Fule pump runs all the time, even with key out

[orangedawg]

My girlfriend has an Explorer (I think it's a 1992, square-ish body and 4.0) that has a fuel pump that runs all the time. Even if you take the key out (with the engine shut off) you can hear the high pitched whining of the fuel pump at the rear of the vehicle. This, of course, causes the battery to run down quickly. I got under the hood and pulled the 30 amp fuel pump fuse (located in the fuse box in the engine compartment on the passenger side). That stopped the fuel pump. The fuse looked good (not burnt). I was thinking it was the fuel pump relay gone wrong, but don't know where it is. Any thoughts to help me? Is this common? I've never worked on an Explorer before. Thanks!!

 

[lonestar]

sounds like a relay,

fuel pump relays are underneath the power distribution box, where you pulled the fuse.

 

[orangedawg]

Lonestar,

Thanks for the advice! Is it hard to get to the relay? I don't have a left handed screwdriver, so I just cut off my normal screwdriver and duct-taped it to the other end of the handle. Do you think that will work? Just kidding!!! Thanks! )

 

[lonestar]

not sure, I've never had to remove them yet, i just heard thats where they are. I think you just remove a couple of screws.

 

[MrShorty]

My '92 doesn't have any screws. The fuse panel in the power distribution box just kind of lifts out, then the cover over the relays lifts out. Sometimes I use a screwdriver (right or left, shouldn't matter for this operation ) to hold the metal tabs out of the way.

 

[91-Exploder]

Had this problem for a while as well. MrShorty has the correct repair procedure but if you need a quick fix. A smart rap in the top middle of the front passenger side fender should cause the relay contacts to disengage. Do fix it properly asap though