2009 Pontiac G6 Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Owner’s Guide

The bottom line up front: On a 2009 Pontiac G6, the fuel pump relay is located in the luggage compartment fuse box, which sits inside the trunk on the driver’s side of the rear cargo area. It is labeled as relay position #25 in that rear fuse block. If your G6 cranks but won’t start, stalls unexpectedly, or the fuel pump stays silent when you turn the key, this relay is one of the first parts you should check before spending money on more expensive repairs like a new fuel pump or ECM.

This guide walks you through exactly where to find the relay, how to confirm it is the problem, how to replace it, and what to do if the relay turns out to be fine. Everything here is written for a DIY owner with basic hand tools and a little patience.

Why the Fuel Pump Relay Matters on Your G6

The fuel pump relay is a small electrical switch that controls power delivery to the fuel pump inside your gas tank. When you turn the ignition key to the ON position, the engine control module (ECM) activates the relay, which then sends battery voltage to the in-tank fuel pump. The pump pressurizes the fuel system so the injectors can spray fuel into the engine .

The ECM turns the relay off after about two seconds if it does not detect crankshaft reference pulses, which is how the system knows the engine is actually turning over. This safety feature prevents the fuel pump from running endlessly if the engine stalls or if you leave the ignition on without cranking .

The 2009 Pontiac G6 uses a returnless, on-demand fuel system. The pressure regulator is built into the fuel sender assembly inside the tank, so there is no return fuel line running back to the tank. This design keeps fuel cooler and lowers evaporative emissions .

When the relay fails, the fuel pump receives no power. The engine will crank over fine because the starter has its own circuit, but it will not fire up because there is no fuel pressure. Some owners describe this as “cranks but no start,” which is one of the most common symptoms of a bad fuel pump relay .

Where to Find the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2009 Pontiac G6

Here is the short answer: the fuel pump relay is in the luggage compartment fuse block (also called the rear fuse box or rear electrical center). It is not in the engine bay fuse box and not in the passenger compartment fuse panel .

To get to it, follow these steps:

  1. Open the trunk.
  2. Look on the driver’s side of the rear cargo area. You will see a plastic cover panel.
  3. Remove any carpet or cargo mat that covers the panel. The cover snaps off by hand — no tools needed for removal.
  4. Once the cover is off, you will see a fuse block with multiple fuses and relays. The diagram on the back of the cover (or in your owner’s manual) shows the position of every component.
  5. Find relay position #25. That is the fuel pump relay .

Some fuse diagrams also list a secondary relay at position #37 labeled as “Fuel Pump.” However, position #25 is the primary fuel pump relay that you need to check first. If your G6 has the retractable hardtop, position #37 may be related to that system or a secondary fuel pump circuit, but the main relay for the fuel pump is #25 in almost all configurations .

Important: There is no separate push-button switch or reset button for the fuel pump on the G6. The relay is the only electrical component that switches the pump on and off, aside from the ECM itself. If someone tells you to look for a fuel pump reset switch under the dash or in the trunk, that advice does not apply to your car .

A Quick Look at All Three Fuse Boxes on the G6

To avoid confusion, here is a summary of the three fuse boxes on a 2009 Pontiac G6 and what each one contains:

  1. Passenger Compartment Fuse Box: Located on the passenger’s side of the center console, to the left of the glove box near the floor. This box contains fuses for interior components like power windows, radio, and HVAC controls. It does not contain the fuel pump relay .

  2. Engine Compartment Fuse Box: Located in the engine bay on the driver’s side near the battery. This box has fuses and relays for major engine and electrical systems, including cooling fans, starter, and the ECM. The fuel pump relay is not here on the G6 .

  3. Luggage Compartment Fuse Box (Rear Fuse Block): Located in the trunk on the driver’s side behind a plastic cover. This is where the fuel pump relay lives at position #25 .

Knowing which box holds what saves you time and prevents you from pulling apart panels that do not need to be touched.

Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump Relay

If the fuel pump relay is bad, you may notice one or more of the following issues:

  • Engine cranks but does not start: This is the most common symptom. The starter turns the engine over, but there is no fuel pressure, so the engine never fires up .
  • No fuel pump priming sound: When you turn the key to the ON position, you should hear a faint whirring or humming sound coming from the rear of the car for about two seconds. That is the fuel pump pressurizing the system. If you hear nothing, the relay or its control circuit may be faulty .
  • Stalling while driving: If the relay fails intermittently, the fuel pump may lose power while the car is running, causing the engine to stall. This is dangerous, so address it immediately .
  • DTC P0230: If the ECM detects an incorrect voltage on the fuel pump relay control circuit, it will set code P0230. This code points directly to a problem in the relay control circuit, not necessarily the relay itself, but it is a strong indicator that something in that circuit is wrong .

