1987 Corvette Fuel Pump Fuse Location: Your Essential Guide

The fuel pump fuse for your 1987 Chevrolet Corvette C4 is located in the vehicle's primary interior fuse panel, specifically in position #15. This fuse is a standard 20-amp blade-type fuse (ATC/ATO style). The fuse panel itself is situated underneath the dashboard on the driver's side, just near the lower edge of the instrument panel, and is accessed by pulling the plastic trim cover directly towards the driver's seat.

Knowing the precise location of your 1987 Corvette’s fuel pump fuse is vital troubleshooting information. If the fuel pump is not receiving power, a blown fuse is one of the most common and easily checked culprits. Let’s break down exactly where to find it, how to check it, and what it means for your Corvette’s operation.

Understanding the Interior Fuse Panel

  1. Location: The fuse box you need is inside the car. Sitting in the driver's seat, look down to the lower left of the steering column, near the hood release handle. The fuse panel is positioned vertically on the side of the dashboard/instrument panel structure. It is covered by a rectangular or slightly trapezoidal plastic cover.
  2. Access: To see the fuses, you need to remove this cover. It’s held on by simple clips. Firmly grasp the cover near its top and bottom edges and pull it straight towards you (towards the seat). It should pop off easily. There are no screws. Keep this cover in a safe spot.
  3. Layout: Once removed, you'll see two vertical columns of fuses and several relays. Labels or a diagram printed on the back of the cover you just removed (or sometimes molded into the plastic around the fuse slots) show the function of each fuse and its position number. Position #15 is the one labeled for the "CIG LTR" (Cigarette Lighter).

Why the Fuel Pump Fuse is Labeled "Cigarette Lighter"

This is the single most confusing aspect for 1987 Corvette owners. In most cars, the cigarette lighter would have its own dedicated fuse. However, in the 1987 C4 Corvette only (and potentially some very early production 1988 models), GM made a specific design choice:

  • Shared Circuit: The engineers used the same fuse (#15, 20-amp) to protect both the cigarette lighter/power outlet circuit and the circuit providing power to the fuel pump relay. The fuse does not power the pump directly; it provides power to the relay, which then handles the high current for the pump itself.
  • Critical Link: Therefore, if this #15 fuse blows, it cuts power not only to the cigarette lighter (which might be obvious) but also prevents the fuel pump relay from receiving its "switch-on" power. The relay can't activate, and thus the fuel pump gets no power.
  • Consequence: A blown fuse #15 in your 1987 Corvette will simultaneously cause the cigarette lighter/power outlet to stop working and prevent the engine from starting (or cause it to stall if it blows while driving) due to the fuel pump losing power. This shared design makes identifying the fuse location by function counter-intuitive, but checking fuse #15 is step one if the car won't start and you suspect a fuel delivery issue.

How to Check the Fuel Pump Fuse (#15)

  1. Gain Access: Locate and remove the interior fuse panel cover as described above.
  2. Identify Fuse #15: Look for the fuse position labeled "15". It will be one of the standard-sized blade fuses (not the smaller mini fuses also present). The label will likely say "CIG LTR" or similar. Refer to the diagram on the fuse box cover to confirm the location and amperage (it must be 20A).
  3. Visual Inspection: Carefully pull the fuse straight out using a fuse puller tool (often included in the fuse box itself or in the main underhood fuse box) or needle-nose pliers.
    • Look at the thin metal strip visible through the clear plastic top. If the metal strip is broken or shows signs of melting/blackening, the fuse is blown.
    • If the strip appears intact and clean, the fuse is likely good.
  4. Electrical Test (Recommended): For certainty, use a multimeter:
    • Set the meter to measure continuity (often shown by a diode symbol or sound icon) or low resistance (Ohms, Ω).
    • Touch one probe to each of the metal blades sticking out of the top of the fuse (where it would plug into the panel).
    • A good fuse will show continuity (0 Ohms or very low resistance, and the meter will beep if set to continuity).
    • An open circuit (OL or infinite resistance, no beep) indicates a blown fuse.
  5. Action: If the fuse is blown, replace it only with a new 20-amp fuse of the exact same blade type (ATC/ATO). Never replace a fuse with one rated for a higher amperage. Installing a higher amp fuse risks damaging wiring or components downstream.

Why Would the 1987 Corvette Fuel Pump Fuse Blow?

A fuse blows to protect the circuit wiring and components from excessive current, usually caused by:

  1. Electrical Short Circuit: A damaged wire touching metal (chassis ground) after the fuse. This can be in the fuel pump wiring harness itself, the cigarette lighter circuit, or near the relay. Damaged insulation, chafing wires near sharp edges (like the fuel tank), or faulty components can cause this.
  2. Fuel Pump Failure: A fuel pump motor nearing the end of its life can sometimes draw excessive current (amperage), especially as it seizes or starts to stall internally. This overloads the circuit and blows the fuse.
  3. Cigarette Lighter/Power Outlet Overload: Plugging in a device that draws too much current (like a powerful inverter or air compressor) into the cigarette lighter/power outlet can exceed the 20-amp rating and blow the fuse. This will also disable the fuel pump circuit.
  4. Faulty Relay: While less common initially, a failing fuel pump relay could potentially draw too much current on its control side (the side fed by fuse #15). A short inside the relay can cause this.

