2006 Ford Ranger Fuel Pump Fuse: Location, Diagram, and Troubleshooting Guide
Where Is the Fuel Pump Fuse Located?
The 2006 Ford Ranger has two fuse boxes: one inside the passenger compartment and one under the hood. The fuel pump fuse lives in the under-hood box, officially called the power distribution box .
To find it:
- Open the hood and look on the driver's side, near the brake master cylinder and firewall.
- The box is a black plastic unit with a removable cover. Press the tab and lift the cover off.
- Look for the fuse layout diagram printed on the underside of the cover. Some models also have the diagram printed on the box itself.
- Find slot 23. That is the fuel pump fuse. It is a 20-amp mini fuse .
If your Ranger has a 2.3L engine, slot 23 is the fuel pump fuse. If it has a 3.0L or 4.0L engine, slot 23 is also the fuel pump fuse. The layout is identical across all three engine options for the 2006 model year .
The fuse is a standard mini blade fuse with two metal prongs and a colored plastic body. A 20-amp fuse has a yellow or natural (clear) body, depending on the brand. You can confirm the rating by looking at the number printed on top of the fuse.
Fuse Box Diagram for the Fuel Pump Circuit
Here is the exact fuse assignment for the power distribution box on the 2006 Ranger, with the fuel pump fuse highlighted in bold:
| Fuse Number | Amp Rating | Protected Circuit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50A | Interior fuse panel (SJB) |
| 3 | 40A | Interior fuse panel (SJB) |
| 5 | 50A | Interior fuse panel (SJB) |
| 7 | 40A | Starter solenoid |
| 9 | 40A | Ignition switch |
| 11 | 30A | Powertrain Control Module (PCM), engine sensors |
| 13 | 30A | Blower motor (climate control) |
| 17 | 40A | ABS motor |
| 19 | 20A | Engine fan (2.3L only) |
| 21 | 10A | PCM keep alive power |
| 23 | 20A | Fuel pump |
| 25 | 10A | A/C clutch solenoid |
| 33 | 30A | ABS solenoids |
| 38 | 7.5A | Trailer tow (right turn) |
| 41 | 15A | HEGO sensors, EVAP vent valve, EGR stepper, transmission |
| 42 | 7.5A | Trailer tow (left turn) |
The relays in the same box include the fuel pump relay (46A), PCM relay (54), blower relay (55), and starter relay (48) . The fuel pump relay is a separate component from the fuse. If the fuse is good but the pump still won't run, the relay could be the problem.
How to Check and Replace the Fuel Pump Fuse
A blown fuse has a visible break in the metal wire inside the plastic body. Here is how to check and replace it.
Step 1: Turn the ignition off. Remove the key from the ignition switch. You do not need to disconnect the battery for this job.
Step 2: Pull the fuse. Use the fuse puller tool stored in the fuse panel cover, or use a pair of needle-nose pliers. Grasp the fuse firmly and pull it straight out of the socket .
Step 3: Inspect the fuse. Hold it up to the light. Look through the clear plastic. If the metal strip inside is broken or melted, the fuse is blown. If the strip looks intact, the fuse is good and the problem lies elsewhere.
Step 4: Replace with the correct rating. Always use a 20-amp fuse. Never use a higher amp fuse, as this can cause severe wire damage and could start a fire . The spare fuses on the underside of the fuse panel cover include a 10-amp (red), 15-amp (light blue), 20-amp (natural), and 30-amp (light green) . If you have a spare 20-amp fuse, use that.
Step 5: Push the new fuse in firmly. Make sure it seats fully into the socket. Replace the cover on the fuse box.
Step 6: Test. Turn the ignition to the "ON" position (not "START"). You should hear the fuel pump prime for a second or two. If you hear it buzz, the fuse was the issue. If not, move on to the next section.
Why Does the Fuel Pump Fuse Keep Blowing?
If the new fuse blows again immediately, or within a few days, there is an underlying electrical problem. Here are the most common causes.
