2006 PT Cruiser Fuel Pump Fuse: Location, Diagram, and Replacement Guide

If your 2006 PT Cruiser won't start, the fuel pump fuse is one of the first things you should check. The fuel pump fuse on a 2006 PT Cruiser is located in the under-hood fuse box, also known as the Integrated Power Module (IPM), which sits in the engine compartment near the air cleaner assembly.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the fuel pump fuse on your 2006 PT Cruiser, including its exact location, how to identify it, common symptoms of a blown fuse, and what to do when the fuse keeps failing. By the end, you will know how to diagnose the problem, replace the fuse correctly, and decide whether a new fuel pump is the better long-term fix.

Where Is the Fuel Pump Fuse on a 2006 PT Cruiser?

The 2006 PT Cruiser has two fuse boxes: one under the hood and one inside the cabin. The fuel pump fuse is in the under-hood fuse box, which Chrysler calls the Integrated Power Module (IPM).

Under-Hood Fuse Box Location

To access the under-hood fuse box:

  1. Open the hood and secure it properly.
  2. Look for a black plastic box near the air cleaner assembly on the driver's side of the engine bay.
  3. Unclip the cover by pressing the release tabs on the sides.
  4. Turn the cover over. A diagram showing fuse positions and functions is printed on the inside of the cover.

The box is typically located close to the battery, so you can use it as a reference point if you are unsure.

Identifying the Correct Fuse

The fuel pump on the 2006 PT Cruiser is protected by a fuse labeled "Fuel Pump" or listed as part of the fuel system circuit. In the 2006 model, the fuse that controls the fuel pump is fuse #18, rated at 40 amps, described as the "ASD Relay Contact Power Feed". The Auto Shut Down (ASD) relay supplies power to the fuel pump, and this fuse protects that circuit.

On the fuse box cover, look for a diagram that shows the fuse numbering. The 40 amp fuse for the ASD/fuel pump circuit is typically a yellow or green cartridge-style fuse.

How to Check If the Fuel Pump Fuse Is Blown

Before you replace anything, you need to confirm that the fuse is actually the problem. A quick visual inspection and a simple test with a multimeter will give you a clear answer.

Visual Inspection

  1. With the ignition off, pull the suspected fuse straight out using a fuse puller tool or a pair of needle-nose pliers.
  2. Hold the fuse up to the light and look through the transparent body.
  3. A blown fuse will show a broken metal filament, a dark smudge, or signs of melting inside.
  4. If the metal strip is intact and clear, the fuse is likely fine.

Using a Multimeter

If the fuse looks intact but you want to be certain, use a multimeter set to the continuity or ohms setting:

  1. Touch one probe to each of the two metal prongs at the top of the fuse.
  2. If the meter beeps or shows a near-zero resistance reading, the fuse is good.
  3. If there is no continuity, the fuse is blown and needs replacement.

Important: Always check the fuse with the ignition off and the key removed from the vehicle.

Symptoms of a Blown Fuel Pump Fuse

When the fuel pump fuse blows, the fuel pump loses power. That means the engine will not receive fuel, and you will notice one or more of the following symptoms:

  1. The engine cranks but will not start. This is the most common symptom. You turn the key, the starter motor spins the engine, but it never fires up.
  2. No fuel pump priming sound. When you turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (without cranking), you should hear a brief whirring or buzzing sound from the rear of the car. That is the fuel pump pressurizing the system. If you hear nothing, the pump is not receiving power.
  3. The engine stalls while driving. If the fuse blows while you are on the road, the engine will lose power and shut off suddenly.
  4. Sputtering or hesitation. If the fuse is partially damaged or the relay is failing, you may experience intermittent power loss, especially under acceleration or at highway speed.

If you observe any of these symptoms, start by checking the fuse. It is the cheapest and easiest place to begin your diagnosis.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Fuse

Replacing the fuel pump fuse on a 2006 PT Cruiser is a straightforward process that takes less than five minutes.

Step-by-Step Replacement

Step 1. Turn the ignition off and remove the key.
Step 2. Open the hood and access the under-hood fuse box.
Step 3. Remove the fuse box cover.
Step 4. Locate the 40 amp fuse for the ASD/fuel pump circuit (fuse #18 in the 2006 model).
Step 5. Pull the blown fuse out with a fuse puller or needle-nose pliers.
Step 6. Install a new fuse with the exact same amperage rating. For this circuit, that is 40 amps.
Step 7. Press the fuse firmly into place until it seats properly.
Step 8. Replace the fuse box cover and close the hood.

Warning: Never replace a fuse with one that has a higher amperage rating. Doing so can overheat the wiring and cause a fire, and it may damage the fuel pump, the PCM, or other electrical components.

