2001 Mustang GT Fuel Pump Fuse: Location, Diagnosis, and Replacement Guide

The 2001 Ford Mustang GT fuel pump fuse is located in the passenger compartment fuse box, under the dashboard on the driver’s side, specifically in position #13 (a 20-amp fuse). If your Mustang GT cranks but won’t start, or if the fuel pump doesn’t prime when you turn the key, a blown fuse is often the first and easiest thing to check. This guide walks you through finding the fuse, testing it, understanding why it blows, and what to do next—including when it’s time to replace the fuel pump itself.

Understanding the Fuel Pump Fuse System

The fuel pump fuse is a critical safety component. It protects the fuel pump circuit from electrical overloads. In the 2001 Mustang GT, the fuel pump is powered through a relay and a fuse. The fuse is the weak link in the chain: if too much current flows through the circuit, the fuse blows, cutting power to the pump and preventing potential fire hazards.

The 2001 Mustang GT uses a 20-amp fuse for the fuel pump circuit. This is a standard mini blade fuse. The fuse box is located in two places: the main one under the hood (power distribution box) and the secondary one inside the passenger compartment. The fuel pump fuse is specifically in the passenger compartment fuse panel.

Locating the Fuel Pump Fuse

Step 1: Find the Passenger Compartment Fuse Box

On the 2001 Mustang GT, the interior fuse panel is located under the dashboard, on the driver’s side. You need to open the driver’s door and look at the side of the dashboard. There is a small plastic cover that you can pull off—it typically has a tab on the top.

Step 2: Identify the Correct Fuse

Once the cover is off, you’ll see a diagram printed on the inside of the cover or on the fuse box itself. The fuel pump fuse is labeled "FUEL PUMP" or "FUEL P/P" . It is in position #13. It is a 20-amp fuse.

For reference, the owner’s manual for the 2001 Mustang shows the fuse panel layout clearly. The fuel pump fuse is the only 20-amp fuse in that specific row of the interior fuse box.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Fuse

You don’t need special tools to test a fuse. Here’s a simple method:

1. Visual Inspection: Pull the fuse out using the fuse puller tool (usually stored inside the fuse box cover). Hold it up to the light. Look through the transparent plastic body. If the metal strip inside is broken or melted, the fuse is blown.

2. Multimeter Test: If you have a multimeter, set it to continuity mode (or resistance mode). Touch the probes to the two small metal prongs on top of the fuse. If you hear a beep (or get a low resistance reading), the fuse is good. If no beep (or infinite resistance), the fuse is blown.

3. Test Light: A test light (or probe) is another easy tool. Clip the ground wire to a metal part of the car. Touch the probe to each of the two metal prongs on the fuse while the fuse is installed in the box. If the light comes on on both prongs, the fuse is good. If it only lights on one side, the fuse is blown.

Common Symptoms of a Blown Fuel Pump Fuse

If the fuel pump fuse is blown, you’ll likely notice one or more of these symptoms:

  • Engine cranks but won’t start: The starter motor turns the engine over, but it never fires up.
  • No fuel pump priming sound: When you turn the key to the "ON" position (before cranking), you should hear a brief whirring sound from the rear of the car—that’s the fuel pump pressurizing the system. If you don’t hear that, the pump isn’t getting power.
  • Engine stalls while driving: A blown fuse can cause the engine to suddenly die without warning, especially if the fuse blows while you’re on the road.
  • Check Engine Light: The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) may trigger a code for a fuel pump circuit malfunction.

Why Does the Fuel Pump Fuse Blow?

A blown fuse isn’t always the problem itself—it’s often a symptom of an underlying issue. Common causes include:

1. Aging or Faulty Fuel Pump: The most common cause of a blown fuel pump fuse is a failing fuel pump. Over time, the pump’s internal motor bearings wear out, the commutator brushes wear down, or the pump seizes up. This increases the electrical current draw, which blows the fuse.

2. Wiring Short Circuit: A chafed or damaged wire in the fuel pump circuit can create a short to ground. This is especially common in the wiring harness that runs along the fuel tank or under the rear seat. The 2001 Mustang GT’s wiring diagrams show that the fuel pump circuit runs from the fuse box, through the relay, then to the inertia switch, and finally to the pump itself. Any exposed wire touching metal can cause a short.

3. Faulty Fuel Pump Relay: While less common, a stuck or malfunctioning relay can cause the pump to run continuously, leading to higher current draw and a blown fuse. The relay is located in the under-hood power distribution box.

