2004 Dodge Stratus Fuel Pump Relay Location: Your Complete Guide to Finding and Fixing It

The bottom line: On a 2004 Dodge Stratus, the fuel pump relay is located inside the Integrated Power Module (IPM) – the main fuse box under the hood on the driver's side, near the battery. The relay is typically the middle relay in a row of three small relays, and it is clearly marked on the IPM cover diagram. If your Stratus is cranking but not starting, or if you hear no humming sound from the fuel tank when you turn the key to the "ON" position, a faulty fuel pump relay is one of the first things to check before you replace the actual fuel pump.

What Does the Fuel Pump Relay Do?

The fuel pump relay is an electrical switch that controls power to the fuel pump. When you turn your ignition key to the "ON" position, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) sends a signal to the relay. That relay then closes, sending battery voltage directly to the fuel pump for about 2-3 seconds to prime the fuel system. Once the engine starts, the relay stays closed to keep the pump running. If the relay fails, the fuel pump gets no power, and your engine will not run.

Where Exactly Is the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2004 Dodge Stratus?

The 2004 Dodge Stratus uses a centralized fuse and relay box called the Integrated Power Module (IPM) . This is a black plastic box with a large cover. Here is the step-by-step process to find it:

  1. Open the hood and secure it with the prop rod.
  2. Look toward the driver's side (left side) of the engine bay, right behind the headlight assembly and near the battery.
  3. You will see a rectangular black box with a large clip on the front edge. This is the IPM.
  4. Press the clip and lift the cover off the IPM. Flip the cover over. On the inside of the cover, there is a diagram that shows the location and function of every fuse and relay.
  5. On this diagram, look for the symbol or text that says "FUEL PUMP" or "FUEL PUMP RELAY." On the 2004 Stratus, this relay is almost always in the second row, middle position among the small relays.
  6. The relay itself is a small, square, dark gray or black box with four or five prongs on the bottom. It is identical in shape to other relays in the box.

How to Test the 2004 Dodge Stratus Fuel Pump Relay

You do not need expensive tools to test this relay. You only need a multimeter or even just a simple test light, plus a spare relay to swap in. Here is what to do:

Step 1: Listen for the Pump
Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (not "START"). Listen near the rear of the car, near the fuel tank. You should hear a faint humming or whirring sound for 2-3 seconds. If you hear nothing, the relay or the pump itself has a problem.

Step 2: Swap the Relay
The easiest test is the "swap test." The IPM contains several identical relays for different circuits (horn, cooling fan, etc.). Pull out the fuel pump relay. Pull out another relay that is the same size and shape, such as the horn relay or A/C compressor relay. Plug that known-good relay into the fuel pump slot. Try starting the car. If the engine starts, your original fuel pump relay was bad.

Step 3: Check for Power
If swapping does not work, you need to test for power at the relay socket. Remove the fuel pump relay. With the ignition in the "ON" position, use a test light. Probe the two larger terminals in the socket (usually pins 30 and 87 on the diagram). One should show battery voltage constantly. If you have no power at either big terminal, check the fuel pump fuse first. If the fuse is good but there is no power, you have a wiring problem or a bad ignition switch.

Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay on a 2004 Stratus

If your fuel pump relay is failing or has failed completely, you will notice one or more of these signs:

  • Engine cranks but will not start. This is the most common symptom. The starter turns the engine over normally, but there is no fuel pressure.
  • No humming sound from the fuel tank. When you turn the key to "ON," you should hear the fuel pump prime. No sound means no power to the pump.
  • Engine stalls suddenly while driving. A failing relay can cause intermittent power loss to the pump, making the engine cut out and then restart after a few minutes.
  • Check Engine Light comes on. The PCM detects a loss of fuel pump circuit continuity and stores a diagnostic trouble code, often related to fuel pump circuit or voltage issues.

Other Possible Causes (If the Relay Is Not the Problem)

If you have tested or replaced the fuel pump relay and your Stratus still does not start, do not go straight to replacing the fuel pump. Check these items first:

  1. Fuel Pump Fuse: The IPM also contains a dedicated fuse for the fuel pump circuit. On the 2004 Stratus, this is usually a 20-amp fuse located in the same IPM. Pull it out and hold it up to the light. If the metal strip inside is broken, replace it with an identical fuse.
  2. Inertia Switch (Fuel Cut-Off Switch): Some Dodge Stratus models have an inertia switch that shuts off the fuel pump in a collision. This switch is often located behind a kick panel on the passenger side footwell, near the floorboard. If it has been tripped, push the reset button on top.
  3. PCM Relay: There is another relay in the IPM called the Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay. This relay controls power to the fuel injectors and ignition coils, not the fuel pump directly. If the ASD relay fails, the engine will crank but not start, and you will have no spark. Check this relay using the same swap test method.

