2005 Subaru Impreza Fuel Pump Fuse Location: A Complete Guide for DIY Owners

The bottom line: The fuel pump fuse on your 2005 Subaru Impreza is located in the main fuse box under the dashboard on the driver's side, behind the coin tray. It is a 15-amp fuse labeled "FUEL PUMP" or "FUEL." If your car cranks but won't start, checking this fuse should be your first step before moving on to the fuel pump relay or the pump itself.

Understanding Your 2005 Subaru Impreza's Fuel System

The 2005 Subaru Impreza comes in several trims including the RS, WRX, and WRX STI. All of these models share a similar electrical layout for the fuel system. The fuel pump is an electric unit mounted inside the fuel tank. It relies on a dedicated fuse and relay to receive power from the battery.

When you turn the key to the "ON" position, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) activates the fuel pump relay. This relay sends power through the fuel pump fuse and then to the pump itself. If any part of this chain fails, your engine will crank but never fire up.

Where Is the Fuel Pump Fuse Located?

The main fuse box on the 2005 Subaru Impreza is located inside the passenger compartment. Here is how to find it:

Step 1: Sit in the driver's seat and look below the dashboard on the left side, near your left knee area.

Step 2: You will see a small plastic cover. On some models, this is a coin tray that pulls out. On others, it is a solid panel that snaps off.

Step 3: Remove the cover by pulling it toward you. It should pop off without tools.

Step 4: Look at the diagram printed on the inside of the cover or on the fuse box itself. The fuel pump fuse is typically located in one of the lower rows. It is a standard blade-type fuse rated at 15 amps.

Fuse Position: Depending on the exact model year and trim, the fuel pump fuse is usually positioned in slot number 11 or slot number 16. Look for the label that says "FUEL PUMP" or simply "FUEL."

What Does the Fuse Look Like?

The fuel pump fuse is a small plastic cube with two metal prongs sticking out. It is translucent so you can see the metal strip inside. A good fuse has a solid, unbroken metal strip. A blown fuse will have a melted or broken strip, sometimes with black scorch marks inside the plastic.

The 2005 Subaru Impreza uses standard mini blade fuses. The fuel pump fuse is 15 amps, which means it is colored light blue.

How to Check the Fuel Pump Fuse

Checking the fuse is simple and requires no special tools, though a fuse puller or a pair of needle-nose pliers can help.

1. Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Locate the fuse box under the dashboard on the driver's side.
3. Remove the cover.
4. Find the fuel pump fuse using the diagram on the cover.
5. Pull the fuse straight out. You can use the small plastic fuse puller tool stored inside the fuse box cover.
6. Hold the fuse up to the light. Look through the translucent plastic. If the metal strip inside is broken or melted, the fuse is blown.
7. If you are unsure, use a multimeter set to continuity mode. Touch one probe to each of the two small metal tabs on top of the fuse. If the meter beeps, the fuse is good.

What If the Fuse Is Blown?

If you find that the fuel pump fuse is blown, do not just replace it and move on. A blown fuse is a symptom of an underlying issue. There are several common reasons why the fuel pump fuse blows on a 2005 Subaru Impreza:

• A failing fuel pump: As the pump ages, it draws more current than normal. This extra load can blow the fuse. If the pump is on its way out, replacing just the fuse will not fix the problem.
• Corroded wiring or connectors: Moisture or road salt can cause corrosion at the fuel pump connector located on top of the fuel tank. This creates resistance and can cause the fuse to blow.
• A short circuit in the fuel pump wiring harness: The wires running from the fuse box to the fuel pump can rub against metal parts and wear through their insulation, causing a short.
• A stuck fuel pump relay: If the relay fails in the closed position, it keeps power flowing to the pump even when the engine is off. This can overheat the circuit and blow the fuse.

Recommendation: If you replace the fuse and it blows again immediately, do not keep installing new fuses. This can damage the wiring harness. Instead, check the fuel pump relay first, then inspect the wiring at the fuel pump.

The Fuel Pump Relay: A Close Relative

The fuel pump relay is just as important as the fuse. On the 2005 Subaru Impreza, the fuel pump relay is usually located in the same fuse box as the fuel pump fuse, or in the under-hood fuse box near the battery.

Symptoms of a bad fuel pump relay:

• The engine cranks but will not start.
• You do not hear the fuel pump prime for 2-3 seconds when you turn the key to "ON."
• The fuel pump fuse keeps blowing for no apparent reason.

How to test the relay: You can swap the fuel pump relay with another relay of the same part number in the fuse box (like the horn relay or the main fan relay). If the car starts after swapping, the original relay was faulty.

Step-by-Step: Replacing the Fuel Pump Fuse

If you have determined that the fuse is blown and you have addressed the root cause, replacing it is straightforward.

What you need: One 15-amp mini blade fuse (light blue color). You can buy these at any auto parts store, hardware store, or online.

Procedure:

1. Make sure the ignition is off and the key is removed.
2. Open the driver's side fuse panel.
3. Pull out the blown fuse.
4. Insert the new 15-amp fuse into the same slot. Push it in firmly until it clicks into place.
5. Close the fuse panel cover.
6. Turn the key to the "ON" position. You should hear the fuel pump hum for about two seconds.
7. Start the engine.

