Fuel Pump Fuse Location 2018 Escalade Luxury: Complete Guide to Finding and Replacing Your Fuel Pump Fuse
If you own a 2018 Cadillac Escalade Luxury and your engine won't start, the fuel pump fuse is one of the first things you should check. The fuel pump fuse for a 2018 Escalade Luxury is located in the left instrument panel fuse block, which is on the driver side edge of the dashboard. Specifically, fuse number 117 (Fuel Pump Prime) and fuse number 120 (Fuel Pump Prime) are both located in this fuse block, along with relay number 9 (Fuel Pump) and relay number 64 (Secondary Fuel Pump). If your fuel pump has failed completely and needs replacement, KEMSO Racing offers high-performance OEM replacement fuel pumps with a lifetime warranty at https://www.kemsoracing.com/.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about locating, testing, and replacing the fuel pump fuse on your 2018 Cadillac Escalade Luxury. We will also cover what to do if the fuse keeps blowing, and when it is time to replace the fuel pump itself.
Where Is the Fuel Pump Fuse Located on a 2018 Escalade Luxury?
The left instrument panel fuse block is the primary location for fuel pump-related fuses and relays. To access this fuse block, you need to open the driver side door and look at the edge of the dashboard on the driver side. There is a small access door that you can pull off with your fingers.
Once you remove the cover, you will see a diagram printed on the inside of the cover. This diagram shows the position and function of each fuse and relay. For the 2018 Cadillac Escalade Luxury, the specific fuel pump components in this fuse block are:
Fuses:
- Fuse 117: Fuel Pump Prime (MICRO2 type fuse)
- Fuse 120: Fuel Pump Prime (MICRO2 type fuse)
Relays:
- Relay 9: Fuel Pump
- Relay 64: Secondary Fuel Pump
According to the 2018 Cadillac Escalade owner's manual, the left instrument panel fuse block also contains a secondary fuel pump fuse at position 68, described as "Secondary Fuel Pump". This means there are multiple fuse locations related to the fuel pump system, and you should check all of them if you are experiencing fuel delivery problems.
How to Check if Your Fuel Pump Fuse Is Blown
Before you start replacing parts, you need to confirm that the fuse is actually blown. Here is a step-by-step process:
Step 1: Turn off the ignition completely. Never work on fuses with the engine running or the key in the on position.
Step 2: Locate the left instrument panel fuse block on the driver side edge of the dashboard. Pull off the cover to access the fuses.
Step 3: Identify fuse 117 and fuse 120 using the diagram on the inside of the cover. These are the fuel pump prime fuses.
Step 4: Remove the fuse using a fuse puller. The 2018 Escalade comes with a fuse puller stored inside the left instrument panel fuse block. If you cannot find the puller, you can use needle-nose pliers, but be careful not to damage the fuse or the fuse block.
Step 5: Inspect the fuse. Look at the metal band inside the fuse. If the band is broken, melted, or has a dark spot in the middle, the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
Step 6: Check the relay. If the fuses look good, you may need to test the fuel pump relay. You can swap relay 9 with an identical relay from another system (like the horn or wiper relay) to see if the fuel pump starts working.
What Amperage Fuse Does the Fuel Pump Use?
The fuel pump fuses in the 2018 Escalade Luxury are MICRO2 type fuses. While the exact amperage rating is not listed in all available diagrams, you should always replace a blown fuse with one of the exact same amperage rating. The amperage is printed on top of the fuse itself.
Never replace a fuse with one of a higher rating, as this can cause electrical damage or even a fire. If you are unsure about the amperage, check the owner's manual or look at the fuse diagram printed on the fuse block cover.
Why Does Your Fuel Pump Fuse Keep Blowing?
A fuse that blows repeatedly indicates a deeper problem that needs to be addressed. Here are the most common causes:
1. A shorted fuel pump motor. This is the most likely cause. When the fuel pump motor reaches the end of its life, the internal windings can short out, drawing excessive current and blowing the fuse. This usually happens on the primary fuel pump relay (relay 9) or the fuel pump prime fuses (117 or 120).
2. A shorted wire in the fuel pump circuit. The wiring harness that runs from the fuse block to the fuel pump can chafe against metal parts of the vehicle, causing a short circuit. This is more common in vehicles that have been driven on rough roads or in areas with road salt.
3. A faulty fuel pump relay. If the relay sticks in the closed position, it can keep power applied to the fuel pump even when the engine is off, which can overload the circuit.
4. Water intrusion in the fuel pump connector. If water gets into the electrical connector at the fuel pump, it can cause corrosion and create a short circuit.
