisture from corroding your new connections when you’re splashing through mud or crossing streams.
Recommended Parts List
- Replacement Relay: Motorcraft or a high-quality equivalent (look for the 5-pin micro relay).
- Fuse 27 Relocation Kit: Ford Part # EL3Z-14293-A.
- Spare Fuses: A variety pack of J-Case and Mini-fuses.
- Dielectric Grease: To prevent corrosion on the relay pins.
When buying a replacement relay for the 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location, I suggest sticking with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. While cheap relays are available at every corner auto parts store, the fuel pump is a critical component. A failure in a cheap relay could leave you stranded again in just a few weeks. Spending the extra five dollars for a Motorcraft part is cheap insurance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Relay and Fuse
Ready to get your hands dirty? Follow these steps to ensure a safe and successful repair. Even if you are a beginner, taking your time and following a logical sequence will prevent mistakes. Safety first: ensure the engine is off and the parking brake is set before you begin.
First, open the hood and locate the Power Distribution Box. Clean off any mud or debris from the lid before opening it; you don’t want dirt falling into the sensitive electrical terminals. Once open, find the 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location at Slot 8. If you are also checking the fuse, locate Slot 27 nearby.
Remove the old relay by pulling it straight up. Inspect the pins on the bottom of the relay. If they look discolored or melted, you likely have a heat issue in the box. If the pins look clean, the failure might be internal to the relay’s coil. Insert the new relay, ensuring it is seated firmly and the orientation matches the other relays in the row.
Checking the Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM)
If the relay and fuse are perfect but you still have no fuel, there is one more “quick check” you can do before dropping the gas tank. The Fuel Pump Driver Module is a small computer that actually runs the pump. In older F-150s, these used to rot out, but in the 2013 model, they are more durable. However, they can still fail.
The FPDM is located on a cross-member above the spare tire. You will need to lower the spare tire to see it. Check the connector for corrosion or broken wires. If you have an off-road setup and frequently drive through salt or deep water, this connector is a common failure point. A quick spray of electronic cleaner can sometimes work wonders here.
Finally, once the new relay is in the 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location, try to start the truck. Listen closely when you turn the key to the “on” position. You should hear a faint “hum” or “whir” from the gas tank area for about two seconds. That is the pump priming. If you hear that, you are likely back in business!
Frequently Asked Questions About 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location
Can a bad fuel pump relay cause the truck to stall while driving?
Yes, if the relay fails while the engine is running, the fuel pump will lose power immediately. The engine will stumble and die because it has no fuel pressure. This is a dangerous situation, which is why addressing a melting Fuse 27 or a clicking relay is so important before it fails completely.
What are the symptoms of a failing fuel pump relay?
The most common symptom is an engine that cranks but won’t start. Other signs include intermittent stalling, difficulty starting when the engine is hot, or a noticeable lack of the “priming” sound when you turn the key. Sometimes, you might even smell burning plastic near the engine bay fuse box.
Is the fuel pump relay the same as the fuel pump fuse?
No, they are different components. The fuse (Fuse 27) is a sacrificial link designed to break if there is a short circuit. The relay (Relay 8) is an electromagnetic switch that turns the pump on and off. Both are located in the same box, but they serve different functions in the circuit.
How much does it cost to fix the fuel pump relay?
A new relay typically costs between $10 and $20. If you are doing the work yourself, that is your total cost. If you need the Fuse 27 relocation kit, the part is about $25. Taking the truck to a dealership for these issues might cost between $150 and $300 in labor, so doing it yourself saves significant money.
When to Call a Professional Mechanic
While most DIYers can handle the 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location and replacement, there are times when you should seek professional help. Electrical diagnostics can get complicated very quickly. If you have replaced the relay and the fuse, and you’ve verified the FPDM is good, but the truck still won’t start, you might have a deeper issue.
If you see signs of a fire or extensive melting inside the Power Distribution Box, do not attempt to just “patch” it. A damaged fuse box can lead to unpredictable electrical behavior or even a vehicle fire. A licensed technician can determine if the entire junction box needs to be replaced, which is a complex job involving the main wiring harness.
Additionally, if you suspect the fuel pump itself has failed, replacing it requires dropping a heavy fuel tank or removing the truck bed. This can be dangerous without the right jacks and safety equipment. If you are not comfortable working with large amounts of gasoline, that is the perfect time to call your local trusted mechanic.
In summary, finding the 2013 ford f150 fuel pump relay location is a vital skill for any F-150 owner. By checking Relay 8 and the infamous Fuse 27, you can solve the vast majority of fuel-related no-start issues. Keep your tools ready, stay safe, and don’t let a small electrical glitch keep your truck off the road or the trail. Stay safe and keep your truck running strong!
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