How to Reset a Fuel Pump

Fuel Pump Reset Button

1. Open the trunk of your vehicle or the hatch on your SUV. Although many modern vehicles have reset buttons, almost all Ford automobiles have had them for decades. If you have been in a rear end collision and your fuel pump has quit working in your Ford or Mercury vehicle, the reset button has been tripped.

2. Check beneath the carpeting on the side of the vehicle where the fuel filler is located. Most often, a fuel reset button will be located in this area. If none are found, check beneath or inside of the glove box.

3. Push down on the fuel filter rest button. There will be an audible 'click' when the button resets. Attempt to start your car. If there was no 'click' when you pushed the button down, either the fuel pump itself has gone bad, or the fuel pump relay has burned out. refer to the next section for fuel pump relay replacement.

Replacing A Fuel Pump Relay

4. Locate the fuse box on your vehicle. Check the fuse panel to see if a 'fuel pump relay' is listed. If so, it will be a large square type of plastic fuse. It will pull out like any other fuse. They can be obtained at any auto parts store. If the relay is not inside of your fuse box, go to Step 2.

5. Open the hood of your vehicle. Locate a relay junction box which will most often be on the driver's side of the car directly behind the battery.

6. Open the cover of the relay junction box. The relays will be listed on the inside cover of the box. Find the fuel pump relay.

7. Pull out the old one and push in a new one. They are available at auto parts stores everywhere. Put the cover back into place and start the vehicle.