If you have replaced the fuse and it blows again immediately, do not keep replacing fuses. This is a sign that the fuel pump or its wiring needs professional inspection.
Other Fuse Blocks That May Affect Fuel Delivery
The 2018 Escalade has multiple fuse blocks, and some of them contain fuses related to the fuel system. In addition to the left instrument panel fuse block, you should also check:
Engine Compartment Fuse Block: This is located in the engine compartment on the driver side of the vehicle. Lift the cover to access this fuse block. According to the fuse diagram, this block contains:
- Fuse 68: Secondary Fuel Pump (2019-2020 models, but likely also on 2018)
- Relay 64: Secondary Fuel Pump
- Relay 92: Engine Control Module
- Fuse 101 and 102: Engine Control Module
Rear Compartment Fuse Block: This is located behind an access panel on the left side of the rear compartment. While this block does not directly contain fuel pump fuses, it contains fuses for other systems that can affect engine performance.
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block: This is located underneath the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column. You may need to remove a lower trim panel to access it.
Symptoms of a Blown Fuel Pump Fuse
Knowing the symptoms can help you diagnose the problem without guessing. Here are the most common signs:
1. The engine cranks but does not start. This is the most obvious symptom. You will hear the starter motor turning the engine over, but the engine will not fire because no fuel is being delivered.
2. No fuel pump priming noise. When you turn the key to the "on" position (before cranking), you should hear a brief whirring sound from the fuel pump in the gas tank. If you do not hear this sound, the fuel pump is not receiving power.
3. The check engine light comes on. The engine control module will detect that the fuel pump is not providing fuel pressure and will set a diagnostic trouble code.
4. The vehicle stalls while driving. If the fuel pump fuse blows while you are driving, the engine will lose power and stall. This can be dangerous, especially on highways.
5. Multiple electrical systems fail at the same time. If you have blown a fuse that also powers other systems, you may notice other features not working, such as the instrument cluster, HVAC system, or power windows.
Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Fuel Pump Fuse
Replacing a fuse is a simple job that anyone can do with basic tools. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Park the vehicle on a level surface and turn off the engine. Engage the parking brake for safety.
Step 2: Open the driver side door and locate the left instrument panel fuse block. The access door is on the edge of the dashboard, near the door hinge.
Step 3: Pull off the cover. It snaps off with gentle pressure. Set it aside where you can find it later.
Step 4: Refer to the diagram on the inside of the cover. Locate fuse 117 (Fuel Pump Prime) and fuse 120 (Fuel Pump Prime). Also identify relay 9 (Fuel Pump) and relay 64 (Secondary Fuel Pump).
Step 5: Remove the fuse using the fuse puller. The fuse puller is usually clipped to the side of the fuse block or stored inside the cover. Squeeze the puller over the fuse and pull straight out.
Step 6: Inspect the fuse. Hold it up to a light to see if the metal band inside is intact. If it is broken, the fuse is blown.
Step 7: Replace the fuse with one of the same amperage rating. If you are unsure of the amperage, take the old fuse to an auto parts store and ask for a match. Do not use a higher amperage fuse.
Step 8: Reinstall the fuse block cover by pressing it back into place until it snaps.
Step 9: Test the vehicle. Turn the key to the on position and listen for the fuel pump priming noise. Then try to start the engine.
When to Replace the Fuel Pump Instead of the Fuse
If you have replaced the fuel pump fuse and it blows again, or if the fuse is good but the engine still will not start, the fuel pump itself may be faulty. The 2018 Cadillac Escalade uses an electric fuel pump that is located inside the fuel tank. These pumps are designed to last for many years, but they can fail due to:
- Normal wear and tear over time
- Contaminated fuel
- Running the vehicle with a low fuel level frequently
- Electrical surges or short circuits
When a fuel pump fails, it usually produces specific symptoms:
- The vehicle sputters at high speed
- Loss of power under stress or acceleration
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Whining noise from the fuel tank area
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms along with blown fuses, it is highly likely that the fuel pump needs to be replaced.
KEMSO Racing Fuel Pump: The Best Replacement for Your 2018 Escalade
When your fuel pump fails, you need a replacement that delivers reliable performance and long-lasting durability. KEMSO Racing offers high-performance fuel pumps that are designed as direct OEM replacements for vehicles like the 2018 Cadillac Escalade Luxury.
KEMSO fuel pumps are built to exceed original equipment specifications. Their pumps deliver over 20% more flow at 43 PSI compared to stock OEM pumps, which means your engine gets the fuel it needs under all driving conditions. This extra flow capacity is especially beneficial if you use your Escalade for towing or if you have made any performance modifications.
