2007 PT Cruiser Fuel Pump Relay Location: Where It Is, How to Test It, and When to Replace It

The bottom line up front: On a 2007 PT Cruiser, the fuel pump relay is located inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), which is the main fuse and relay box under the hood on the driver’s side, near the battery and air cleaner assembly. If your Cruiser cranks but won’t start, or stalls unexpectedly while driving, this relay is one of the first components to check. The TIPM is a known weak point on Chrysler products of this era, so understanding its layout and how to test the relay can save you hours of diagnostic time and prevent you from replacing parts you don’t need.

This guide walks you through the exact location, the testing procedure, the common symptoms of a faulty relay, and what to do when it’s time for a replacement. It’s written for the DIY owner who wants to get the job done right the first time, without unnecessary expense or guesswork.

Where Exactly Is the Fuel Pump Relay Located?

The 2007 PT Cruiser uses a centralized electrical system called the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). This single unit manages all the major relays and fuses for the vehicle. The fuel pump relay is not located inside the cabin; it’s housed within this module in the engine bay.

To find it, follow these steps:

  1. Open the hood and make sure the engine is off and the keys are out of the ignition.
  2. Look for a large, black rectangular box on the driver’s side of the engine bay, just behind the battery and next to the air filter housing. This is the TIPM.
  3. Remove the cover by pressing the two clips on the sides and lifting it straight up.
  4. Flip the cover over. On the underside, there is a clear diagram that labels every relay and fuse. The fuel pump relay is typically labeled “FUEL PUMP” or “FP”. If the diagram is worn, look for the word “FUEL” or “FUEL PUMP” among the relay cluster, often located in the upper-left or lower-right corner of the relay section.

The relay itself is a square, plastic module that is larger than the standard blade fuses. It typically has four or five metal pins on the bottom and is often black or dark blue. You can compare its size to other relays in the box to help confirm you have the right one.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay Before Replacing It

Before you buy a new relay, it’s wise to test the old one. This confirms whether the relay is the problem or if the issue lies deeper in the wiring or the fuel pump itself.

Step 1: Visual and Physical Inspection

  • Pull the relay straight out of its socket. You can use a relay puller tool or a flathead screwdriver, but be careful not to bend the metal pins.
  • Take a photo of the relay layout before removing anything. This practical tip helps you put everything back correctly.

Step 2: Use a Multimeter

  • Check the Coil: Set your multimeter to the resistance (ohms) setting. Place the probes on terminals 85 and 86 of the relay. A good relay should show a resistance reading between 70 and 80 ohms. If you get infinite resistance (OL), the coil inside is broken.
  • Check the Switch: With the relay still unpowered, check terminals 30 and 87A. You should see continuity (very low resistance) because this is the normally closed circuit.

Step 3: Apply Power to Test (The “Click” Test)

  • Get a 12V battery source (like a car battery or a jump box).
  • Connect a jumper wire from the positive terminal to relay terminal 85.
  • Touch a jumper wire from the negative terminal to relay terminal 86.
  • If the relay is good, you will hear a distinct “click.” This means the electromagnetic coil is working.
  • While the relay is energized, check terminals 30 and 87. You should now see continuity (low resistance). This confirms the main power contacts are closing properly.

Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

If your relay fails the test, or if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time for a replacement:

  1. Engine Cranks but Does Not Start: The most common symptom. The starter turns the engine over, but there’s no fuel delivery, so it never fires up.
  2. Engine Stalls Unexpectedly: The fuel pump loses power while driving, causing the engine to shut off without warning.
  3. No Fuel Pump Noise: When you turn the key to the “ON” position, you should hear a brief whirring noise from the rear of the vehicle as the pump pressurizes the system. If there’s silence, the relay may not be sending power.
  4. Intermittent Starting Issues: The car may start fine some days and refuse to start on others, indicating an intermittent electrical fault.
  5. Poor Engine Performance: Hesitation during acceleration, sputtering, or a noticeable lack of power, especially under load, can all be traced back to inconsistent fuel pressure.

A Quick Relay Swap Diagnostic Trick

If you want a fast and easy way to confirm the relay is bad, use the relay swap method.