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay Before Buying a New One

You do not need to be a professional mechanic to test the relay. Here are three simple checks you can do at home:

1. Listen for the Relay Click

With the ignition OFF, have a helper turn the key to the ON position without cranking the engine. Place your hand on the relay at position #25. You should hear and feel a single click as the relay activates. The fuel pump should run for about two seconds and then stop. If you hear nothing, the relay or its control circuit is likely faulty .

2. Swap the Relay with an Identical One

The rear fuse block contains several relays of the same type. Look for relays that have the same color and pin configuration. For example, the rear window defogger relay (position #26) or the park lamp relay (position #27) may be identical to the fuel pump relay. Swap the suspected relay with a known working one. If the fuel pump now primes and the engine starts, the original relay is bad .

3. Check for Power at the Relay Socket

This test requires a test lamp or a multimeter. With the relay removed and the ignition ON, probe the control circuit terminal (typically terminal 86) with a test lamp connected to a good ground. Command the fuel pump relay ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF with each command. If it does not, there is an open or short in the control circuit, which may point to a wiring issue or a faulty ECM .

If the relay clicks and tests fine, the problem may be elsewhere, such as a blown fuel pump fuse, a faulty fuel pump itself, or a wiring issue between the relay and the pump.

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the relay is a straightforward DIY task. Here is what you need to do:

  1. Turn off the ignition and disconnect the battery. This prevents any accidental shorts while you are working around the fuse block .

  2. Remove the rear fuse block cover as described earlier.

  3. Locate relay position #25. Gently pull the relay straight out of its socket. You can use your fingers, or a relay puller tool if you have one .

  4. Compare the old relay with the new one. Make sure the new relay has the same part number or at least the same pin configuration and amperage rating. The OEM part number for the G6 fuel pump relay is 13503102, and it replaces several earlier part numbers including 12193604 and 15328864 .

  5. Insert the new relay firmly into the socket. Make sure it seats fully.

  6. Reconnect the battery and test. Turn the ignition to the ON position and listen for the fuel pump priming sound. If the engine starts, the replacement worked .

What If the Relay Is Fine? Next Steps

If you have replaced the relay and the fuel pump still does not run, the problem could be one of the following:

  • Blown fuel pump fuse: Check the fuse that protects the fuel pump circuit. If it is open, there may be a short to ground in the supply voltage circuit or an internal fault in the fuel pump itself .
  • Faulty fuel pump: The pump itself may have failed. You can test it by applying battery voltage directly to the pump connector with a fused jumper wire, but this is a more involved procedure .
  • Wiring or connector problems: Check the wiring harness between the relay and the fuel pump for breaks, corrosion, or loose connections .
  • ECM issues: If the ECM is not sending the control signal to the relay, the relay will never activate. This is less common but possible, especially if you have code P0230 .

If you are not comfortable working with electrical circuits, have a qualified technician diagnose the system. Fuel system work carries inherent risk, so always work in a well-ventilated area and avoid sparks near fuel components .

A Word about the OEM Relay and Aftermarket Options

The genuine GM relay (part number 13503102) is guaranteed by GM’s factory warranty and is designed to fit 2005–2009 Pontiac G6 models across all trims, including GT, GTP, GXP, and SE, with both 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines .

That said, many owners choose aftermarket relays because they are cheaper and readily available. Just make sure any relay you buy matches the original in terms of pin layout and electrical ratings. A mismatch can cause intermittent operation or even damage to the ECM.

Recommended: KEMSO Fuel Pump for Reliable Performance

If your testing leads you to conclude that the fuel pump itself needs replacement rather than just the relay, consider a KEMSO Fuel Pump. KEMSO is known for producing high-performance, OEM replacement fuel pumps that deliver consistent fuel pressure and long service life. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, which means you only buy it once — if it ever fails, the company stands behind it.

Whether you drive a Pontiac G6 or another vehicle in their catalog, KEMSO offers a wide range of fuel pumps for cars, motorcycles, and powersports applications. Their products are built to meet or exceed original factory specifications, making them a smart choice for DIY owners who want reliability without paying dealership prices.

You can browse the full KEMSO product lineup and find the right fuel pump for your vehicle here:

https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Final Thoughts

To recap, the fuel pump relay on a 2009 Pontiac G6 is tucked away in the rear fuse block inside the trunk, on the driver’s side, at position #25 . It is not hard to reach, not hard to test, and not hard to replace. Most DIY owners can handle this job in under an hour with no special tools.

Start by listening for the relay click and the fuel pump prime when you turn the key. If you hear nothing, swap the relay with an identical one from the same fuse block. If that fixes the problem, you are done. If not, move on to checking the fuse, the wiring, and eventually the pump itself.

And if it turns out the pump is the problem, remember that a KEMSO Fuel Pump offers OEM-level quality, high performance, and a lifetime warranty — backed by a company that specializes in fuel delivery components. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the right pump for your G6 or any other vehicle in your garage.


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