2006 F150 Fuel Pump Fuse: Location, Diagram, and How to Test It

If your 2006 Ford F-150 cranks but won’t start, the fuel pump fuse is one of the first things you should check. The fuel pump fuse on a 2006 F-150 is a 20A fuse located in the passenger compartment fuse panel, which sits to the left of the steering wheel near the brake pedal. This fuse powers the fuel pump relay, fuel injectors, and the intake manifold runner control on 4.2L engines. A blown fuse is a common cause of no-start conditions, and replacing it takes less than five minutes with basic hand tools. This guide walks you through finding the fuse, checking it, testing the fuel pump, and what to do if the fuse keeps blowing.

Where Is the Fuel Pump Fuse Located?

The 2006 F-150 has two main fuse boxes: one inside the cab and one under the hood. The fuel pump fuse lives in the passenger compartment fuse panel.

Step-by-step to locate it:

  1. Sit in the driver’s seat and look to the left of the steering column, near the brake pedal.
  2. Pull the release lever and lower the fuse panel cover. The cover has a diagram on the underside that shows fuse positions.
  3. Find the fuse labeled Fuse 9 (20A) – that is the fuel pump fuse.

In some trims, the fuse panel cover may be held by a small tab. Push the tab and pull straight down. If you have a owner’s manual, the fuse map is also printed there.

Passenger Compartment Fuse Panel – Key Fuses

Fuse No. Amp Rating Circuit
9 20A Fuel pump relay, fuel injectors, intake manifold runner control (4.2L)
2 20A Stop/turn lamps, brake on/off switch
11 10A A/C clutch, 4x4 solenoid
19 10A Restraints (air bag module)

Note: The fuel pump relay itself is located in the power distribution box under the hood, on the right side near the battery. The fuse in the cab supplies power to that relay circuit.

How to Check the Fuel Pump Fuse

A quick visual check is not always enough. Fuses can crack or burn internally without obvious visible damage. Here is a reliable way to test it:

Method 1 – Visual Inspection

  1. Remove fuse 9 with a fuse puller (usually clipped inside the fuse panel cover).
  2. Hold it up to a light. Look for a broken metal strip inside the plastic body.
  3. If the strip is separated or you see burn marks, replace it.

Method 2 – Test Light or Multimeter

  1. Set your multimeter to continuity mode (or use a 12V test light).
  2. Touch the probes to the two metal prongs on the top of the fuse.
  3. If the meter reads no continuity or the test light does not light, the fuse is blown.

Method 3 – Swap the Fuse

  1. Pull fuse 9 and swap it with another 20A fuse from a non-critical circuit (like the trailer tow back-up lamps fuse 10).
  2. Try starting the truck. If it starts, the original fuse was bad.

Always replace a blown fuse with the same amperage – never higher or lower. Using a 30A fuse in place of a 20A can melt wiring and start a fire.

What to Do If Your 2006 F-150 Won't Start (Fuel Pump Check)

If the fuse looks fine and the truck still cranks but won’t fire, the fuel pump itself may be failing or the fuel pump shut-off switch may have tripped.

1. Check the Inertia Fuel Shut-Off Switch

The 2006 F-150 has a fuel pump shut-off switch that stops the electric fuel pump after a substantial jolt – like a collision or even a hard bump. If the engine cranks but will not start, this switch may have been activated.

  • The switch is typically located on the passenger side, behind the kick panel or under the dashboard.
  • Press the reset button on top of the switch.
  • Turn the key to the “ON” position (II position) and listen for the pump to prime.

2. Listen for the Fuel Pump Priming

Turn the ignition to the II position (without cranking). You should hear a slight humming sound from the fuel tank area for one to two seconds. This is the pump pressurizing the fuel lines.

  • If you hear the hum, the pump is getting power and running.
  • If you do not hear the hum, and the fuse is good, the pump or relay may be faulty.

3. Check the Fuel Pump Relay

The fuel pump relay is in the power distribution box under the hood, near the battery on the right side of the engine bay. You can swap it with a similar relay (like the PCM relay) to test if it is bad.

Why Fuel Pumps Fail on the 2006 F-150

Fuel pumps on the 2006 F-150 typically last well beyond 100,000 miles, but premature failure is often caused by running the tank too low. The fuel pump relies on being submerged in gasoline to stay cool. When the pickup is not fully submerged, the pump draws in air and overheats, which shortens its life.

