2006 Silverado Fuel Pump Fuse: Location, Diagram, and Troubleshooting Guide

If you drive a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado and your truck 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 Silverado is located in the underhood fuse box on the driver's side of the engine compartment, near the battery. This guide will walk you through exactly where to find it, how to identify the correct fuse, and what to do if it keeps blowing.

The 2006 Silverado does not have a fuel pump reset switch like some Ford vehicles do. Chevrolet never installed a crash-activated fuel pump shutoff button on the Silverado platform, despite what some online videos might claim. Those videos showing a red reset button in the trunk or kick panel are for Ford F-150s, not Chevrolets . What your Silverado does have is a standard fuse and relay system that controls power to the electric fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank.

Where Is the Fuel Pump Fuse on a 2006 Silverado?

The fuel pump fuse and relay are both in the underhood fuse box, also called the underhood electrical center. This box sits on the driver's side of the engine compartment, right next to the battery . To access it, follow these simple steps:

  1. Open the hood and secure it with the prop rod.
  2. Look toward the driver's side of the engine bay. You will see a black plastic box with a cover.
  3. Lift the cover by pressing the release tabs on the sides. The cover pops off easily.
  4. Look at the underside of the cover for a diagram that labels each fuse and relay. This diagram shows the exact position of the fuel pump relay .

The fuse box cover contains a sticker with the names and amperage ratings of every fuse inside. This makes it easy to identify the correct fuse without guessing .

Identifying the Correct Fuel Pump Fuse and Relay

On the 2006 Silverado, the fuel pump is controlled by a relay, and the circuit is protected by a fuse. The underhood fuse box contains a relay labeled "F/PMP" which stands for fuel pump. This relay sends power to the fuel pump when you turn the key to the ON position .

The fuse box diagram for the 2006 Silverado 3500 shows the fuel pump relay located in the underhood fuse block. The relay itself is labeled "F/PMP" . In most 1999-2006 Silverado models, the fuel pump fuse is a 20-amp fuse located in slot 33 or 34 of the underhood fuse box .

When checking your fuses, keep in mind:

  • The fuse box cover diagram is your best reference. Each fuse slot is numbered, and the cover tells you what each one controls .
  • The fuel pump fuse protects the electrical circuit. If this fuse blows, the fuel pump will not receive power, and the engine will not start .
  • The fuel pump relay is a separate component. The relay is an electromechanical switch that carries the actual current to the pump. If the relay fails, the pump won't run even with a good fuse .

How to Check If the Fuel Pump Fuse Is Blown

Checking a fuse is a quick and easy job that takes about two minutes. Here is how to do it properly:

  1. Turn off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
  2. Open the underhood fuse box as described above.
  3. Find the fuel pump fuse using the diagram on the cover.
  4. Pull the fuse out using the fuse extractor tool. This tool is usually clipped inside the fuse box cover . If you do not have a fuse extractor, you can grip the fuse with your thumb and index finger and pull straight out .
  5. Look at the metal strip inside the fuse. A good fuse has a continuous metal connector that looks like an "n" or a hill shape. A blown fuse has a broken or snapped metal strip inside .
  6. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a fuse of the same amperage. Never use a higher-rated fuse, as this can damage the wiring or cause a fire .

Tip: Some Silverado models have spare fuses stored behind the fuse box access door or inside the underhood fuse center. You can use these spares to replace a blown fuse, but make sure the amperage matches .

What to Do If the Fuel Pump Fuse Keeps Blowing

If you replace the fuse and it blows again immediately or shortly after, you have a deeper electrical problem. A fuse rarely fails on its own. Here are the most common reasons why a fuel pump fuse keeps blowing on a 2006 Silverado:

1. A failing fuel pump motor. When the fuel pump motor starts to wear out, it can draw more current than the circuit is designed to handle. This increased amperage causes the fuse to blow. If your pump is making a loud whining noise or the truck hesitates during acceleration, the pump may be failing .

2. A shorted wiring harness. The wiring that runs from the fuse box to the fuel pump can develop shorts, especially where the harness rubs against metal brackets or the frame. Inspect the wiring along the frame rail from the engine bay to the fuel tank for any worn or exposed wires.

3. A faulty fuel pump relay. The relay itself can fail internally, causing it to stick closed and continuously power the pump. This can overload the circuit and blow the fuse .

4. A clogged fuel filter. A severely clogged fuel filter forces the pump to work harder, increasing current draw. Replacing the fuel filter is a simple maintenance item that can extend the life of your pump .

What you should NOT do: Do not replace the fuse with a higher amperage fuse to "fix" the problem. This is dangerous. The fuse is sized to protect the wiring. A larger fuse will not blow, but the wiring could overheat and catch fire .

