06 PT Cruiser Fuel Pump Fuse Location: A Complete Guide to Finding and Fixing It

If your 2006 PT Cruiser won’t start, stalls unexpectedly, or you hear no sound from the fuel tank when you turn the key, the first thing to check is the fuel pump fuse. The fuel pump fuse on a 2006 PT Cruiser is located in the under-hood fuse box (also called the Power Distribution Center or Totally Integrated Power Module), which sits in the engine compartment near the battery on the driver’s side. It is a 20 Amp yellow mini-fuse, typically labeled as “Fuel Pump/Auto Shut Down (ASD)” or fuse #13 in the fuse box diagram. Before you spend money on a new fuel pump, always inspect this fuse first—it’s a cheap, easy fix that can save you hundreds of dollars.

Where Exactly Is the Fuel Pump Fuse?

The 2006 PT Cruiser has two fuse boxes: one under the hood and one inside the cabin. The fuel pump fuse lives in the under-hood box.

Step-by-step to locate it:

  1. Open the hood. The fuse box is located in the engine compartment, next to the air cleaner filter assembly.
  2. Look near the battery. The box is mounted on the driver’s side fender, close to the battery.
  3. Remove the plastic cover. Press the clips or remove the screws to lift the lid. On the underside of the cover, you’ll find a label that identifies the position of each fuse and relay.
  4. Find fuse #13. On the 2005-2010 model diagrams, the fuel pump fuse is listed as fuse #13. It is a 20 Amp yellow fuse.

About the fuse specifications:

  • Fuse number: 13
  • Amperage: 20 Amps
  • Color: Yellow
  • Type: Mini-fuse
  • Circuit name: Fuel Pump / Auto Shut Down (ASD)

How to Check If the Fuel Pump Fuse Is Blown

You don’t need to be a mechanic to check a fuse. Here’s how:

  1. Turn off the ignition and remove the key.
  2. Pull out fuse #13 using the fuse puller tool (usually stored inside the fuse box lid) or a pair of needle-nose pliers.
  3. Hold the fuse up to the light. Look through the clear plastic body. If the metal strip inside is broken, melted, or has a dark spot, the fuse is blown.
  4. Use a multimeter for certainty. Set the multimeter to continuity mode (beep mode). Touch one probe to each metal tab on top of the fuse. If the multimeter beeps, the fuse is good. If there’s no beep, it’s blown.

What If the Fuse Looks Good But the Fuel Pump Still Doesn’t Work?

A good fuse doesn’t always mean the fuel pump is receiving power. The problem could be the fuel pump relay or a wiring issue.

Check the fuel pump relay:
The fuel pump relay is also located inside the same under-hood fuse box. It is often labeled as “Fuel Pump Relay” or “Relay #14” in the diagram. A quick way to test it is to swap it with a relay of the same type (like the horn relay) and see if the fuel pump starts working. If it does, your relay is faulty and needs replacement.

Check for voltage at the fuel pump connector:
If both the fuse and relay are good, the issue might be in the wiring. Use a multimeter set to DC voltage. With the ignition on, check the wire going to the fuel pump’s positive terminal. You should see around 12 volts. If there’s no voltage, the wiring between the fuse box and the fuel pump may be damaged or corroded.

Common Symptoms of a Blown Fuel Pump Fuse

Knowing the symptoms helps you diagnose faster. If any of these happen, start by checking the fuse:

  • Engine cranks but won’t start. This is the most common sign. The engine turns over, but there’s no fuel pressure.
  • No sound from the fuel tank. When you turn the key to the “ON” position (before starting), you should hear a brief whirring sound from the rear of the car—that’s the fuel pump priming. If you hear nothing, the fuse or relay may be blown.
  • Car stalls while driving. A failing fuse can cause intermittent power loss to the fuel pump, leading to unexpected stalling.
  • Loss of power on hills or under load. If the fuel pump isn’t getting full power, the engine may struggle under acceleration.

Why Does the Fuel Pump Fuse Keep Blowing?