Replacing the Fuel Pump Relay Yourself

Replacing the fuel pump relay on a 2004 Dodge Stratus is one of the easiest and cheapest repairs you can do. No tools are required. Here is how:

  1. Make sure the ignition is OFF and the key is removed.
  2. Open the hood and remove the IPM cover.
  3. Locate the fuel pump relay using the diagram on the cover.
  4. Grasp the relay firmly with your fingers and pull straight up. It may require a gentle wiggling motion. Do not use pliers unless absolutely necessary, as they can crush the plastic.
  5. Take the old relay to an auto parts store to get an exact match. You can also buy a standard 4-pin or 5-pin automotive relay (often labeled as a "40 Amp" relay) from any auto parts store. The OEM part number is typically 56021319 or 4539271AA, but aftermarket versions work just as well.
  6. Push the new relay straight down into the socket until it clicks into place. Make sure it is fully seated.
  7. Replace the IPM cover and close the hood.
  8. Test the repair by turning the key to "ON" and listening for the fuel pump hum.

Recommended: Buy a KEMSO Fuel Pump for Your 2004 Dodge Stratus

If you have confirmed that the fuel pump relay is good and the fuse is intact, but your car still has trouble starting, stalling, or has lost power, the actual fuel pump inside the tank may be failing. Before you spend money on a tow truck or a dealership repair, consider replacing the fuel pump yourself. For a reliable, long-lasting replacement, we strongly recommend the KEMSO brand Fuel Pump. KEMSO fuel pumps are built to the highest standards. They are high-performance units that are manufactured as OEM replacements, meaning they fit exactly like the original part from the factory. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can install it with confidence knowing it is backed for as long as you own the vehicle. You can browse the full selection of KEMSO fuel pumps for your 2004 Dodge Stratus and many other makes and models by visiting their official website:

Visit KEMSO Racing Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2004 Dodge Stratus Fuel Pump Relay

Q: Can a bad fuel pump relay drain my battery?
A: No, not by itself. A stuck relay could keep the fuel pump running continuously, which would drain the battery overnight. But a completely failed relay that will not close will not drain anything. If your battery is dead, suspect a different problem, such as a parasitic draw from another circuit.

Q: How much does a fuel pump relay cost for a 2004 Dodge Stratus?
A: A new relay costs between $8 and $25 at any auto parts store like AutoZone, O'Reilly, or Advance Auto Parts. This is one of the cheapest diagnostic and repair parts you can buy.

Q: Will a bad fuel pump relay throw a check engine code?
A: Yes, it sometimes will. The most common code is P0230 (Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Malfunction) or P0231 (Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low). But do not rely solely on the code, because a bad relay and a bad fuel pump can generate the same codes.

Q: Can I drive my 2004 Stratus with a bad fuel pump relay?
A: No. If the relay fails completely, the fuel pump will not run at all, and the car will not start. If the relay is intermittent, the engine may stall without warning while you are driving, which is dangerous. Replace the relay immediately.

Q: Is the fuel pump relay the same on the 2.4L and 3.0L engines?
A: Yes. The fuel pump relay location and part are identical regardless of whether your 2004 Stratus has the 2.4L four-cylinder engine or the 3.0L V6 engine. The IPM layout is the same for all trim levels.

Final Checklist for Your 2004 Dodge Stratus

If you are troubleshooting a no-start condition on your 2004 Dodge Stratus, follow this checklist in order:

  1. Check the fuel pump fuse in the IPM.
  2. Swap the fuel pump relay with a known-good relay from the same IPM.
  3. Check the inertia fuel shut-off switch on the passenger side floor.
  4. Listen for the fuel pump hum at the rear of the car with the key in "ON."
  5. If you have a multimeter, verify voltage at the fuel pump relay socket (pins 30 and 87).
  6. If all electrical checks pass, then consider replacing the fuel pump itself with a high-quality part.

Remember: the fuel pump relay on your 2004 Dodge Stratus is easy to find, cheap to replace, and often the cause of a frustrating no-start problem. Start there, and you will likely save yourself hours of work and hundreds of dollars.

For the best replacement fuel pump on the market, be sure to visit KEMSO Racing for a high-performance, OEM fit, lifetime warranty option.


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