1. Short circuit in the fuel pump wiring. The wire harness running from the fuse box to the fuel pump can rub against the frame or body and wear through its insulation. This causes a direct short to ground, which blows the fuse. Inspect the wiring under the truck, especially near the fuel tank and along the frame rail.
2. Failing fuel pump motor. As the pump motor wears out, it can draw excessive current. A pump that is on its last legs may pull more than 20 amps, which blows the fuse. If the pump is original with over 150,000 miles, this is a strong possibility.
3. A faulty fuel pump relay. The relay itself can stick closed or short internally. When this happens, the pump gets power even when it should not, which can overload the circuit. The relay is located in the power distribution box at position 46A . Try swapping it with the washer pump relay (46B) if they are the same part number, then test again .
4. The inertia fuel shutoff switch. This switch is located under the right-hand side of the glove box, just above the carpet . It is designed to cut power to the fuel pump in a collision. If it has tripped, the pump will not run, but it does not blow the fuse. Still, it is worth checking the reset button before replacing any parts. To reset, turn the ignition off, push the button on top of the switch, then turn the ignition back on .
Troubleshooting Beyond the Fuse
If the fuse is good and the pump still will not run, work through this checklist in order.
Check the fuel pump relay first. The relay is a small black box in the power distribution box at position 46A . You can test it by swapping it with the washer pump relay (46B), which has the same part number. If the fuel pump starts working with the swapped relay, the original relay is bad .
Check the inertia switch. Locate the switch under the passenger side of the dashboard, just above the carpet . Press the reset button on top. If the switch has tripped, the pump will not run even with a good fuse and relay .
Check for voltage at the fuel pump connector. The fuel pump harness connector is located near the fuel tank. Unplug it, turn the ignition on, and use a multimeter to check for 12 volts on the dark green with yellow stripe wire . If you have power at the connector but the pump still does not run, the pump itself is bad .
Check the ground connection. A poor ground at the fuel tank can cause the pump to run intermittently or not at all. Clean the ground wire connection and reattach it firmly.
If all of these check out and you still have no fuel pressure, the pump itself is the likely culprit. A sending unit failure is also possible, as one 2006 Ranger owner discovered after chasing fuses, relays, and wiring, only to find the sending unit was bad .
Recommended Replacement: KEMSO Fuel Pump
If your diagnostics point to a failed fuel pump, do not settle for a cheap aftermarket part that might fail in a year. The KEMSO brand fuel pump is a smart choice for your 2006 Ford Ranger. KEMSO fuel pumps are manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, so you get a precise fit and reliable performance without modifications. Every KEMSO fuel pump is built as a high-performance, OEM replacement unit, designed to deliver consistent fuel pressure under all driving conditions. KEMSO stands behind their product with a lifetime warranty, which means once you install a KEMSO pump, you will not have to worry about buying another one anytime soon. Whether you use your Ranger for daily commuting, weekend off-roading, or hauling gear, a KEMSO fuel pump keeps your engine running smoothly. Visit the KEMSO website at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the correct fuel pump for your 2006 Ford Ranger and take advantage of their quality and warranty. Their online catalog makes it easy to match the right part to your truck, and their customer service team can answer any fitment questions you have. Do not gamble with a no-name pump that could leave you stranded. Choose KEMSO for durability, performance, and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
The 2006 Ford Ranger fuel pump fuse is a 20-amp mini fuse located in the under-hood power distribution box at slot 23 . It is easy to check and replace, and doing so can resolve many no-start and stalling issues. If the fuse keeps blowing, inspect the wiring, the relay, and the pump itself. Use a multimeter to confirm power reaches the pump before replacing any major parts . And when the pump does need to be replaced, trust a high-quality brand like KEMSO, which offers OEM replacement parts with a lifetime warranty. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ for more details and to order the right pump for your Ranger. A little preventive maintenance and the right parts will keep your 2006 Ford Ranger running strong for years to come.