2006 Mustang GT Fuel Pump Fuse: Location, Testing, and Replacement Guide

If your 2006 Mustang GT cranks but won't start, the fuel pump fuse is often the first thing to check. This fuse is located in the engine compartment fuse box, also called the Power Distribution Box (PDB), which sits on the driver's side under the hood. Before you spend money on a new fuel pump, always verify the fuse and relay first—a blown fuse is the cheapest and easiest fix, and it can save you hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the fuel pump fuse on your 2006 Mustang GT, including how to locate it, how to test it, what to do if it keeps blowing, and when it's time to replace the actual fuel pump.

Understanding the Fuel System on Your 2006 Mustang GT

The fuel pump on your 2006 Mustang GT is an electric pump that sits inside the fuel tank. Its job is to draw fuel from the tank and deliver it to the engine at the correct pressure. Without a properly working pump, the engine won't get the fuel it needs to run, which means your car won't start or will run poorly if the pump is failing.

The fuel pump is protected by two key electrical components:

  1. Fuel Pump Fuse – This protects the circuit from overload. If too much current flows through, the fuse blows and cuts power to the pump.
  2. Fuel Pump Relay – This acts as a switch that sends power to the pump when you turn the key. It's controlled by the PCM (Powertrain Control Module).

Both of these components live in the engine compartment fuse box, and understanding how they work together is essential for diagnosing starting issues.

Locating the Fuel Pump Fuse on Your 2006 Mustang GT

Your 2006 Mustang GT actually has two fuse boxes:

The Passenger Compartment Fuse Box

This one is located on the passenger side, behind a small access panel. It handles interior functions like the radio, power windows, power locks, interior lighting, instrument cluster, and airbag system.

The Engine Compartment Fuse Box (Power Distribution Box)

This is where you'll find the fuel pump fuse and relay. It's located under the hood, usually on the driver's side. It's a larger, more substantial-looking box compared to the interior one. This box handles the higher-current electrical components necessary for the car to run, including:

  • Fuel pump
  • Ignition system
  • Headlights and taillights
  • Starter motor
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • Cooling fan

To access the engine compartment fuse box:

  1. Open the hood and secure it properly.
  2. Look toward the driver's side, near the strut tower or battery area.
  3. You'll see a black plastic box with a cover. The cover usually has a diagram printed on the inside that identifies each fuse and relay.
  4. Press the release tabs and lift the cover off. You may need to use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry it open if it's stuck.

Identifying the Correct Fuse

Once the fuse box cover is off, you need to find the fuel pump fuse. Here's how:

  1. Check the diagram on the inside of the fuse box cover. Most diagrams identify the fuel pump fuse clearly.
  2. If the cover doesn't have a diagram, check your owner's manual. The manual contains a detailed fuse box diagram, usually in the maintenance section.
  3. If you don't have the owner's manual, search online for "2006 Ford Mustang GT fuse box diagram." Make sure the diagram you find specifically matches your 2006 GT, since small changes occur year to year.

The fuel pump fuse on the 2006 Mustang GT is typically a 20-amp fuse. But don't rely on that alone—always verify with the diagram. The amperage rating is printed on the fuse itself (e.g., 15A, 20A), so you can also check by pulling the fuse and looking at the metal prongs.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Fuse

Testing the fuse is simple and takes less than five minutes. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Turn off the engine and remove the key.
  2. Locate the fuel pump fuse using the diagram.
  3. Pull the fuse using a fuse puller (often included in the fuse box) or a pair of needle-nose pliers. Do not use anything metal to pry the fuse out—that can short circuit the system.
  4. Inspect the fuse visually. A blown fuse will usually have a broken filament (the thin wire inside the fuse). You might also see blackening or scorching inside the fuse housing.
  5. If the fuse looks intact, test it with a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the continuity or ohms setting. Touch the two probes to the metal prongs on the fuse. If you hear a beep or see a reading near zero ohms, the fuse is good. If there's no reading, the fuse is blown.