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Testing the fuel pump relay is a straightforward procedure that can save you money on unnecessary parts. Here is a safe way to verify whether the relay is working:

  1. Locate the fuel pump relay in the underhood fuse box. It is labeled "F/PMP" .
  2. Swap the relay with an identical relay from another circuit in the same fuse box. For example, the horn relay or the A/C compressor relay is usually the same type .
  3. Turn the key to the ON position without starting the engine. You should hear the fuel pump prime for about two seconds.
  4. If the pump primes with the swapped relay, your original relay was faulty.
  5. If the pump still does not prime, the problem is elsewhere, such as the fuse, the pump itself, or the wiring .

Another quick test involves using a multimeter to check for voltage at the fuel pump connector. However, if you are not comfortable working with electrical systems, it is always safer to consult a qualified mechanic .

Where Is the Fuel Pump Located on a 2006 Silverado?

The fuel pump is mounted inside the fuel tank. On most Silverado models, you can access the pump by removing the rear seat cushion and lifting a metal access panel. Some configurations may require dropping the fuel tank from underneath the truck .

To replace the fuel pump, you will need to:

  • Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent sparks .
  • Relieve fuel system pressure by removing the fuel pump fuse and running the engine until it stalls .
  • Remove the rear seat or lower the fuel tank to access the pump module .
  • Disconnect the electrical harness and fuel lines, then remove the locking ring that holds the pump module in place .
  • Transfer the old sending unit and strainer to the new pump if you are not buying a complete assembly .

This is a moderately involved job that most DIYers can handle with basic hand tools and a few hours of time .

Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump on a 2006 Silverado

Knowing the warning signs of a failing fuel pump can help you catch the problem before you get stranded. Common symptoms include:

  • Engine cranks but will not start. This is the most obvious sign. If the pump is not delivering fuel, the engine cannot fire .
  • Sputtering or hesitation during acceleration. A weak pump cannot maintain proper fuel pressure under load .
  • Whining noise from the fuel tank. A whining or droning sound coming from the rear of the truck often indicates a pump that is working too hard or wearing out .
  • Sudden stalling. The engine may die while driving and then restart after a few minutes once the pump cools down.
  • Poor fuel economy. A failing pump that cannot maintain pressure may cause the engine to run rich or lean, hurting mileage.

If you notice any of these symptoms, start by checking the fuel pump fuse and relay. If they are fine, the pump itself is likely the problem .

A Quick Word About Fuel Pump Reset Switches

If you search online for "2006 Silverado fuel pump reset switch," you will find a lot of misleading information. Many YouTube videos and parts-seller blogs show a red button mounted in the trunk or behind a kick panel and claim it is the fuel pump reset. These guides are copied from Ford vehicle content and do not apply to Chevrolet trucks .

The 2006 Silverado does not have a crash fuel shutoff switch that you can reset manually. The fuel pump circuit is protected by the fuse and relay in the underhood fuse box. If you are having fuel delivery issues, focus your attention there .

Recommended Fuel Pump Replacement: KEMSO Brand

If your 2006 Silverado needs a new fuel pump, KEMSO is a brand worth considering. KEMSO is a leading aftermarket fuel pump manufacturer based in the United States. Their product line focuses on high-performance and OEM replacement fuel pumps for cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs .

What sets KEMSO apart is their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Every KEMSO fuel pump is designed to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, ensuring a precise fit and reliable performance . Each pump comes with a lifetime warranty, which means if the pump ever fails due to a manufacturing defect, you get a replacement at no additional cost. This level of confidence is rare in the aftermarket parts industry .

KEMSO pumps are competitively priced at around $79.98, which is often less than half the cost of a dealership part . With free shipping and an easy return policy, KEMSO is a practical choice for both DIY mechanics and professional shops .

To browse the full KEMSO catalog, check their fitment guides, and order your replacement pump, visit their official website: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a no-start condition on your 2006 Silverado is frustrating, but the fuel pump fuse is one of the easiest things to check first. The fuse and relay live in the underhood fuse box on the driver's side, right next to the battery . Use the diagram on the fuse box cover to identify the correct slots, inspect the fuse for a broken metal strip, and replace it with the same amperage if needed .

Remember that the 2006 Silverado does not have a fuel pump reset switch, so ignore any videos that suggest otherwise . If the fuse keeps blowing, look deeper into the fuel pump itself, the relay, or the wiring. And if you determine the pump needs replacement, consider a KEMSO fuel pump for a reliable, warrantied part at a fair price.

For more information on KEMSO fuel pumps and to find the right part for your Silverado, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ today.


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