2006 Chrysler 300 Fuel Pump Reset Button: What It Is, How to Find It, and How to Use It
If you own a 2006 Chrysler 300 and your engine stalls, refuses to start, or loses power while driving, the fuel pump reset button (also called the inertia switch) is often the first thing to check. This small safety device is designed to shut off the fuel pump in the event of a collision, but it can also trip due to a hard bump, a faulty sensor, or an electrical surge. The good news is that resetting it is a simple, no-cost procedure that you can do in your driveway in under five minutes, and it often restores fuel flow immediately without needing a mechanic. However, if your 2006 Chrysler 300 does not have a visible reset button, you can achieve the same result by removing the fuel pump relay or fuse to cycle power and clear temporary faults.
Below, we walk through everything you need to know about the fuel pump reset button on the 2006 Chrysler 300—where it hides, how to reset it, what to do if there is no button, and when a reset will not solve the problem.
1. What Does the Fuel Pump Reset Button Do?
The fuel pump reset button is a safety switch wired into the fuel pump circuit. In the event of a collision, the button pops out and cuts electrical power to the fuel pump, preventing fuel from being pumped if a fuel line is ruptured. This reduces the risk of fire after an accident.
On many vehicles, this switch is called the inertia switch or fuel pump shut-off switch. On some models, it can trip accidentally due to a pothole, a speed bump taken too fast, or a minor fender bender. When the switch trips, the car may crank but never start, or it may stall while driving and refuse to restart.
2. Does the 2006 Chrysler 300 Have a Fuel Pump Reset Button?
This is the most common question, and the answer is nuanced. The 2005–2010 Chrysler 300 does not have a traditional push-button inertia switch like you find on Ford or Mazda vehicles from the same era. Instead, Chrysler designed the fuel pump circuit to be controlled through the fuel pump relay and fuse, which are located in the trunk, not under the dash or behind the glove box.
However, some aftermarket guides and repair forums refer to the fuel pump relay itself as a "reset button," because removing it and reinstalling it effectively resets the fuel pump control circuit. Additionally, if your 300 was equipped with a security system or you recently had a collision, the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) may store a fuel pump shut-off code that requires a relay pull or battery disconnect to clear.
In short: You will not find a small red button on the kick panel or under the seat like on other cars. Instead, you will need to use the relay or fuse method described below.
3. Step-by-Step: How to Reset the Fuel Pump on a 2006 Chrysler 300
If you are experiencing symptoms like a no-start condition, stalling, or long cranking times, follow these steps in order. This is the official, dealership-level procedure for relieving fuel pressure and resetting the fuel pump circuit.
1. Locate the fuel pump relay.
Open the trunk and lift up the carpet covering the battery area. You will see the battery and a fuse panel on the right side. Remove the fuse panel cover. Look for a relay at the very end of the panel, closest to the back of the vehicle, on the right side. This is the fuel pump relay.
2. Remove the fuel pump relay.
Grasp the relay firmly and pull it straight out. You do not need any tools for this; it should come out with moderate hand pressure. Set it aside in a safe place.
3. Drain the fuel pressure.
Go back to the driver's seat. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the "Start" position. The engine will crank and run for a few seconds before dying, because the fuel pump is no longer receiving power. Let it die on its own, then turn the key to "Off." Crank the engine again for 5–10 seconds to purge any remaining fuel pressure from the lines. This ensures the system is safe to work on.
4. Reinstall the relay and prime the system.
Once you have completed any repairs or simply want to reset the system, reinsert the fuel pump relay into its socket. Make sure it is seated fully. Replace the fuse panel cover and the trunk carpet.
5. Prime the fuel pump.
Turn the key to the "On" position (do not crank the engine). You should hear a faint whirring or buzzing sound coming from the rear of the car—this is the fuel pump priming and building pressure. Wait until the sound stops (about 2–3 seconds), then turn the key back to "Off." Repeat this cycle three times to ensure the system is fully pressurized.
6. Start the engine.
After the third priming cycle, turn the key to "Start." The engine should fire up immediately. If it does not, wait 10 seconds and try again.
4. Alternative Reset Method: Remove the Fuel Pump Fuse
If pulling the relay does not work, or if you prefer to reset the fuel pump control module, you can use the fuse method instead.
1. Locate the fuse box.
On the 2006 Chrysler 300, the fuse box is in the trunk, next to the battery, under the fuse panel cover.
2. Find the fuel pump fuse.
Look at the fuse box diagram printed on the inside of the cover. Find the fuse labeled "Fuel Pump" or "FP". This is typically a 20-amp fuse.