Important: Never replace a blown fuse with a fuse of a higher amperage rating than specified. This could overload the circuit and cause a fire. Also, don't use aluminum foil or a wire to replace a fuse—that bypasses the protection intended by the fuse and can cause serious damage.

What to Do If the Fuse Is Blown

If you find that the fuel pump fuse is blown, here's your next step:

  1. Replace it with a new fuse of the same amperage rating. You can buy fuses at any auto parts store for a couple of dollars.
  2. Try starting the car. If the car starts, you've fixed the problem—for now.
  3. Monitor the situation. If the fuse blows again immediately or shortly after replacement, you have a more serious problem.

If the fuse blows again, do not keep replacing it. This indicates a short circuit or an overload in the circuit. Continuing to replace the fuse without addressing the underlying issue is dangerous and could damage your vehicle.

Common Causes of a Blown Fuel Pump Fuse

Several issues can cause the fuel pump fuse to blow repeatedly:

  1. A failing fuel pump – As the pump wears out, it can draw more current than normal, which blows the fuse.
  2. A shorted wiring harness – Wires that are chafed, pinched, or damaged can short against the chassis, blowing the fuse.
  3. A faulty fuel pump relay – A stuck or failing relay can send continuous power to the pump, causing it to overheat and draw excess current.
  4. A clogged fuel filter – A severely clogged filter forces the pump to work harder, increasing current draw and potentially blowing the fuse.

How to Check the Fuel Pump Relay

The fuel pump relay is usually located in the same engine compartment fuse box. Here's how to test it:

  1. Find the relay using the fuse box diagram. It's often labeled "Fuel Pump" or "FP."
  2. Pull the relay out of the fuse box. It's a small black or gray box with metal prongs on the bottom.
  3. Check for visible damage – look for melted plastic, burnt marks, or corrosion on the prongs.
  4. Swap the relay with an identical one from the fuse box (if available). Many cars use the same relay for multiple functions, like the horn or headlights. If the car starts with the swapped relay, the original relay is bad.
  5. If you don't have a matching relay, you can test it with a multimeter. But for most DIYers, the swap test is the easiest and most practical method.

Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump

If the fuse is fine and the relay is working, the problem might be the fuel pump itself. Here are the most common signs of a failing fuel pump:

  1. No start – The engine cranks but won't start, especially after the car has been sitting.
  2. Extended cranking – The engine takes longer than usual to start.
  3. Loss of power – The car hesitates or loses power during acceleration.
  4. Cylinder misfires – The engine runs rough or misfires under load.
  5. Whining noise – A high-pitched whining sound coming from the rear of the car (near the fuel tank) is a classic sign of a failing fuel pump.
  6. Stalling – The engine stalls while driving, especially at low speeds or when the tank is low.
  7. Decreased fuel efficiency – The car uses more gas than usual because the pump isn't delivering fuel at the correct pressure.

If you notice any of these symptoms, don't keep driving the car. Continuing to drive with a failing fuel pump can leave you stranded, and in some cases, it can cause damage to other components like the fuel filter or injectors.

How to Prevent Fuel Pump Failure

Prevention is always cheaper than repair. Here are some practical tips to extend the life of your fuel pump:

  1. Keep your fuel tank at least a quarter full. A full tank provides healthy pressure that the pump relies on to do its job. Running the tank low repeatedly increases the likelihood of the pump overheating and wearing out prematurely.
  2. Avoid running on a low fuel tank. Debris and contaminants tend to settle at the bottom of the tank. When the tank is low, these contaminants are more likely to be drawn into the fuel pump, which can clog the fuel filter and damage the pump.
  3. Change the fuel filter regularly. If your vehicle has a serviceable fuel filter, follow the recommended replacement intervals. A clogged filter forces the pump to work harder.
  4. Use fuel additives occasionally. Products like Lucas Fuel Treatment can help clean and lubricate the internals of the fuel pump.
  5. Buy fuel from reputable gas stations. Stations with high traffic are more likely to have clean, uncontaminated fuel.

