I think I have a bad fuel pump relay on my 4 cyl 89 Ranger. Once in while it cranks but doesn't fire up, then I try it a minute later and it's fine. (Or sometimes I start it, it runs for a few seconds and dies. Then I just try it again and it starts up and runs fine.)

But I have a very basic question: where is the fuel pump relay on this truck? I see the power distribution box. Just behind it, mounted onto the side, there is a plastic thing that looks like a relay. Two sets of wires plug in. Has a round piece on top. So is that it?

 

It's IN the fuel tank. To change, take the bed off of the truck and the top of the tank is right there. The pump and sending unit are all together on an assemvly, but the pump is removable. Trust me, it is easier to take the bed off and change then it is to drop the tank, ive done so.

 

That's kind of surprising to me that it's easier to take the bed off, but I'll take you at your word.

So my next question is: what all is involved in taking the bed off? I see the hex screws in the bed. Do you just loosen them and slide it off? (And I guess you have to disconnect the tail lights.) Can one person do it?

 

Take a look in or under the Power Distribution Box under the hood on the passenger side inner fender apron. The Fuel Pump Relay should be the one closest to the rear. It is protected by fuse #1.

 

Take the 6 (im assuming you have 6 like me, new models have 10 in some cases) T55 Bolts out of the bed. Then under the center of the tailgate, unplug the light wiring harness, then take out the three screws holding on the filler hose at the fuel door.

take your tailgate off as well, makes it a little lighter. get at least threee peeps to help lift the bed off. two can do it, but its a PIA.