Important Considerations If the Fuse Blows Repeatedly

  • DO NOT keep replacing the fuse. Each blown fuse indicates a problem that needs investigation. Repeatedly replacing fuses risks causing significant electrical damage or even a fire.
  • Inspect Related Circuits: Check the wiring harness running to the fuel pump (especially near sharp tank edges and where it passes through the floor), the cigarette lighter/power outlet (for foreign objects or damage), and the wiring around the fuel pump relay.
  • Test the Fuel Pump: If accessible (e.g., if the car starts momentarily before the fuse blows), listen for excessive noise from the pump. If not, accessing the pump (often requiring tank lowering/removal on the C4) to check its electrical resistance and draw is necessary.
  • Disconnect Suspicious Components: A diagnostic step is to unplug the fuel pump relay and the cigarette lighter/power outlet before replacing the fuse. If the fuse now holds with both disconnected, the fault is very likely in one of those items or their direct wiring. Plug each back in one at a time to identify the culprit.
  • Professional Help: Electrical diagnostics, especially tracing shorts, can be complex. If you are unsure, seek assistance from a qualified mechanic or auto electrician familiar with older GM vehicles.

What If Fuse #15 is Good But the Fuel Pump Isn't Working?

Don't stop troubleshooting! A good fuse #15 means power is reaching the control side of the fuel pump relay circuit, but many other issues can prevent the pump from running:

  1. Fuel Pump Relay Failure: This is an extremely common failure point in C4 Corvettes. The relay itself is located near the fuse panel, often clipped to the panel's structure or very close by. A clicking sound from the relay when the key is turned to "Run" is a good sign, but doesn't guarantee it's passing power correctly. Swapping it with another identical relay (like the horn relay) is a quick test.
  2. Ignition Switch Issues: The ignition switch provides the "start" and "run" signal that ultimately triggers the fuel pump relay and ECM.
  3. Engine Control Module (ECM) Problems: The ECM controls the ground path for the fuel pump relay. A fault with the ECM or its power/fuses (check the "ECM/BATT" fuse, often #1 or #2 in the same interior panel) can prevent the relay from activating.
  4. Oil Pressure Sender Circuit: The C4 uses an "Oil Pressure Safety Switch" circuit as a backup to keep the pump running if the relay fails while driving. However, a failure in this circuit can sometimes prevent the relay from activating properly when cranking. Bypassing the relay temporarily (a common diagnostic step) tests this separate path.
  5. Bad Fuel Pump: The pump itself may have completely failed.
  6. Bad Grounds: Corrosion or poor contact at the fuel pump ground point or main body grounds can prevent operation.
  7. Open Circuit/Wiring Fault: Broken wires or corroded connectors anywhere in the power path from the main fuse link (underhood) through the relay, fuse #15 circuit (control side), down to the pump itself.

Importance of the Correct Amperage Fuse

Using a fuse rated higher than 20 amps in position #15 is dangerous. The 20-amp rating is carefully chosen to protect the specific gauge wiring used in those circuits (primarily the fuel pump relay control coil and the cigarette lighter wiring). Installing a 25A, 30A, or higher fuse means that wire can overheat and melt, potentially causing a fire, before the higher-rated fuse blows. Always replace a blown fuse with the correct rating.

Long-Term Reliability and Potential Upgrades

  1. Fuel Pump Health: The original fuel pump in your 1987 Corvette is now over 35 years old. Even if it hasn't outright failed, its flow rate and pressure may be degraded, potentially affecting performance. Consider proactive replacement if experiencing symptoms or as preventative maintenance.
  2. Relay Reliability: The original Bosch-style relays used in C4s are notorious for failing with age. Replacing the fuel pump relay with a modern, high-quality Bosch or Tyco unit is inexpensive insurance. Keeping a spare in the car is highly recommended.
  3. Circuit Separation (Advanced): Some owners opt to modify the electrical system slightly to separate the fuel pump relay control circuit from the cigarette lighter circuit. This involves installing a dedicated, lower-amperage fuse for the relay control using a wire tap or jumper, essentially making fuse #15 only serve the lighter. This prevents an accidental lighter overload from disabling the fuel pump. However, this modification should only be done by someone competent with automotive electrical systems, as it introduces new connections and potential points of failure if not done correctly. Referencing the factory wiring diagrams is essential.
  4. Harness Inspection: Given the age, proactively inspecting the wiring harness near the fuel tank for damage or brittleness is wise, especially if work is being done in that area.

Conclusion

Finding the fuel pump fuse in a 1987 Corvette is straightforward once you know the key detail: It's fuse #15, labeled for the cigarette lighter/power outlet, located in the driver's side interior fuse panel. This 20-amp fuse powers the critical control circuit for the fuel pump relay. Checking this fuse should be the very first step when diagnosing a no-start condition or fuel delivery issue on your '87 Vette. Remember that a blown fuse indicates an underlying problem that needs attention – don't just replace it blindly. Understand that while this fuse is vital for fuel pump operation, a good fuse only means the control side has power; continue troubleshooting the pump, relay, ECM, oil pressure circuit, and wiring if the pump remains silent. Keeping the fuse rated correctly and addressing any recurring fuse blow issues promptly ensures the reliability and safety of your classic Corvette's fuel delivery system.

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