  • Locate another relay in the TIPM that has the same part number and pin configuration. The horn relay or A/C relay are often identical.
  • Pull out the suspected fuel pump relay and replace it with the known-good relay from another circuit.
  • Turn the ignition to the “ON” position and listen for the fuel pump priming sound.
  • If the pump now operates, the original relay is defective.

Caution: Always ensure the replacement relay has the same part number or specifications to avoid damaging the circuit. This swap method is a quick diagnostic tool but should be followed up with a proper multimeter test for confirmation.

Check Related Fuses and Wiring

A blown fuse can mimic relay failure symptoms, so before you condemn the relay, verify that the fuel pump fuse is intact. In the 2007 PT Cruiser, the fuel pump fuse is typically a 20-amp fuse, also located in the under-hood fuse box.

Also inspect the wiring harness:

  • Examine the wiring and connectors leading to the relay socket for wear, damage, or loose connections.
  • Look for signs of corrosion or burnt marks on the relay terminals and the fuse box sockets.
  • The TIPM itself is a known failure point on Chrysler products of this era. If you are having intermittent electrical issues that go beyond just the fuel pump, the TIPM might be the root cause.

Step-by-Step: Replacing the Fuel Pump Relay

Replacing the relay is a straightforward task that most DIY owners can handle in under ten minutes.

  1. Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery cable before working on any electrical components to avoid short circuits or accidental activation.
  2. Access the TIPM: Remove the cover as described earlier.
  3. Identify the Relay: Confirm you have the correct relay by checking the diagram on the underside of the cover.
  4. Remove the Old Relay: Pull it straight out of the socket. You can use a relay puller tool or a flathead screwdriver, but be careful not to bend the metal pins.
  5. Install the New Relay: Verify the part number of the new relay matches the original to ensure compatibility. Press it firmly into the original relay socket until it clicks into place.
  6. Reassemble: Replace the TIPM cover, reconnect the battery, and test the vehicle’s fuel pump operation by turning the ignition key to the “ON” position without starting the engine. Listen for the fuel pump priming sound.

If the Relay Is Not the Problem: Check the Fuel Pump Itself

If the relay tests good and you have power at the relay socket, the issue may be the fuel pump itself. The fuel pump on the PT Cruiser is located inside the fuel tank, positioned beneath the rear seat.

To verify the pump is running:

  • Remove the fuel filler cap and have an assistant turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position while you listen for the sound of the fuel pump operating.
  • A brief whirring noise indicates the pump is pressurizing the system. If there is no sound, check the fuel pump electrical circuit.
  • The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) controls the operation of the fuel system by providing battery voltage to the fuel pump through the fuel pump relay. The PCM requires only three inputs and a good ground to operate the fuel pump relay: ignition voltage, Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor, and Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor.

Why Choose KEMSO for Your Fuel Pump Replacement?

If your testing points to a failing fuel pump rather than the relay, you need a replacement you can trust. KEMSO offers a range of high-performance fuel pumps designed to meet or exceed original equipment specifications.

Here’s what sets KEMSO apart:

  1. High-Performance: KEMSO fuel pumps are engineered to deliver consistent fuel pressure and flow, ensuring your engine runs smoothly under all driving conditions.
  2. OEM Replacement: Their pumps are designed as direct replacements, matching the fit, form, and function of your original parts. You get a perfect fit without any modifications.
  3. Lifetime Warranty: KEMSO stands behind their products with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.

Whether you drive a car, truck, SUV, or powersports vehicle, KEMSO has a fuel pump to fit your needs. Their lineup covers a wide range of popular models.

Visit KEMSO today to find the right fuel pump for your vehicle: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Final Thoughts

Knowing the 2007 PT Cruiser fuel pump relay location is essential for any owner dealing with starting or stalling issues. The relay lives inside the TIPM under the hood, near the battery, and is easy to access and test with basic tools. Start with the visual inspection, move on to the multimeter test, and use the relay swap trick to confirm your diagnosis quickly.

Remember to check the related fuses and wiring before replacing parts, and if the relay checks out fine, turn your attention to the fuel pump itself. And when that time comes, KEMSO provides reliable, high-performance, OEM-replacement fuel pumps backed by a lifetime warranty.

For all your fuel pump needs, visit: https://www.kemsoracing.com/


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