When to Replace the Fuel Pump

If you've confirmed the fuse and relay are good, and the pump is showing signs of failure, it's time to replace the fuel pump. On most vehicles, including the 2006 Mustang GT, the fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank. This makes replacement more involved than a simple fuse swap, but it's still doable for a moderately experienced DIYer.

Steps for replacing the fuel pump:

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent sparks or accidental starting.
  2. Relieve the fuel system pressure. Remove the fuel pump fuse and run the engine until it stalls, then crank it a few more times to make sure the pressure is gone.
  3. Access the pump. On many cars, you can access the pump by removing the rear seat cushion and lifting a metal access panel. On others, you may need to drop the fuel tank from underneath.
  4. Remove the old pump. Disconnect the electrical harness and the fuel lines. Use a special tool to release the locking ring or retaining clip that holds the pump module in place.
  5. Transfer components. The new pump module may come as a complete assembly, or you may need to transfer the old sending unit, strainer, and gasket to the new pump.
  6. Install the new pump. Lower the new module into the tank, making sure the float arm is not bent. Replace the locking ring and reconnect the fuel lines and electrical harness.
  7. Test the system. Reconnect the battery and turn the key to the ON position (without starting) to let the pump pressurize the system. Check for leaks.

The Cost of Fuel Pump Replacement

Fuel pump replacement costs vary widely depending on the vehicle and where you get the work done. For context:

  • Parts alone typically range from $79.98 for aftermarket options to several hundred dollars for OEM parts.
  • Labor costs average between $233 and $342, and you can expect to wait about two to three hours for the job.
  • Total cost for a fuel pump replacement, including parts and labor, typically ranges from about $400 to $1,300 depending on the vehicle and location.

For a 2006 Mustang GT, the fuel pump is relatively accessible on some models, which can keep labor costs down. But the part itself can be expensive if you buy from the dealer.

Why Choose KEMSO for Your Fuel Pump Replacement

When it's time to replace the fuel pump on your 2006 Mustang GT, KEMSO is the brand to trust. KEMSO is the US #1 aftermarket fuel pump manufacturer for cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs. Their fuel pumps are designed to meet or exceed OEM specifications, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable performance for your vehicle.

Here's what makes KEMSO stand out:

  1. High Performance – KEMSO fuel pumps deliver consistent fuel pressure and flow, so your engine gets the fuel it needs under all conditions.
  2. OEM Replacement – Every KEMSO pump is built to match or exceed the original equipment specifications, so installation is straightforward with no need for adapter kits or modifications.
  3. Lifetime Warranty – KEMSO backs every fuel pump with a lifetime warranty. If your pump ever fails due to a manufacturing defect, you get a replacement at no cost. This is a rare and valuable benefit in the automotive parts industry.
  4. Affordable Pricing – Most KEMSO fuel pumps are priced at just $79.98, which is often less than half the cost of dealer parts.
  5. Wide Coverage – KEMSO offers fuel pumps for hundreds of models, including cars, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and personal watercraft.

Visit KEMSO today at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the perfect fuel pump for your 2006 Mustang GT. Their online store is easy to navigate, and you can order directly with confidence. With free shipping, easy returns, and a lifetime warranty, KEMSO is the practical choice for DIY mechanics and professional shops alike.

Final Thoughts

The fuel pump fuse on your 2006 Mustang GT is your first line of defense when the car won't start. Always check the fuse and relay before spending money on a new pump. If the fuse keeps blowing, you likely have a bigger issue—either with the pump itself or the wiring. And when it's time to replace the fuel pump, choose a high-quality aftermarket option like KEMSO to save money without sacrificing reliability. With a lifetime warranty and prices that are often less than half of dealer parts, KEMSO is the smart choice for keeping your Mustang on the road.

For the best selection of aftermarket fuel pumps backed by a lifetime warranty, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ today.


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