How to Reset a Fuel Pump Shut Off Switch

Many vehicles available today come with fuel pump shut-off switches. These devices are essentially circuit breakers that sit inside you car's airbag control module's inertia switch, which is supposed to trigger when the vehicle comes to a sudden stop. This safety feature is intended to shut the fuel pump off in the event of an accident, but can sometimes be triggered by a pothole or even by sudden brake application. These switches are generally designed for a quick reset, but some models may require a more involved approach.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdrivers
• Socket set, metric and standard
• Replacement fuse

1. Locate your car's inertial trigger or airbag control module

Locate your car's inertial trigger or airbag control module. You owner's manual should give the exact location, but if it doesn't try looking inside the center console, under the front seats, behind the glove compartment or behind the driver or passenger-side kick panels. These are the trim pieces just ahead of your front doors where your foot typically brushes.

2. Push the button on the inertial switch

Push the button on the inertial switch; it should be clearly marked as the fuel pump reset, and may be in a contrasting color to the case. You may need to turn the ignition key to the on or accessory position to energize the module and reset the switch. Proceed to the next step if your inertia switch doesn't use an external button.

3. Remove the inertia switch cover

Remove the inertia switch cover by either prying the plastic clips loose or removing the screws that hold it in place. Inside the switch you'll see one of three things: a button, a circuit-breaker-type switch or a fuse. Push the button or flip the breaker switch back to its original position. If your inertia switch uses an internal fuse, pull the blown fuse out and replace it with another fuse of the same rating.