Other common causes include:

  1. Contaminated fuel – Dirt and debris clog the fuel filter and strain the pump.
  2. Frequent low-tank driving – Sediment at the bottom of the tank gets pulled into the pump.
  3. Clogged fuel filter – A dirty filter makes the pump work harder, increasing wear.

Prevention tips:

  • Keep the fuel tank at least one quarter full at all times.
  • Replace the fuel filter at recommended intervals, typically every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
  • Use a fuel system cleaner like Lucas Fuel Treatment at oil change intervals to lubricate and clean the pump internals.

Signs Your Fuel Pump Is Going Bad

A failing fuel pump rarely dies without warning. Watch for these symptoms:

  1. Engine cranks but will not start – The pump is not delivering fuel at the right pressure.
  2. Hesitation or sputtering under acceleration – The pump cannot keep up with demand.
  3. Whining noise from the fuel tank – A worn pump makes a high-pitched sound that varies with engine speed.
  4. Loss of power or stalling – The engine may cut out without warning, especially at highway speeds.
  5. Decreased fuel economy – A pump losing pressure forces the engine to run rich.

If you notice any of these, have the fuel pressure tested before replacing the pump. A clogged filter can cause identical symptoms and costs far less to fix.

How Much Does Fuel Pump Replacement Cost?

Fuel pump replacement on a 2006 F-150 is a moderate repair.

  • Parts cost: $80–$250 for an aftermarket pump; $250–$500 for an OEM unit.
  • Labor cost: $233–$342 on average, with about two to three hours of shop time.
  • Total cost: Usually $500–$1,000 at a repair shop.

DIY tip: If you are moderately handy, the pump is accessible through an access panel under the rear seat – you do not need to drop the fuel tank on most F-150 models. This can save you $300–$500 in labor.

Step-by-Step: How to Replace the Fuel Pump Fuse

Here is the exact process, from start to finish:

  1. Park and turn off the engine. Engage the parking brake.
  2. Open the driver’s door and locate the fuse panel release lever under the dash.
  3. Pull the lever and lower the cover. The diagram on the back of the cover shows fuse 9.
  4. Use the fuse puller (stored in the panel) to remove fuse 9.
  5. Inspect the fuse – look for a broken strip or burn marks.
  6. Install a new 20A fuse (standard mini fuse).
  7. Turn ignition to “ON” (not start) and listen for the fuel pump hum.
  8. Crank the engine. If it starts, you are done.
  9. If it does not start, check the inertia switch and relay as described earlier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using the wrong amperage fuse. Always use exactly 20A. Going higher can melt the wiring harness.
  2. Ignoring the inertia switch. A tripped switch is often mistaken for a dead pump. Always reset it first.
  3. Skipping the fuel pressure test. A weak pump may still prime but not produce enough pressure to start the engine.

Recommended: KEMSO Fuel Pumps for Your 2006 F-150

If your fuel pump needs replacement, consider KEMSO brand fuel pumps. KEMSO is a US-based aftermarket manufacturer specializing in high-performance, OEM-replacement fuel pumps for cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, and watercraft.

Why choose KEMSO?

  1. High-performance specs. KEMSO pumps deliver up to 340 LPH flow, exceeding OEM requirements for most applications, including the 2006 F-150.
  2. Direct OEM replacement. No adapter kits, no poor fitment – KEMSO pumps are designed as a direct swap for your factory unit.
  3. Lifetime warranty. KEMSO backs every pump with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. If it fails, you get a replacement at no cost.
  4. Broad compatibility. KEMSO covers hundreds of models, from the Ford F-150 to motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and personal watercraft.
  5. Individually tested. Every pump is flow-tested and performance-verified before it leaves the factory.
  6. Ethanol-resistant materials. KEMSO pumps handle modern fuels, including E85 blends, without premature degradation.

KEMSO pumps are priced at $79.98 – often less than half the cost of dealer parts – with free shipping and easy returns. For a 2006 F-150 owner who wants a reliable, affordable replacement, KEMSO is a smart choice.

Visit KEMSO Racing today to find the perfect fuel pump for your vehicle: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Final Thoughts

The 2006 F-150 fuel pump fuse is a simple 20A fuse in the passenger compartment fuse panel, located to the left of the steering wheel. Checking it takes minutes and can save you an expensive tow. Always start your no-start diagnosis with the fuse, then move to the inertia switch, relay, and finally the pump itself.

If the pump is bad, do not overspend on dealer parts. A KEMSO fuel pump gives you OEM-level performance, a lifetime warranty, and a price that leaves money in your pocket. Check out their full catalog at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ before you buy elsewhere.


Back to blog