The Symptoms and Solutions for Ford Fuel Pump Driver Module Failure. Between 1997 and 2014, the Ford 5.4L Triton V8 engine was one of the most common engines in Ford trucks and other vehicles. The 5.4 Trion was a popular engine with solid performance and good overall reliability, as evidenced by its long production life. That being said, there are some 5.4L Triton engine problems that occur more frequently than others. One of these problems is the failure of the fuel pump driver module, which is essential to the engine’s fuel system.
Fortunately, replacing a 5.4L Triton fuel pump driver module is not a difficult or expensive repair. In fact, if you’re familiar with a socket wrench, you can finish the job in 15-20 minutes for under $100.
What Is the Purpose of a 5.4L Triton Fuel Pump Driver Module?
When broken down, the fuel pump driver module in a 5.4L Triton is a simple component that plays an important role in the engine’s fuel delivery system. Every internal combustion engine, as you may know, requires a fuel pump to deliver fuel from the fuel tank to the rest of the fuel system. The Triton’s fuel pump is powered by an electric motor that drives a mechanical pump that creates pressure and pushes fuel through the lines to the engine.
The 12-volt DC power source supplied by the car’s battery powers the 5.4L Ford Triton fuel pump. When you turn on your Triton, an electrical signal is sent to the fuel pump driver module. This turns on the electric motor and begins pumping fuel into the engine. The fuel pump driver module is in charge of varying the voltage supplied to the fuel pump in order for it to modulate the correct amount of fuel across its entire operating range. This is obviously critical because if the pump isn’t given enough power, it won’t be able to pump enough fuel into the combustion chamber for the car to run.
If the fuel pump driver module fails, the fuel pump may not function at all.
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Which Ford models are affected by faulty fuel pump driver modules?
This guide focuses on Ford trucks and SUVs manufactured between 1997 and 2017 that use the Ford 5.4L Triton V8 engine. Having said that, failing fuel pump control modules have impacted a number of other Ford vehicles, which are also subject to open recalls to address the issue.
- Ford F-Series (from 1997 to 2004)
- Ford Expedition, 1997-2004
- 1997-2004 Navigator by Lincoln
- Ford E-Series (from 1997 to 2017)
- 2002-2007 Fairmont Ghia and Ford Falcon
- Ford Fairlane G220/G8 2003-2004
- Ford F-Series from 2004 to 2010
- Ford Expedition 2005-2014
- Lincoln Navigator 2005-2014
- Lincoln Mark LT 2006-2008
- Ford Taurus 2013-15
- 2013–2015 Ford Flex
- Lincoln MKS 2013-15
- Lincoln MKT 2013-15
- Ford Police Interceptor Sedan 2013-15
Fuel Pump Driver Module Failure Symptoms
- Sputtering engine / Inconsistent power
- There is no start.
- When accelerating, there is a pause.
- Power decline
- Idle time
- Engine code P1233
It is fairly obvious when a Ford 5.4 fuel pump driver module begins to malfunction. In most cases, engine sputtering and a rough idle are the first signs that your fuel pump driver control module is malfunctioning. Of course, there are numerous other causes of similar symptoms. Checking your engine codes with an OBDII code reader is the only way to be certain. If your 5.4 Triton displays a P1233 engine code, the driver module almost certainly needs to be replaced.
A no-start condition, hesitation when accelerating, and a rough idle are also symptoms. In most cases, Ford owners have discovered that a warning light appears before the fuel pump module fails. Unless the vehicle has been sitting for an extended period of time, a no-start event is unlikely to be the first sign of a failed fuel pump module, whether it is a loss of power when accelerating or the engine cutting in and out.
What Causes Ford Fuel Pump Driver Module Failure?
The failure of Ford’s fuel pump driver modules is primarily due to their construction material and exposure to the elements. Most 5.4 V8-powered Fords have the aluminum module in the back. That means it is not well protected against the elements. Debris and contaminants can accumulate within the module over time, causing electrical faults. In addition, road salt in the winter can corrode the aluminum casing of the module, causing a similar problem.
Check These Components Before Replacing the 5.4 Fuel Pump Driver Module
As we mentioned at the start of the article, replacing the fuel pump driver module on a 5.4 V8 is a relatively simple and inexpensive job. That being said, there are a few things you should look into before spending money on a new module right away. Outside of the module, there are a couple of even simpler issues that can cause the fuel pump module to fail.