What to Do If the New Fuse Blows Again

If you install a new fuse and it blows immediately, or if it blows again within a few days, there is a deeper problem. A fuse does not blow without a reason. Common causes include:

  1. A failing fuel pump motor. As the pump ages, it draws more current. A worn motor can overload the circuit and cause the fuse to blow.
  2. A short circuit in the wiring. Frayed insulation or corroded connectors can cause an electrical short, which will blow the fuse.
  3. A faulty fuel pump relay. The ASD relay controls power to the fuel pump. If the relay sticks or fails, it can cause current spikes that blow the fuse.
  4. Moisture intrusion. Water in the fuse box can cause corrosion and short circuits. Check for signs of dampness or green corrosion on the terminals.

How to Test the Relay

The fuel pump relay is located in the same under-hood fuse box. To test it, you can use the swap method:

  1. Locate the ASD relay in the fuse box.
  2. Find a relay of the same type and rating that operates a non-critical component, such as the horn relay.
  3. Swap the two relays.
  4. Turn the ignition to the "ON" position and listen for the fuel pump prime.
  5. If the pump primes, the original relay was faulty and needs replacement.

If the relay tests fine and the fuse continues to blow, the fuel pump itself is the most likely culprit.

Fuel Pump Fuse vs. Fuel Pump Relay: What's the Difference?

Many drivers confuse the fuse and the relay, so it is worth clarifying the difference.

The fuse is a protective device. It contains a metal strip that melts and breaks the circuit when current exceeds a safe level. Its job is to prevent damage to the wiring and components.

The relay is an electrically operated switch. It uses a small control current to open or close a larger current circuit. The ASD relay sends power to the fuel pump when the ignition is on and the engine computer (PCM) commands it.

In simple terms: the relay turns the fuel pump on and off, and the fuse protects the circuit from overcurrent. If the pump does not run at all, check both, starting with the fuse.

When to Replace the Fuel Pump Instead of the Fuse

Replacing fuses over and over is not a permanent solution. If you have gone through two or more fuses in a short period, stop throwing parts at the problem and inspect the fuel pump.

Signs that the fuel pump itself is failing:

  1. The engine cranks but won't start, and the fuse keeps blowing even after replacement.
  2. No fuel pressure at the fuel rail. You can check this with a fuel pressure gauge connected to the test port on the fuel rail. The 2006 PT Cruiser should show around 50-60 psi with the key on.
  3. Whining or humming noises from the fuel tank area. A loud noise from the pump usually means the motor bearings are wearing out.
  4. Intermittent starting issues. The car starts sometimes but not others, and the problem gets worse over time.

If any of these apply, it is smarter to replace the fuel pump assembly rather than continuing to replace fuses. The fuel pump is located in the fuel tank, so access requires removing the rear seat or dropping the tank, depending on your vehicle's setup.

Choosing the Right Replacement Fuel Pump

When it comes time to replace the fuel pump, quality matters. A cheap pump may work for a few months, but it can fail again and leave you stranded.

When selecting a replacement fuel pump, look for these features:

  1. OEM-grade quality. It should match or exceed the original equipment specifications for fit, flow rate, and pressure.
  2. Direct fitment. A plug-and-play design that requires no modification to your fuel system.
  3. A solid warranty. A good warranty protects you if the part fails prematurely.

A reliable option is the KEMSO brand fuel pump. KEMSO fuel pumps are designed as high-performance, OEM replacement units. They are built to deliver consistent fuel pressure and flow, ensuring your engine runs smoothly under all driving conditions. Each KEMSO pump comes with a lifetime warranty, which means you are covered for as long as you own your vehicle.

You can browse the full lineup and check the application for your PT Cruiser at https://www.kemsoracing.com/. The site lists vehicles by make and model, so finding the right part is straightforward.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

To avoid fuel pump and fuse issues in the future, follow these simple habits:

  1. Keep the fuel tank at least a quarter full. Running on low fuel regularly causes the pump to run hot and draw in sediment from the bottom of the tank, which accelerates wear.
  2. Replace the fuel filter on schedule. A clogged filter forces the pump to work harder and can cause premature failure.
  3. Inspect the fuse box for moisture. If you live in a humid area, open the fuse box a few times a year and check for water or corrosion.
  4. Use quality fuel. Contaminated fuel can damage the pump over time.

Final Thoughts

The 2006 PT Cruiser fuel pump fuse is a small but critical component. When it blows, your car will not start. Most of the time, the fix is as simple as replacing the fuse with the correct 40 amp rating. But if the fuse keeps blowing, do not ignore the warning signs. The fuel pump or relay is likely failing, and continuing to replace fuses will do more harm than good.

Start your diagnosis with the fuse box under the hood. Check the fuse, test the relay, and if both are fine, move on to the fuel pump itself. When replacement becomes necessary, invest in a high-quality part like the KEMSO fuel pump to avoid repeat breakdowns. You can find the correct pump for your PT Cruiser at https://www.kemsoracing.com/.


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