2006 Dodge Charger Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Owner’s Guide
The fuel pump relay on a 2006 Dodge Charger is located inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), which is the main fuse box mounted under the hood on the driver’s side near the battery. Specifically, the relay is designated as relay number R4 in the TIPM, and it controls power to the electric fuel pump mounted inside the fuel tank. If your Charger cranks but will not start, or you cannot hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key to the ON position, this relay should be your first suspect. This guide walks you through locating, testing, and replacing the relay, along with common symptoms and related troubleshooting steps.
Where Exactly Is the Fuel Pump Relay?
The 2006 Dodge Charger does not use a traditional separate fuse box with visible individual relays. Instead, it uses a Totally Integrated Power Module, commonly referred to as the TIPM. This black plastic module houses the fuses, relays, and the front control module in one sealed unit.
To find the fuel pump relay, follow these steps:
- Open the hood and look toward the driver’s side of the engine compartment.
- Locate the TIPM directly behind the battery. It is a rectangular black box with a removable cover.
- Remove the cover by pressing the release tabs on the sides and lifting it straight up.
- Check the diagram printed on the underside of the cover or on the module itself. The fuel pump relay is labeled R4.
In the TIPM, the relay is a small cube-shaped component that plugs directly into the module. It is the same style and size as several other relays used for the horn, starter, and other circuits.
How to Access the Relay Without Causing Damage
Accessing the fuel pump relay in the TIPM is a straightforward job that most owners can handle in their driveway. You will need a flathead screwdriver and possibly a pair of needle-nose pliers.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable before working inside the TIPM to prevent any accidental shorts.
- Press the release tabs on both sides of the TIPM cover and lift it off. Set it aside where it will not get dirty.
- Identify relay R4 using the diagram. If the diagram is faded or missing, look for the relay closest to the front of the module on the driver’s side.
- Gently pull the relay straight out of its socket. If it is stuck, use a small flathead screwdriver to pry it up evenly from both sides. Do not force it, as the plastic housing is brittle.
- Inspect the relay for signs of corrosion, melting, or physical damage on the pins and housing.
When reinstalling, press the relay firmly until it clicks into place, then replace the cover and reconnect the battery.
Symptoms of a Faulty Fuel Pump Relay
A failing fuel pump relay can cause a variety of driveability problems. Recognizing these symptoms early can save you from being stranded and help you avoid unnecessary parts replacement.
1. Engine cranks but does not start
This is the most common symptom. When you turn the key to the START position, the starter motor turns the engine over normally, but the engine never fires up. The fuel pump is not receiving power because the relay has failed internally.
2. No fuel pump priming noise
When you turn the ignition key to the ON position (without cranking the engine), you should hear a brief whirring sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. This is the fuel pump pressurizing the fuel system. If you hear nothing, the relay may not be sending power to the pump.
3. Sudden engine stall
The engine may start and run normally, then suddenly die while you are driving. This often happens when the relay has an intermittent connection, losing power to the fuel pump for a moment before reconnecting.
4. Check Engine Light illumination
A failing relay can trigger diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to the fuel pump circuit, such as P0231 (fuel pump secondary circuit low) or P0232 (fuel pump secondary circuit high). If you scan the computer and see these codes, the relay is a likely culprit.
How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay
Testing the relay takes only a few minutes and requires no special tools beyond a multimeter and a 12V power source.
Step 1: Remove the relay from the TIPM as described above.
Step 2: Visually inspect the relay. Look for cracks in the plastic housing, melted pins, or signs of overheating.
Step 3: Test continuity on the coil. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms). Place one probe on pin 85 and the other on pin 86. A good relay will show a resistance reading between 50 and 120 ohms. If the reading is infinite or zero, the coil is open or shorted and the relay needs replacement.
Step 4: Test the switch contacts. Set the multimeter to continuity mode. Check between pins 30 and 87. There should be no continuity (open circuit). Then apply 12V power to pins 85 and 86. You should hear a click, and continuity should now exist between pins 30 and 87.
Step 5: Swap with a known good relay. The TIPM contains several identical relays. Swap the fuel pump relay with the horn relay or another identical unit. If the engine starts after the swap, the original relay is defective.
