2004 GMC Yukon Fuel Pump Fuse: Location, Diagram, and Troubleshooting Guide

If your 2004 GMC Yukon cranks but won't start, or if it stalls while driving, the fuel pump fuse is one of the first things you should check. The fuel pump fuse on a 2004 GMC Yukon is located in the underhood fuse block (also called the Power Distribution Center) on the driver's side of the engine compartment near the battery. It is a 20-amp mini fuse labeled as fuse #31 in the underhood fuse box, and it powers the fuel pump relay and the fuel pump itself. This guide will walk you through exactly where to find it, how to test it, and what to do if the fuse keeps blowing.

Where Is the 2004 GMC Yukon Fuel Pump Fuse Located?

The 2004 GMC Yukon has three main fuse box locations, but the fuel pump fuse lives in the engine compartment.

Underhood Fuse Block (Power Distribution Center): Open the hood and look on the driver's side of the engine compartment, right next to the battery. This is a large black plastic box with a removable cover. The cover has a printed diagram on it that shows the layout of all fuses and relays inside.

Fuse #31: Once you have the cover off, locate fuse #31. This is a 20-amp mini fuse. It is clearly marked on the fuse box cover and in the owner's manual. Some diagrams may also label this fuse as "PCM, Fuel Pump" because it provides power to both the Powertrain Control Module and the fuel pump circuit.

The Fuel Pump Relay: Right next to fuse #31, you will find the fuel pump relay, typically labeled as relay R4 in the underhood fuse block. This relay controls when power is sent to the fuel pump. If the relay fails, the pump won't run even if the fuse is good.

How to Check the 2004 GMC Yukon Fuel Pump Fuse

Checking the fuel pump fuse is a simple process that anyone can do with basic tools.

Step 1: Remove the fuse box cover. Release the retaining clips on the underhood fuse block and lift the cover off. The cover has the printed legend that serves as your primary reference for identifying fuses.

Step 2: Locate fuse #31. Look for the fuse labeled #31 in the diagram on the cover. It should be a 20-amp fuse. On the 2004 Yukon, the fuse box layout shows fuse #31 as a 20A mini fuse for the "Powertrain Control Module, Fuel Pump."

Step 3: Inspect the fuse visually. Pull the fuse out using a fuse puller tool (usually stored inside the fuse box cover or in the underhood fuse block). Hold it up to the light. If you see a broken metal strip inside the clear plastic, the fuse is blown.

Step 4: Test with a multimeter. For a more reliable check, set your multimeter to continuity mode or resistance mode. Touch one probe to each of the two metal prongs on top of the fuse. If you get a reading (continuity), the fuse is good. If you get no reading (OL or infinite resistance), the fuse is blown.

Step 5: Check for corrosion. On 2004 GMC Yukons, corrosion in the underhood fuse box is a known issue, especially in trucks exposed to road salt and moisture. Look at the metal terminals inside the fuse slot for green or white corrosion. If the terminals are corroded, simply replacing the fuse may not fix the problem because the connection is bad.

What Does the Fuel Pump Fuse Do?

The fuel pump fuse is the electrical protection for the entire fuel pump circuit. Here is how it works:

When you turn the ignition key to the ON position, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) energizes the fuel pump relay. The relay then sends battery voltage through the fuel pump fuse and down to the fuel pump itself. The PCM only keeps the relay energized for about two seconds if the engine does not start. Once the engine is running and the PCM detects ignition reference pulses (the engine is turning), it keeps the relay closed so the fuel pump continues to run.

If the fuse blows, the fuel pump loses power immediately, and the engine will die or fail to start. You may also notice that you do not hear the usual 2-second whine from the fuel pump when you first turn the key to ON.

Why Does the 2004 GMC Yukon Fuel Pump Fuse Blow?

A blown fuel pump fuse is a symptom, not the root cause. If you replace the fuse and it blows again, you have an underlying problem that needs to be fixed. Here are the most common reasons the fuse blows:

1. A failing fuel pump. As the fuel pump wears out, its internal electric motor can draw more current than normal. Over time, this can cause the fuse to blow. If the pump is also mechanically failing, it may seize up and create a direct short that immediately blows the fuse.

2. A shorted wire in the fuel pump circuit. The wiring that runs from the underhood fuse box down to the fuel pump is exposed underneath the vehicle. Road debris, rubbing against the frame, or corrosion can damage the insulation and cause a short to ground. This will blow the fuse instantly.

3. Corrosion in the fuse box. Water intrusion into the underhood fuse block is a known problem on these trucks. Corrosion on the fuse terminals or inside the relay socket can create a high-resistance connection that generates heat, eventually causing the fuse to blow or the relay to fail.

4. A faulty fuel pump relay. Sometimes the relay itself fails internally, causing a short that blows the fuse. You can test this by swapping the fuel pump relay with an identical relay in the fuse box (like the horn relay or the starter relay) and seeing if the problem moves.

5. The Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM). While more common on 2007-2014 models, some 2004 models with specific options may have a separate Fuel Pump Control Module. If this module fails or develops internal corrosion, it can draw excessive current and blow the fuse.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Circuit Yourself

Before you start throwing parts at the problem, take these diagnostic steps to narrow down the issue.

Listen for the fuel pump. Turn the ignition key to ON (do not crank the engine). Listen carefully near the fuel tank (located under the rear passenger area). You should hear a brief humming or whining sound for about 2 seconds. If you do not hear it, the pump is not getting power, or it is dead.

Check for voltage at the fuel pump fuse. With the key ON, use a test light or multimeter to probe both sides of the fuse #31 slot. You should see battery voltage (around 12.6V) on at least one of the two metal terminals. If you have voltage on both sides, the fuse is good and power is reaching the fuse box.

