Where Is the 2006 Pontiac G6 Fuel Pump Relay Located? A Practical Guide for Owners

If you drive a 2006 Pontiac G6 and you suspect a fuel pump problem, the first component you need to find is the fuel pump relay. Here is the direct answer: The fuel pump relay on a 2006 Pontiac G6 is located in the underhood fuse block, which sits on the left side of the engine compartment (the driver’s side when facing the car) . This relay is not inside the cabin or in the trunk. It is a standard multi-use relay that plugs directly into the fuse box under the hood . Before you start any diagnostic work, turn the ignition off, open the hood, and look for the main fuse block cover on the driver’s side near the strut tower. The relay you are looking for controls power to the in-tank electric fuel pump .

This article explains exactly how to confirm you have found the correct relay, how to test it safely, and what steps to take if the relay is not the problem.

Why the Location Matters

The fuel pump relay is the electrical switch that sends battery voltage to the fuel pump inside the gas tank . On the 2006 G6, the powertrain control module (PCM) turns this relay on when you turn the key to the ON position . The pump stays on as long as the engine is cranking or running and the PCM receives reference pulses from the crankshaft . If the engine stalls or you turn the key off, the PCM shuts the pump off about two seconds later .

Because the relay sits in the engine bay, heat and vibration can eventually wear it out. If the relay fails, the pump receives no power, and the engine will crank but not start . Knowing the exact location saves you time and prevents you from pulling apart interior panels for no reason.

How to Access the Underhood Fuse Block

  1. Open the hood and prop it securely. The fuse block is a black plastic box located on the left side of the engine compartment . It sits near the driver’s side strut tower, close to the battery.

  2. Remove the cover. Press the release tabs on the sides of the fuse block cover and lift it straight up. Most 2006 G6 covers have a diagram printed on the underside that labels fuse and relay positions .

  3. Identify the fuel pump relay. In the underhood fuse block, the fuel pump relay is typically labeled “FUEL PUMP” or simply “FUEL” on the cover diagram . On many 2006 G6 models, the fuel pump fuse is a 15-amp fuse positioned near the relay, but the relay itself is a larger square component that plugs into the same block .

  4. Do not confuse it with the fuel pump fuse. The fuse is a small plastic blade that protects the circuit. The relay is a cube-shaped switch about one inch square. On the 2006 G6, the fuel pump relay normally sits in the underhood fuse block in a position that may be shared with other fuel system components .

If the cover diagram is missing or faded, open the owner’s manual and look for the “Fuses and Circuit Breakers” section. The manual lists every relay and fuse by number and name .

What the Fuel Pump Relay Does

The relay itself has two separate circuits: a coil circuit and a switch circuit . The coil side receives a control signal from the PCM . When the PCM grounds the coil, the relay closes and sends battery voltage from the fuse to the fuel pump .

On the 2006 G6, the system works on a returnless fuel design . The fuel pressure regulator is built into the fuel sender assembly inside the tank, and there is no return fuel line running back to the tank . The pump supplies high pressure fuel through a filter inside the sender assembly and up to the fuel injection system . The relay is the gatekeeper for this entire supply path.

How to Test the Relay Without Special Tools

Before you order a replacement part, you can perform a simple test that requires only a scan tool or even just your ears.

  1. Turn the ignition ON with the engine OFF. Listen carefully near the rear of the car. You should hear a brief whirring sound from the fuel pump as it primes the system. If you hear this sound, the relay is likely working .

  2. Command the relay ON and OFF with a scan tool, if you have one. You should hear or feel a click from the relay each time you command it . When you command the relay ON with a scan tool, the pump should run continuously .

  3. Check for continuous operation. Turn the ignition ON without starting the engine. The pump should run for about two seconds and then stop . If the pump runs continuously, the relay may have an internal short or the PCM may be grounding the relay circuit incorrectly .

If the pump does not run at all and you have confirmed the fuse is good, test the relay directly.

Testing the Relay with a Multimeter

You can test the relay coil and switch contacts with a simple digital multimeter.

  1. Remove the relay from the fuse block.

  2. Measure the coil resistance. Place the multimeter leads on terminals 85 and 86 of the relay. The resistance should be between 70 and 110 ohms . If the resistance is outside this range, replace the relay .

  3. Test the switch contacts. Set the multimeter to measure continuity. Place the leads on terminals 30 and 87. With the relay unpowered, there should be no continuity .