What to Do If the Relay Is Good But the Pump Still Fails
If you have tested the relay and it checks out, the problem lies elsewhere in the fuel delivery system. Here are the next components to check, in order of likelihood:
1. Fuel pump fuse
Check the fuse that protects the fuel pump circuit. A blown fuse will cut all power to the pump. The fuse is located inside the TIPM. Refer to the cover diagram for the exact fuse number and amperage.
2. Fuel pump itself
The fuel pump on the 2006 Dodge Charger is mounted on top of and inside the fuel tank. If the relay and fuse are fine, the pump itself may have failed. You can test voltage at the pump connector while someone turns the key to the ON position. If power is present but the pump does not run, the pump is bad.
3. Wiring and connectors
Corroded or broken wires between the TIPM and the fuel pump can interrupt the circuit. Inspect the harness under the vehicle, especially near the rear axle and fuel tank, for damage.
4. TIPM failure
The Totally Integrated Power Module on 2006-2008 Chargers is known to develop internal failures that prevent relays from receiving control signals. This is less common than a simple relay failure, but it does happen. If you have power at the relay socket but the relay does not click when the ignition is turned on, the TIPM may need replacement.
Note: The fuel pump itself is located inside the fuel tank. On the 2006 Charger, there is one electric pump on the driver’s side and a siphon pump on the passenger side in the saddle-shaped gas tank. If you need to access the pump, there are access panels under the rear seat cushion.
Which Fuel Pump Relay Do You Need?
The genuine OEM fuel pump relay for the 2006 Dodge Charger is a mini relay with Mopar part number 4727370AA. This relay fits the Charger and other Chrysler/Dodge vehicles from the same platform, including the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum.
When purchasing a replacement relay, you have two options:
- OEM Mopar relay: This is the exact part that came with your vehicle. It guarantees correct fit and reliable operation, backed by the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Aftermarket relay: Many aftermarket relays are available at a lower cost, but quality varies. For a critical component like the fuel pump relay, sticking with OEM or a reputable brand is usually the safer choice.
The relay is a wear item and can fail without warning. It is a good idea to keep a spare relay in your trunk, along with the necessary fuses, so you are never stranded by a simple electrical failure.
Why Choose KEMSO for Your Fuel Pump Needs
When the time comes to replace the fuel pump itself, you want a product that delivers performance, reliability, and peace of mind. KEMSO is a leading aftermarket brand that specializes in high-performance fuel pumps for a wide range of vehicles, including the Dodge Charger.
KEMSO fuel pumps are designed as direct OEM replacements, meaning they bolt in exactly like the factory part without any modification. Whether you drive a Charger, a motorcycle, an ATV, or a personal watercraft, KEMSO has a pump that fits your machine.
Every KEMSO fuel pump is built to high standards and delivers consistent fuel pressure, ensuring your engine runs smoothly under all conditions. The pumps are engineered for durability and are tested to meet or exceed OEM specifications.
Best of all, KEMSO stands behind its products with a lifetime warranty. If your KEMSO fuel pump ever fails, you are covered. That kind of confidence is rare in the aftermarket world and gives you total peace of mind behind the wheel.
Visit KEMSO’s website today to browse their full lineup of high-performance, OEM replacement fuel pumps:
Whether you need a pump for your 2006 Dodge Charger or any other vehicle in your garage, KEMSO has the right solution at a fair price.
Final Thoughts on the 2006 Dodge Charger Fuel Pump Relay
The fuel pump relay is one of the easiest components to check when your Charger refuses to start. Because it is located in the TIPM under the hood, you do not need to crawl under the car or drop the fuel tank to diagnose the problem.
Start with the simple checks: listen for the prime noise, inspect the relay, test it with a multimeter, and swap it with a known good relay. If the relay proves good and the fuse is intact, move on to testing the fuel pump itself. The pump is located inside the fuel tank and can be accessed through the panel under the rear seat.
Replacing the relay is a five-minute job that costs under $30 for the OEM part. Keeping a spare in the glove box is cheap insurance. And when the fuel pump eventually wears out, choose a KEMSO replacement for reliable performance and lifetime coverage.
For more information on KEMSO fuel pumps and to find the right part for your vehicle, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/.