Test the fuel pump relay. Remove the fuel pump relay. With the key ON, probe the relay socket. One terminal should have constant battery voltage (the battery feed). Another terminal should show voltage only when the PCM commands the relay ON. If you do not see this control voltage, the PCM or its wiring may be bad.

Use the fuel pump prime terminal. The 2004 GMC Yukon underhood fuse block has a dedicated fuel pump prime terminal. This allows you to directly apply 12V power to the fuel pump for testing. With the key OFF, you can use a fused jumper wire to connect battery voltage to this prime terminal. If the pump runs, you know the pump and its wiring from the fuse box back are good, pointing to a relay or PCM control issue.

2004 GMC Yukon Fuel Pump Fuse: Quick Reference

Other Fuses That Can Affect the Fuel System

While the primary fuel pump fuse is #31, there are a few other fuses that can cause no-start or fuel system issues on the 2004 GMC Yukon.

Fuse #24 (15A) in the underhood fuse block protects the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). If this fuse blows, the PCM loses power and cannot command the fuel pump relay to close. The engine will crank but not start.

Fuse #28 (10A) in the underhood fuse block powers the instrument panel cluster, the A/C relay, and the starter relay. If your Yukon cranks slowly or has no dash lights, check this fuse.

The IGN A and IGN B fuses (fuses #9 and #11) in the underhood fuse block are labeled "Ignition Power." These supply power to the ignition system and the PCM. If either blows, the engine may crank but not fire.

What to Do If the Fuse Looks Good But the Pump Still Does Not Run

If you have checked fuse #31 and it is not blown, but the pump still does not run, move to these next steps.

Check the fuel pump relay. As mentioned earlier, a bad relay can prevent power from reaching the pump. Swap the fuel pump relay with an identical relay in the fuse box (like the horn relay). If the fuel pump suddenly starts working, the relay was bad.

Check for power at the fuel pump connector. The fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank. You can access the electrical connector either at the top of the tank (under the rear seat or cargo floor) or at the frame rail near the tank on some models. Use a test light to check for 12V at the pump connector while someone turns the key to ON. If you have power, the pump itself is likely dead.

Check the inertia switch. Some 2004 GMC Yukon models are equipped with an inertia fuel shutoff switch. This switch is located behind the passenger-side kick panel or in the passenger footwell area. If the switch has been tripped (for example, from a hard bump or off-road driving), it cuts power to the fuel pump. Push the reset button on top of the switch to restore power.

Preventing Future Fuel Pump Fuse Problems

Once you have fixed the immediate issue, take a few steps to prevent it from happening again.

Keep the underhood fuse box dry. The fuse box on the 2004 Yukon is mounted low near the battery and is exposed to moisture from rain, washing, and road spray. Make sure the cover is fully seated and all retaining clips are secure. If you see signs of water or corrosion inside the fuse box, clean the terminals with electrical contact cleaner and apply dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion.

Replace the fuel pump proactively. If your Yukon has over 100,000 miles on the original fuel pump, it is near the end of its service life. Replacing it before it fails completely can save you from being stranded and from the hassle of chasing electrical gremlins.

Use the correct fuse. Always replace a blown fuse with one that has the exact same amperage rating. On the 2004 Yukon fuel pump circuit, that is a 20-amp fuse. Never use a higher-amp fuse to try to stop the fuse from blowing. That masks a short circuit and can cause the wiring harness to overheat and catch fire.

When to Call a Professional

If you have checked the fuse, the relay, and the wiring, and you still cannot get the fuel pump to run, it is time to bring in a professional. The PCM has complex logic that controls the fuel pump relay, and diagnosing a communication or control module failure requires specialized scan tools.

A professional mechanic can:

• Use a scan tool to command the fuel pump relay ON and OFF to verify PCM operation.
• Check for stored diagnostic trouble codes (like P0230 for fuel pump circuit malfunction).
• Test the CAN bus communication between the PCM and other modules if needed.

Recommended Fuel Pump Upgrade for Your 2004 GMC Yukon

If your fuel pump has failed or is showing signs of weakness, do not just buy the cheapest replacement you can find. A quality fuel pump is essential for reliable starting and safe driving.

Why choose a high-quality replacement: The factory fuel pump on the 2004 GMC Yukon is known to fail over time, especially in vehicles with high mileage or those exposed to ethanol-blended fuels. Ethanol can damage internal pump components and cause premature failure.

KEMSO Fuel Pump offers a direct replacement solution. KEMSO fuel pumps are designed as high-performance, OEM replacement parts. They are built to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, ensuring a perfect fit and proper fuel pressure and flow. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.

For a reliable replacement that will keep your 2004 GMC Yukon running strong, visit: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

KEMSO products are rigorously tested to guarantee consistent performance. They drop right into the original fuel pump module assembly without modifications. With a KEMSO fuel pump, you get quieter operation, more reliable starting, and longer service life compared to budget aftermarket alternatives.

Summary

The 2004 GMC Yukon fuel pump fuse is fuse #31 in the underhood fuse block, a 20-amp mini fuse located on the driver's side of the engine compartment near the battery. If your Yukon cranks but does not start, or if it stalls out, start your diagnosis by checking this fuse. If the fuse is blown, replace it with an exact 20-amp replacement. If it blows again, look for a failing fuel pump, a shorted wire, corrosion in the fuse box, or a bad fuel pump relay.

For any fuel pump replacement, choose a quality part that will last. KEMSO Fuel Pumps offer high-performance OEM replacement with a lifetime warranty. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the right fuel pump for your 2004 GMC Yukon and get back on the road with confidence.