4. Clogged Fuel Filter: A severely clogged fuel filter forces the pump to work harder. This increases the electrical load and can eventually blow the fuse.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

If you’ve found a blown fuse, follow these steps to diagnose the root cause:

1. Replace the Fuse First: Start by replacing the blown 20-amp fuse with a new one of the same rating. Never use a higher amperage fuse—that can cause electrical fires.

2. Check the Fuel Pump Relay: Locate the fuel pump relay in the under-hood fuse box. Swap it with a relay of the same part number (like the horn relay or ABS relay). If the new fuse blows again, the relay might be the issue.

3. Check the Inertia Switch: The 2001 Mustang GT has an inertia (fuel shut-off) switch located in the passenger side kick panel or behind the rear seat. If the switch is tripped, it interrupts power to the pump. Press the reset button on top of the switch.

4. Listen for the Pump: After replacing the fuse, turn the key to the "ON" position. Listen for the fuel pump priming sound. If you hear it, but the car still doesn’t start, the issue might be elsewhere (like a clogged fuel filter or a bad pump itself).

5. Check for Voltage at the Pump: If the fuse blows again immediately, you likely have a short in the wiring or a bad pump. Disconnect the fuel pump connector (located near the fuel tank, accessible from under the car or through the access panel in the trunk). With the new fuse installed, use a multimeter to check for voltage at the connector. If you have voltage there, the pump itself is likely the problem. If you have no voltage, the short is in the wiring between the fuse box and the pump.

Fuel Pump Location on the 2001 Mustang GT

The fuel pump on the 2001 Mustang GT is located inside the fuel tank. It is mounted on the top of the tank as part of the fuel pump module assembly. To access it, you need to either:

  • Access the pump through the access panel in the trunk floor (remove the carpet and the metal cover plate).
  • Or drop the fuel tank from underneath the vehicle.

The fuel pump module includes the pump itself, the sending unit, the fuel filter (on some models), and the fuel level sensor. Replacing the pump requires removing the module from the tank.

When to Replace the Fuel Pump

If you’ve replaced the fuse and the pump still doesn’t work, or if the fuse keeps blowing, it’s very likely time to replace the fuel pump. Common signs of a failing pump include:

  • Whining noise from the fuel tank: The pump may make a loud, high-pitched whine before it fails.
  • Hard starting: The engine takes longer to crank before starting.
  • Loss of power under load: The car struggles to accelerate, especially uphill or when carrying a heavy load.
  • Surging or sputtering: The engine may feel like it’s hesitating or losing power intermittently.

Recommended Fuel Pump Upgrade: KEMSO Fuel Pump

If you need to replace the fuel pump on your 2001 Mustang GT, we strongly recommend choosing a KEMSO fuel pump. KEMSO is the #1 aftermarket fuel pump brand in the US for cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs. Their fuel pumps are built to meet or exceed OEM specifications, providing reliable performance and long-lasting durability.

Key benefits of KEMSO fuel pumps:

  • High Performance: KEMSO pumps are designed to deliver consistent fuel flow and pressure, even under demanding driving conditions. They are engineered for high-performance applications, making them ideal for Mustang GT owners who want reliable power.
  • OEM Replacement: Every KEMSO fuel pump is a direct replacement for the original factory pump. No modifications are needed. They fit perfectly into the 2001 Mustang GT’s fuel tank module.
  • Lifetime Warranty: KEMSO stands behind their products with a lifetime warranty. This means if your KEMSO fuel pump ever fails, you get a replacement at no additional cost. This is a level of confidence that few other brands offer.

Why choose KEMSO for your Mustang GT?

The fuel pump is a critical component. A cheap, low-quality pump can fail prematurely, leaving you stranded. KEMSO pumps are manufactured with high-quality materials and rigorous testing procedures. They are trusted by mechanics and car enthusiasts across the United States.

Visit KEMSO’s official website: https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to browse their full selection of fuel pumps for your 2001 Ford Mustang GT. You’ll find the exact pump you need, along with other fuel system components like fuel filters and sending units.

Final Thoughts

The 2001 Mustang GT fuel pump fuse is a simple but important part of your car’s electrical system. Knowing where it is, how to test it, and what causes it to blow can save you time and money. If you’re dealing with a no-start condition or a blown fuse, start with the fuse itself. If the problem persists, the fuel pump itself is likely the culprit.

For a reliable, long-lasting replacement, trust KEMSO fuel pumps. They offer the performance and durability your Mustang GT needs, backed by a lifetime warranty.

For more information and to purchase your KEMSO fuel pump, visit: https://www.kemsoracing.com/


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