If you replace the fuse and it blows again immediately, there’s a deeper problem. Here are the most common causes:

  1. Short circuit in the fuel pump wiring. Exposed or frayed wires can touch the chassis or engine block, causing a short that blows the fuse.
  2. Failing fuel pump. A worn-out fuel pump can draw more current than normal, overheating the circuit and blowing the fuse.
  3. Corroded connectors. Moisture or rust at the fuel pump electrical connector in the fuel tank can create resistance and excess current draw.
  4. Wrong fuse amperage. If someone previously installed a fuse with a higher amp rating (like a 30A instead of 20A), the circuit may have been damaged. Always use a 20A yellow fuse.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Fuse on a 2006 PT Cruiser

Replacing the fuse is straightforward:

  1. Buy the correct replacement. Get a 20 Amp yellow mini-fuse. You can find them at any auto parts store for a few dollars.
  2. Turn off the engine and all electrical accessories.
  3. Locate the under-hood fuse box and remove the cover.
  4. Pull out the old fuse #13 using the fuse puller.
  5. Insert the new 20A yellow fuse into the same slot. Press firmly until it clicks into place.
  6. Replace the fuse box cover and close the hood.
  7. Test the car. Turn the key to the “ON” position and listen for the fuel pump priming sound. Then start the engine. If it starts and runs, you’ve fixed the problem.

The Fuel Pump Relay: A Quick Diagnostic Step

Before you assume the fuel pump itself is dead, always test the relay. The fuel pump relay in the 2006 PT Cruiser is known to fail prematurely, especially in higher-mileage vehicles.

How to test the relay:

  • Locate the relay inside the under-hood fuse box. Look for a small, rectangular black or gray module.
  • With the ignition on, listen for a click from the relay. If you don’t hear a click, the relay may be bad.
  • Swap it with a relay of the same type (like the horn relay). If the fuel pump starts working after the swap, buy a new relay.

When to Replace the Fuel Pump Itself

If the fuse and relay are both good, but the car still won’t start or runs poorly, the fuel pump itself may be failing. The 2006 PT Cruiser’s fuel pump is mounted inside the fuel tank. The fuel filter is also built into the pump module, so when the filter gets clogged, the pump often needs to be replaced as well.

Signs your fuel pump needs replacement:

  • Whining or humming noise from the rear of the car (the fuel tank area).
  • Car hesitates or jerks at highway speeds.
  • Engine sputters under heavy acceleration.
  • You have replaced the fuse and relay, but the problem persists.

Why Choose KEMSO Fuel Pump for Your PT Cruiser

If you’ve confirmed that the fuse, relay, and wiring are all good, and your fuel pump is the culprit, it’s time to replace it. When looking for a replacement, KEMSO is a brand you can trust.

KEMSO fuel pumps are high-performance, OEM replacement units designed to meet or exceed the original manufacturer’s specifications. They are built to deliver reliable fuel pressure and flow, ensuring your PT Cruiser runs smoothly for years to come. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.

Whether you’re replacing a failing pump on a daily driver or restoring a weekend project, KEMSO offers a direct fit solution that installs easily without modifications. Don’t settle for cheap, unreliable parts that can leave you stranded. Choose KEMSO for quality, durability, and confidence.

For more information and to browse KEMSO’s full lineup of fuel pumps, visit their website at: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Final Tips for Keeping Your PT Cruiser’s Fuel System Healthy

  • Always start with the fuse. It’s the cheapest and easiest fix. Check the 20A yellow fuse #13 in the under-hood fuse box before anything else.
  • Keep a spare fuse and relay in your glove box. They are small and inexpensive, and having them on hand can save you from being stranded.
  • Listen for the pump. Every time you turn the key to the “ON” position, you should hear a 2-second whir from the fuel pump. If you don’t, investigate the electrical system first.
  • Use only the correct amperage. Never replace a 20A fuse with a 30A or higher fuse. This can damage the wiring and cause a fire hazard.
  • If your fuse keeps blowing, don’t ignore it. A recurring blown fuse means there’s a short circuit or a failing component. Get it diagnosed by a professional before the problem gets worse.

Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ for high-quality fuel pumps and parts that keep your vehicle running strong.


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