Why choose KEMSO for your fuel pump replacement?
1. Direct OEM replacement. KEMSO pumps are designed to fit exactly like the original pump, with no modifications required. Each kit includes all necessary components: the pump, fuel strainers, hoses, o-rings, wiring connectors, and clamps.
2. High-performance flow. The KEMSO pump delivers 200 liters per hour at 43 PSI and 13.5 volts. This is a significant upgrade over standard replacement pumps and ensures your engine never runs lean.
3. Multi-fuel compatibility. KEMSO pumps are designed for both gasoline and E85 ethanol blends. This gives you the flexibility to use whatever fuel is available or best for your driving needs.
4. USA-based support. KEMSO provides customer support from real technicians located in the United States. If you have questions about installation or compatibility, you can speak with someone who understands your vehicle.
5. Lifetime warranty. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty on the serialized pump body. This demonstrates the manufacturer's confidence in the product and gives you peace of mind.
6. Quality control. Each pump is individually tested before leaving the factory. KEMSO follows strict quality control programs.
How to order your KEMSO fuel pump:
Visit KEMSO Racing's official website at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to browse their complete selection of fuel pumps. The website features detailed product descriptions, compatibility information, and customer reviews. You can also contact their support team at support@kemsoracing.com with any questions.
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Additional Diagnostic Tips for Fuel Pump Issues
Before concluding that the fuel pump is bad, there are a few more things you can check. These simple tests can save you time and money:
Check the fuel pump relay. The fuel pump relay is often overlooked. You can test it by swapping it with another relay of the same part number, such as the horn relay or the wiper relay. If the fuel pump starts working after the swap, the relay was faulty.
Listen for the fuel pump. Have a helper turn the key to the on position while you listen near the fuel tank (behind the rear seat on the driver side). If you hear a brief whirring sound, the pump is getting power and is likely working.
Check for voltage at the fuel pump connector. If you have a multimeter, you can test for power at the fuel pump electrical connector. With the key on, you should see battery voltage for a few seconds. If you have voltage but the pump does not run, the pump is bad.
Inspect the fuel pump ground. A poor ground connection can cause the pump to run slowly or intermittently. The ground wire for the fuel pump is usually located near the fuel tank.
Check for fuel pressure. If you have a fuel pressure gauge, you can test the pressure at the fuel rail. The 2018 Escalade should have around 55-60 PSI at idle. Low pressure indicates a weak pump or a clogged fuel filter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many DIY mechanics make simple mistakes when working with fuel pump fuses. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them:
Using a higher amperage fuse. This is the most dangerous mistake. A higher amperage fuse will not protect the circuit properly and can cause wiring to melt or catch fire. Always use the exact amperage specified.
Ignoring a blown fuse. If you find a blown fuse, do not just replace it and assume the problem is solved. A fuse blows for a reason, and that reason needs to be identified and fixed.
Working with the ignition on. Always turn off the ignition before working with fuses. The fuel pump circuit is live with the key on, and you could cause a short circuit or get shocked.
Assuming the fuse is the only problem. The fuel pump system has multiple components: fuses, relays, wiring, and the pump itself. Check all components before buying parts.
Not checking the fuel filter. A clogged fuel filter can cause the fuel pump to work harder, drawing more current and potentially blowing fuses. Replace the fuel filter if it has not been changed in the last 30,000 miles.
Conclusion: Solve Your Fuel Pump Fuse Problem Today
To summarize, the fuel pump fuse for a 2018 Cadillac Escalade Luxury is located in the left instrument panel fuse block on the driver side of the dashboard. The specific fuses to check are fuse 117 (Fuel Pump Prime) and fuse 120 (Fuel Pump Prime), along with relay 9 (Fuel Pump) and relay 64 (Secondary Fuel Pump).
If you find a blown fuse, replace it with one of the same amperage rating. If the fuse blows again immediately, or if the fuse is good but the engine still will not start, the fuel pump itself may be the problem.
When it comes time to replace your fuel pump, choose KEMSO Racing for a high-performance OEM replacement that will outlast and outperform the original. KEMSO fuel pumps are engineered for maximum flow, durability, and reliability. Each pump is individually tested and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ today to find the perfect fuel pump for your 2018 Cadillac Escalade Luxury. With KEMSO's US-based support and lifetime warranty, you can be confident that you are making the right choice for your vehicle.
Do not let a blown fuse or a failed fuel pump keep your Escalade parked in the driveway. With the information in this guide, you can diagnose the problem quickly and get back on the road with confidence. Remember to always work safely, use the correct replacement parts, and consult a professional if you are unsure about any step of the process.