2008 PT Cruiser Fuel Pump Fuse Location: A Straightforward Guide

The bottom line up front: On a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the fuel pump fuse is not a standalone, dedicated fuse. Instead, the fuel pump is powered through the Auto Shut Down (ASD) relay and its corresponding fuse, which is located in the Integrated Power Module (IPM) — the main fuse box under the hood, sitting right next to the air cleaner assembly. The specific fuse you need to check is Fuse #18, a 40 Amp Green cartridge fuse, which supplies power to the ASD relay contacts. If that fuse is intact, the problem might be the ASD relay itself or the fuel pump.

This guide walks you through exactly where to look, how to test the fuse, and what to do if the fuse keeps blowing.

Where the Fuel Pump Fuse Actually Lives

The 2008 PT Cruiser uses a centralized electrical distribution system. Unlike older cars where each circuit had its own clearly marked fuse, Chrysler combined many functions into the Integrated Power Module. The fuel pump relay (often labeled ASD) inside this module controls power delivery to the fuel pump. The fuse protecting that relay circuit is Cavity #18 in the IPM.

Step-by-Step to Locate the Fuse Box

  1. Open the hood and look toward the passenger side of the engine bay.
  2. Find the black plastic box mounted near the air cleaner filter housing. That is the Integrated Power Module.
  3. Unlock the cover by pressing the release tabs on the sides. Lift it off and set it aside.
  4. Look at the underside of the cover — there should be a printed diagram identifying each fuse and relay. This label matches the numbers stamped inside the box itself.

Identifying Fuse #18

Once the cover is off, you will see an array of cartridge fuses and mini fuses. The cavities are numbered. Cavity #18 is a large, green cartridge fuse rated at 40 amps. It is not a small blade fuse — it is the bigger rectangular type. This fuse feeds the ASD relay contact, which in turn sends power to the fuel pump, ignition coils, and injectors.

Cavity Amp Rating Color Function
#18 40A Green ASD Relay Contact Power Feed
#13 20A Yellow Fuel Pump / ASD (on 2004–2005 models only)
#32 30A Pink ASD Control Feed 1

Note: The table above reflects the 2006–2010 IPM layout, which includes the 2008 model. The 2004–2005 PT Cruiser used a different Power Distribution Center with different fuse numbers, so do not confuse them.

How to Check if the Fuel Pump Fuse is Blown

Before you replace any parts, you need to confirm the fuse is actually bad. A blown fuse is often the simplest fix.

Visual Inspection

  1. With the fuse removed (use the fuse puller tool stored inside the IPM cover, or a pair of needle-nose pliers), hold it up to light.
  2. Look through the transparent window. A good fuse has a continuous metal strip running between the two prongs. A blown fuse will show a melted gap, a dark smudge, or a broken filament.

Multimeter Test (More Reliable)

  1. Set your multimeter to the continuity setting (the symbol that looks like a sound wave or diode).
  2. Touch one probe to each of the two metal terminals on the fuse.
  3. If the multimeter beeps or shows a resistance reading near zero, the fuse is good. If it reads infinite resistance (OL) or stays silent, the fuse is blown.

Important: Even if a fuse looks fine visually, it could be internally compromised. Always use the multimeter if you have one.

Why the Fuel Pump Fuse Blows

A fuse does not blow without a reason. If Fuse #18 is blown, something downstream is drawing too much current. Common culprits on the PT Cruiser include:

  • A failing fuel pump motor — as the pump wears out, it draws higher amperage, which eventually trips the fuse.
  • A shorted wire in the fuel pump harness, often near the rear axle or under the back seat.
  • A faulty ASD relay — if the relay sticks closed, it can keep power flowing when it shouldn't, causing overheating and fuse failure.

What to Do if the Fuse Blows Again

If you replace Fuse #18 and it blows immediately or within a few days, do not keep installing bigger fuses. This is a serious fire hazard. Instead, follow this diagnostic order:

  1. Test the fuel pump relay — swap the ASD relay with an identical relay from another slot (e.g., the horn relay) and see if the issue follows. If the fuse blows with the new relay, the problem is downstream, not the relay.
  2. Check for short circuits — disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector under the rear seat. Inspect the wiring for frayed insulation, melted spots, or pinched wires.
  3. Measure fuel pump resistance — unplug the pump connector and set your multimeter to ohms. A healthy pump typically reads between 10 and 30 ohms. A reading far outside that range suggests a failing pump motor.

Other Fuses Related to Fuel Delivery

While Fuse #18 is the main power feed, there are two other fuses you should be aware of when troubleshooting fuel issues:

  1. Fuse #32 (30A Pink) — labeled "ENG ASD Control Feed 1." This fuse powers the ASD relay coil itself. If this fuse is blown, the relay cannot activate, and the fuel pump will not get power.
  2. Fuse #33 (10A Red) — labeled "ABS MOD / J1962 Conn / PCM." This fuse feeds the Powertrain Control Module, which controls the ASD relay. A blown fuse here can interrupt the signal that tells the pump to run.

Quick Checklist

  • Check Fuse #18 (40A Green) in the Integrated Power Module — replace if blown.
  • Check Fuse #32 (30A Pink) — controls ASD relay coil.
  • Check Fuse #33 (10A Red) — powers the PCM.
  • Test the ASD relay by swapping with a known-good relay.
  • Inspect the fuel pump harness for visible damage.