If the engine starts and runs, your repair is complete. If the new fuse blows immediately, you have a deeper electrical problem that requires further diagnosis.

Where NOT to Look

Some owners mistakenly look for the fuel pump fuse under the hood. On the 2005 Subaru Impreza, the under-hood fuse box (located near the battery) contains fuses for the engine cooling fans, the main power supply, the ABS system, and the headlights, but not the fuel pump fuse. The only fuel system-related component in the engine compartment fuse box may be the fuel pump relay on certain models.

Also, do not confuse the fuel pump fuse with the "FUEL INJECTOR" fuse. These are two separate circuits. The injector fuse supplies power to the fuel injectors, which spray fuel into the engine. If that fuse blows, the engine will also not start, but the fuel pump will still run.

Common Mistakes DIY Owners Make

Mistake 1: Using the wrong amp rating. Never replace a 15-amp fuse with a 20-amp or 30-amp fuse. The higher rating will not blow when there is a problem, and the extra current can melt the wiring harness or start a fire. Always use the exact rating specified by Subaru.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the relay. If the fuse checks out fine but the car still will not start, many people jump straight to replacing the fuel pump. The fuel pump relay is much cheaper and easier to replace than the pump itself. Test the relay first.

Mistake 3: Not checking for power at the pump. Before condemning the pump, use a multimeter to check if power is actually reaching the fuel pump connector at the fuel tank. If there is 12 volts at the connector when the key is turned, the wiring and fuse are good, and the problem is likely the pump itself.

How to Confirm the Fuel Pump Fuse Is the Problem

There is a simple way to know if the fuel pump fuse is the culprit:

1. Turn the key to the "ON" position (do not start the engine).
2. Listen carefully near the rear of the car, below the rear seat area. You should hear a faint whirring or humming sound for about 2 seconds. This is the fuel pump priming the system.
3. If you hear nothing, check the fuse and relay first.

If the fuse is good and the relay clicks when the key is turned, but the pump still does not run, the pump itself may have failed.

Keeping Your Fuel System Healthy

To avoid future problems with the fuel pump fuse and the fuel system in general:

• Keep the gas tank at least a quarter full. Running the tank low frequently causes the pump to suck in air and debris from the bottom of the tank, which can overwork the pump and draw excess current.
• Replace the fuel filter every 30,000 miles. A clogged filter forces the pump to work harder, increasing current draw and potentially blowing the fuse.
• Use quality fuel. Cheap or contaminated fuel can leave deposits that damage the pump over time.
• Listen for warning signs. A whining noise from the fuel tank area, hesitation during acceleration, or hard starting are all early signs of a failing fuel pump.

KEMSO Fuel Pump: The Smart Replacement Choice for Your Subaru Impreza

When it comes time to replace the fuel pump on your 2005 Subaru Impreza, you want a part that delivers reliability, performance, and peace of mind. That is exactly what you get with KEMSO.

KEMSO fuel pumps are designed as high-performance, direct OEM replacements. They are built to meet or exceed the original factory specifications for your Subaru Impreza. Whether you drive the base model, the RS, or the turbocharged WRX, KEMSO has a fuel pump that fits perfectly and performs flawlessly.

What sets KEMSO apart:

• High performance: KEMSO pumps deliver consistent fuel pressure and flow, ensuring your engine runs smoothly under all driving conditions.
• OEM replacement: Each pump is engineered to match the original part precisely. No modifications, no adapters, no hassle.
• Lifetime warranty: KEMSO stands behind the quality of their products. Every fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can install it with confidence knowing you are covered for the life of your vehicle.

KEMSO Fuel Pump for Subaru Impreza 1998-2023 is available now at an affordable regular price of $79.98. Customers have given it high ratings, with 142 reviews praising its reliability and easy installation.

Do not settle for a cheap, no-name pump that might leave you stranded. Choose KEMSO and get a fuel pump that is built to last.

Visit KEMSO Racing today to order your replacement fuel pump: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Their website is easy to navigate, and their product selection covers a wide range of vehicles from Subaru Impreza to BMW motorcycles to Sea-Doo watercraft. You can find the exact pump you need in just a few clicks.

Quick Reference Summary

Final Thoughts

Finding and replacing the fuel pump fuse on your 2005 Subaru Impreza is one of the easiest diagnostic steps you can take. It takes less than five minutes and costs only a few dollars. Even if the fuse is not the problem, ruling it out saves you time and helps you focus on the real issue.

Remember these key points:

• The fuse is under the dash on the driver's side, not under the hood.
• It is a 15-amp light blue mini blade fuse.
• Always investigate why the fuse blew before simply replacing it.
• If the fuse and relay are both good, the problem is likely the fuel pump itself.

And when you do need to replace the fuel pump, trust KEMSO. Their high-performance OEM replacement pumps with lifetime warranty give you the reliability your Subaru deserves.

Get your KEMSO Fuel Pump for Subaru Impreza today: https://www.kemsoracing.com/