The corresponding fuse for the driver module should be checked first. The fuse that needs to be checked is the F9 fuse. The fuse box is usually located under a panel near the front door opening on the passenger side footwell. This fuse should be rated at 20 amps. If this fuse fails, it can cause a problem with the fuel pump driver module.
Check the inertia fuel shutoff switch, which is also located near the fuse box, in the same location. If the relay does not receive power, the driver module may also malfunction. Before purchasing and replacing the fuel pump driver module, it is critical to check these two locations. It is much less expensive to replace a fuse or a relay.
Repairing the Ford 5.4L Triton Fuel Pump Driver Module
After ensuring that none of the above components are faulty, the next step is to replace the Ford fuel pump driver module itself. Fortunately, replacing the fuel pump driver module on a Ford 5.4L Triton is nearly as simple as replacing a fuse or relay. You’ll only need two tools and about 20 minutes to replace the module. However, if there is a lot of surface rust on the rear cross-member where the module is mounted, you may want to clean it up before installing the new module.
Tools Required From 1997 to 2017 Replacement of the Ford Fuel Pump Driver Module
- Tool for removing spare tires from the roadside
- 8mm socket and wrench
- Wire brush and Scotch-Brite pad (optional)
- Air that has been compressed (optional)
- Brake-clean (optional) (optional)
- Corrosion-resistant coating (optional)
Parts Required for Ford Fuel Pump Driver Module Replacement
- Replacement Kit for the Ford Fuel Pump Driver Module
1) Reducing the Size of the Spare Tire
The overall procedure for replacing your fuel pump driver module is extremely simple. The first step is to remove the spare tire from beneath your Ford truck or affected vehicle. To do so, look for the standard Ford roadside assistance tool kit. All Ford vehicles come with the kit. The kit will come in either a felt tool roll or a plastic case.
You’ll need to find the tire iron, the hooked extension, and one straight extension inside the kit. Connect the straight and hooked extensions by slotting one into the other. Slide the tire iron down the extension until it locks into place after inserting the hook through the square opening in the middle of the tire iron. To twist the tool, use the tire iron as a handle.
Move the tool to the back of your Ford truck once it has been assembled. Most Fords have a small hole near the top right corner of the rear license plate. Insert the tool into the hole on the opposite side of the tire iron and gently twist the tool until the extension’s teeth engage with the internal winch.
When you encounter resistance while turning the tool, continue turning counterclockwise until the tire begins to lower. Continue turning the tool counterclockwise until the tire can be removed from the truck’s bottom. This will give you access to the rear cross member, which houses the fuel pump driver module.
2) Ford Fuel Pump Driver Module Replacement
After lowering the spare tire, the next step is to locate the module itself. Ford mounted the fuel pump module on the farthest cross member towards the rear, above the rear axle on the driver’s side. Unplug the connector by pinching and pulling it once you’ve found it. At this point, the module is held in place by only two 8mm bolts. Unscrew the bolts with the 8mm socket and wrench. After that, the old fuel pump module can be removed.
If you want to follow the official Ford replacement procedure, you should remove as much surface rust as possible from the underlying cross member. Scrub the rust away with a Scotch-Brite pad or a wire brush. The dust can then be blown away with compressed air. Wipe the surface clean with a rag dipped in brake cleaner. After that, apply a generous amount of anti-corrosive coating to the surface and let it dry for an hour. Alternatively, anti-corrosive paint can be applied to the cross member.
You are now ready to install the new module. All mounting hardware is included if you order the above-mentioned kit. Simply install the mounting hardware with the included 8mm socket, place the module on the screws, and tighten with the included 8mm bolts. The replacement is now complete, and you can reinstall your spare tire.
Failure Analysis of the Ford Fuel Pump Driver Module
The 5.4L Triton V8 engine is one of the most common engines used in Ford trucks and other vehicles between 1997 and 2014. While the engine is popular and well-received, there are some common engine problems, one of which is the failure of the fuel pump driver module, a critical component in the engine’s fuel system.
Engine sputtering, inconsistent power, no start, hesitation when accelerating, rough idle, and loss of power are all symptoms of a failing fuel pump driver module. It is not difficult or expensive to replace the module. If you are comfortable with DIY projects, it should cost around $100 and take about 15-20 minutes. While a failing fuel pump module can cause your Ford truck to stall, it is one of the simplest problems to repair.