3. Remove the fuse.
Use a fuse puller or a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the fuse. You do not need to disconnect the battery first, but it is good practice to turn the ignition completely off.
4. Wait 10–15 minutes.
This is the critical step. By leaving the fuse out for at least 10 minutes, you allow the fuel pump control module to lose its memory of any fault codes or shutdown conditions. Some vehicles require up to 15 minutes to fully clear the capacitor charge.
5. Reinstall the fuse.
Push the fuse back into its slot until it clicks into place. Make sure it is fully seated.
6. Prime and start.
Turn the ignition to "On" for a few seconds, then off. Repeat three times. Then crank the engine.
5. What to Do If the Reset Does Not Work
If you have tried both methods and the fuel pump still does not run, or the engine still will not start, the problem is likely more serious than a simple reset can fix. Here are the most common underlying causes to investigate next.
1. Failed fuel pump relay.
The relay can fail internally even if it looks fine on the outside. Swap it with an identical relay from another circuit (such as the horn or headlight relay, if the amperage matches) and see if the fuel pump starts working. If it does, replace the relay.
2. Blown fuel pump fuse.
If the fuse is blown, it will need to be replaced. But keep in mind that a blown fuse usually indicates a short in the wiring or a failing fuel pump motor that is drawing too much current. Simply replacing the fuse without investigating the root cause will only lead to another blown fuse.
3. Faulty fuel pump.
The fuel pump itself may be worn out. A failing pump will often produce a loud whining noise, or no noise at all when you turn the key to "On." If you hear nothing from the fuel tank area during priming, the pump motor is likely dead and the pump must be replaced.
4. Clogged fuel filter.
Even if the pump is running, a severely clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow to the point where the engine cannot start. If the pump is running but you have no fuel pressure at the rail, test the filter first.
5. Failed fuel pump control module (FPCM).
On some 300 models, the fuel pump is controlled by a separate module. If this module fails, the pump will not receive power even with a good relay and fuse. Resetting the PCM by disconnecting the battery for 15 minutes can sometimes clear a stuck module, but if it is physically damaged, it will need replacement.
6. When Should You Reset the Fuel Pump?
There are several situations where a fuel pump reset is appropriate, and understanding these can save you time and money.
1. After a minor collision or impact.
If you hit a curb, a pothole, or were involved in a low-speed accident, the safety switch may have tripped. A reset is always the first step before calling a tow truck.
2. After a jump start or battery disconnect.
Voltage spikes during jump starts can cause the fuel pump control module to enter a protective mode. A reset clears this condition.
3. When the engine cranks but does not start.
If the starter is turning the engine over normally, but the engine never fires, a fuel pump shutdown is a strong possibility. Listen for the fuel pump priming noise. If it is absent, reset the system.
4. After fuel system service.
If you have recently replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, or fuel lines, you should prime the system using the ignition cycling method before the first start. This prevents a dry start that can damage the new pump.
5. When you notice unusual fuel pump noises.
If the pump sounds like it is whining loudly, buzzing, or making a grinding noise, it may be struggling. A reset can sometimes restore normal operation if the issue is electrical, but if the noise persists, the pump is likely failing.
7. Safety Precautions Before You Start
Working with the fuel system carries real risks. Gasoline is highly flammable, and fuel lines can be under significant pressure. Follow these safety rules before performing any fuel pump reset or inspection.
- Work in a well-ventilated area. Do not work indoors. Fuel vapors can collect and ignite.
- No smoking or open flames. Extinguish all cigarettes, pilot lights, and other ignition sources.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves. Fuel can spray when you disconnect lines or relieve pressure. Eye protection is essential.
- Disconnect the battery if you are doing any work beyond simply pulling a fuse or relay. This prevents accidental sparks.
- Wait for the engine to cool. Do not work on a hot engine, as heat can ignite fuel vapors.
8. The Bottom Line
The 2006 Chrysler 300 does not have a traditional fuel pump reset button, but the fuel pump relay and fuse serve the same function and are just as easy to reset. Whether you pull the relay and let the engine die, or remove the fuse and wait, the key is to interrupt power to the fuel pump long enough for the control module to clear any fault codes.
If you reset the fuel pump and the engine starts and runs normally, you have solved the problem. If the issue persists or returns, move on to diagnosing the relay, fuse, fuel filter, and ultimately the fuel pump itself.
For most owners, the relay-pull method described in Section 3 is the fastest and most effective way to reset the fuel system on a 2006 Chrysler 300. Keep this guide in your garage, and you will never be stranded by a tripped fuel safety switch again.
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