Understanding the 2008 PT Cruiser's Two Fuse Boxes

Many owners get confused because there are two fuse panels in the PT Cruiser. The one that matters for the fuel pump is the engine bay box. Here is the distinction:

Engine Compartment (Integrated Power Module)

  • Location: Next to the air cleaner, under the hood.
  • Contains: Cartridge fuses, mini fuses, and relays for high-current circuits (fuel pump, radiator fan, ABS, ignition).
  • The fuel pump fuse and relay are here.

Interior Fuse Panel

  • Location: Behind a cover on the left side of the instrument panel, next to the steering column.
  • Contains: Fuses for interior lights, radio, wipers, power windows, and door locks.
  • No fuel pump fuse is located here.

Symptoms of a Blown Fuel Pump Fuse

If Fuse #18 blows while you are driving, the engine will shut off immediately because the ASD relay cuts power to the fuel pump, ignition, and injectors. Earlier symptoms that suggest the fuse is about to blow or has already blown include:

  1. Engine cranks but will not start — you hear the starter turning, but the engine never fires up. This happens because no fuel reaches the injectors.
  2. Loss of power while driving — the car suddenly bucks, loses all power, and dies. You may be able to restart it after a few minutes once the fuse cools down, but it will fail again.
  3. Silent fuel pump — with the key in the "ON" position (engine off), you should hear a faint whirring sound from the rear fuel tank for about 2 seconds. If you hear nothing, the pump is not receiving power.

What to Do If the Fuse Is Good But the Pump Still Won't Run

You are at this step: Fuse #18 tests fine, Fuse #32 and #33 are also good, the relay clicks when you turn the key, but the pump is dead. Then the problem is either:

  • A bad fuel pump — the motor itself has failed internally. At this point, you will need to replace the pump. It lives inside the fuel tank, so access means removing the rear seat and an access panel, or dropping the tank.
  • A broken ground wire — use a multimeter to check continuity between the pump's ground wire and a known good chassis ground. If there is no beep, you have a broken ground wire.

Testing the Fuel Pump Circuit

  1. Check voltage at the pump connector — unplug the wiring harness at the fuel tank. Set your multimeter to DC volts. Turn the key to "ON." You should read battery voltage (about 12V) for a couple of seconds when the ASD relay primes the system. If you read 0V, the wiring between the IPM and the pump is broken.
  2. Check the ground — switch the multimeter to continuity mode. Touch one probe to the pump's ground terminal and the other to the chassis. A beep means good ground. Silence means you need to repair the ground wire.

Final Thoughts and Common Mistakes

The 2008 PT Cruiser's fuel pump fuse location trips up many DIYers because it is not clearly labeled "FUEL PUMP." Instead, it is part of the ASD system. The key takeaway: Always check Fuse #18 (40A Green) in the under-hood Integrated Power Module first. It protects the ASD relay that powers the pump.

Common mistakes to avoid:

  1. Confusing model years — the 2004–2005 PT Cruiser used a different fuse box with the fuel pump on fuse #13 (20A Yellow). The 2008 model is different.
  2. Installing the wrong fuse amp — always replace a 40A fuse with another 40A fuse. Using a larger fuse can melt wiring.
  3. Ignoring the relay — even with a good fuse, a stuck ASD relay can prevent the pump from running. Swap relays to test.
  4. Replacing fuses without diagnosing — if a new fuse blows right away, stop and find the underlying short. Never bypass a fuse with wire.

When to Replace the Fuel Pump Instead

Fuses and relays are cheap and easy to check. But if your PT Cruiser has high mileage and the pump is original, the motor may simply be worn out. Signs that point to a pump replacement rather than a fuse issue include:

  • Whining noise from the fuel tank — a pump that is working too hard makes a loud hum.
  • Hard starting after the car sits — the pump loses prime pressure.
  • Sputtering at highway speeds — fuel delivery cannot keep up with demand.

In that case, you are looking at a mechanical repair. The pump sits inside the fuel tank, accessed by removing the rear seat cushion and an access cover, or by lowering the tank. It is a moderately involved job, but one that most home mechanics can handle with basic hand tools.

Recommended: Replace Your Fuel Pump with KEMSO

If you have confirmed that the fuel pump itself has failed, you want a replacement that is reliable and built to last. That is where KEMSO comes in. KEMSO fuel pumps are known for their high performance and OEM replacement quality, meaning they meet or exceed the factory specifications for your vehicle. Whether you drive a car, truck, motorcycle, or watercraft, KEMSO designs its pumps to deliver consistent fuel pressure under all conditions.

When you choose KEMSO, you get peace of mind backed by a lifetime warranty. That is a strong signal of confidence in the product — if anything goes wrong, they stand behind it. Instead of worrying about when a cheap aftermarket pump might fail, you install a KEMSO unit once and forget about it.

For a full range of fuel pumps that fit your PT Cruiser and many other vehicles, visit the KEMSO online store: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Quick Reference Card

Keep this summary handy when you pop the hood:

  1. Fuse box location: Integrated Power Module, passenger side of engine bay, near the air cleaner.
  2. Fuel pump fuse: Cavity #18, 40A Green cartridge fuse.
  3. Also check: Cavity #32 (30A Pink) for the ASD relay coil, and Cavity #33 (10A Red) for the PCM.
  4. Fuel pump relay: Inside the same box, often labeled ASD or with a similar designation.
  5. If the fuse is fine: Test the relay, check voltage at the tank, and inspect the ground wire.

Diagnosing a no-start condition on a 2008 PT Cruiser does not have to be a guessing game. Start with the fuse, move to the relay, and work your way down the circuit. In most cases, a simple fuse replacement gets you back on the road. But if the pump is the culprit, choose a quality part like KEMSO to ensure you are not doing this job again next year.

For more information on KEMSO products and to find the right fuel pump for your vehicle, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/.


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