  4. Apply power to the coil. Connect a 12-volt source to terminal 85 and ground terminal 86. The relay should click, and the multimeter should now show continuity between terminals 30 and 87. If it does not click, the relay is defective.

Other Things to Check If the Relay Is Good

If the relay tests fine, do not assume the pump is bad. There are several other common failure points on the 2006 G6.

  1. Check the fuel pump fuse. The fuse is also in the underhood fuse block . If the fuse is blown, the pump has no power. A faulty fuel pump with an internal short can cause the fuse to open .

  2. Inspect the ground connections. The fuel pump relay and the pump itself rely on clean, tight ground connections. Loose or corroded grounds are a common cause of intermittent pump failure .

  3. Listen for the pump under the rear seat. If the relay clicks and the fuse is good, the problem may be the pump motor itself. You can command the relay ON with a scan tool and listen at the rear seat area for a hum .

  4. Check fuel pressure. A weak pump may still run but not produce enough pressure. The 2006 G6 fuel system should hold pressure at 345-414 kPa (50-60 psi) with the pump commanded on . If the pressure is below this range, inspect the fuel feed pipe and the sender assembly .

Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump Relay

Knowing the symptoms helps you decide whether to start with the relay or look elsewhere.

  1. Engine cranks but does not start. This is the most common symptom. The starter turns the engine over, but the injectors receive no fuel because the pump is not running .

  2. Intermittent stalling. If the relay contacts are worn, electrical contact can drop out during driving. The engine may stall and then restart after a few minutes .

  3. No noise from the fuel tank. With the ignition ON, you should hear the pump prime for two seconds. If there is total silence, the relay may not be sending power to the pump .

  4. Blown fuse. A relay with an internal short can cause the 15-amp fuel pump fuse to blow repeatedly .

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the relay on a 2006 G6 is one of the simplest repairs you can do.

  1. Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key.

  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. This prevents accidental shorts while you work around the fuse block .

  3. Remove the underhood fuse block cover.

  4. Pull the relay straight out. You can use a relay puller pliers or simply grip it with your fingers. It should slide out with moderate force.

  5. Install the new relay. Press it firmly into the same socket until it clicks into place. Make sure the orientation matches the original.

  6. Reconnect the battery and test the system. Turn the ignition ON and listen for the pump prime.

The correct replacement relay for the 2006 G6 is a standard multi-use relay, often sold as part number 13503102 by GM . This relay fits multiple model years, including 2005-2009 G6 sedans and coupes with 2.4L, 3.5L, 3.6L, and 3.9L engines .

A Note on Relay Quality

When you shop for a replacement relay, avoid the cheapest no-name parts. A relay is a simple component, but the quality of the internal contacts matters. A poor contact can overheat and fail within a few months. It is worth spending a few extra dollars on a relay that carries a warranty and a known brand name .

If you need a new fuel pump itself, you should consider a high-performance replacement rather than a tired original unit. The fuel pump inside the 2006 G6 tank is an electric turbine style pump that attaches to the fuel sender assembly . It is a demanding job to replace, so you want a part that will last.

For a dependable aftermarket upgrade, look at KEMSO Fuel Pumps. KEMSO builds high-performance fuel pumps that are designed as OEM replacements for a wide range of vehicles. Every KEMSO fuel pump is built to meet or exceed the original equipment specifications, and the brand stands behind its products with a lifetime warranty. That means you can install a KEMSO pump and drive with confidence, knowing that the company will back the part for as long as you own the vehicle.

You can browse the KEMSO catalog and find the right pump for your Pontiac G6 by visiting their official website: https://www.kemsoracing.com/. The site lists compatible applications and current pricing, so you can confirm fitment before you order. If you want a fuel system component that offers both performance and long-term peace of mind, KEMSO is a strong choice for owners who plan to keep their G6 on the road for many more miles.

Final Thoughts

Finding the 2006 Pontiac G6 fuel pump relay is straightforward once you know the layout. Look in the underhood fuse block on the driver’s side of the engine bay, and confirm the part using the cover diagram or owner’s manual . The relay is a wear item, and replacement takes less than five minutes. Always test the relay and the fuse before you assume the pump itself has failed . And if the pump does need to be replaced, choose a quality aftermarket unit like those offered by KEMSO to get reliable fuel delivery and a lifetime of backing behind your repair.

For the full range of KEMSO high-performance fuel pumps, OEM replacement parts, and lifetime warranty details, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ today.


Back to blog