2008 Dodge Charger Fuel Pump Fuse: Location, Diagram, and Troubleshooting Guide

The bottom line up front: The 2008 Dodge Charger has two fuse boxes—one under the hood and one in the trunk—and the fuel pump fuse is a 20 Amp MINI fuse located in the rear fuse box (also called the Rear Power Distribution Center). If your Charger cranks but won't start, or if you hear the fuel pump prime but then everything goes silent, this fuse should be your first suspect. Replacing it takes about five minutes, costs less than ten dollars, and can save you a tow bill.

Let's walk through everything you need to know about the fuel pump fuse on the 2008 Dodge Charger, including exactly where to find it, what it looks like, how to test it, and what to do if it keeps blowing.

Where Is the Fuel Pump Fuse on a 2008 Dodge Charger?

The rear fuse box on the 2008 Dodge Charger is located in the trunk, on the driver's side, near the rear corner. You will need to open the trunk and remove the access panel or trunk lining to expose the fuse box. Once you pull back the carpet or trim cover, you will see a rectangular fuse box with a cover on top. Remove that cover, and you will find a diagram printed on the inside of the cover that identifies every fuse and its amperage rating.

The fuel pump fuse is fuse number 6, and it is a 20 Amp yellow MINI fuse. It lives in the rear power distribution center, not under the hood. This is a common point of confusion because many owners look under the hood first, but Dodge placed the fuel pump fuse in the rear of the car for this generation.

Understanding the Two Fuse Boxes on the 2008 Charger

The 2008 Dodge Charger (sixth generation, LX platform) has two separate fuse distribution centers. Knowing which one handles what will save you time.

Front Power Distribution Center (Under the Hood): This box sits near the battery in the engine compartment. It handles high-current systems like the radiator fan, ABS pump, windshield wipers, ignition coils, and the starter. The front box does not contain the fuel pump fuse.

Rear Power Distribution Center (Trunk): This box is located inside the trunk on the driver's side. It handles a completely different set of circuits, including the fuel pump, radio, cluster, power outlets, heated seats, and stop lights. This is where you will find the fuel pump fuse.

2008 Dodge Charger Fuel Pump Fuse Specs at a Glance

Here are the key specifications you need to know:

  1. Fuse number: 6
  2. Fuse type: MINI blade fuse
  3. Amperage rating: 20 Amps
  4. Fuse color: Yellow
  5. Location: Rear fuse box, trunk, driver's side

The fuse box cover diagram will confirm these details for your specific vehicle. If your Charger has optional equipment, the layout may vary slightly, so always check the label on the inside of the fuse box cover first.

Symptoms of a Blown Fuel Pump Fuse

How do you know if the fuel pump fuse is your problem? Look for these warning signs:

  • Engine cranks but will not start: The starter turns the engine over, but the engine never fires up. This is the classic symptom because the fuel pump cannot pressurize the fuel rail without power.
  • No fuel pump priming sound: When you turn the key to the "ON" position (without cranking), you should hear a brief whirring sound from the rear of the car. That is the fuel pump pressurizing the system. If you hear nothing, the pump is not receiving power.
  • Car starts then dies: The engine may fire up from residual fuel pressure but then stall out almost immediately because no new fuel is being delivered.
  • Loss of power while driving: If the fuse blows while you are driving, the engine will suddenly lose power and stall. This is dangerous, so pull over safely if this happens.

Keep in mind that these symptoms can also be caused by a failing fuel pump, a bad fuel pump relay, or a wiring issue. A blown fuse is simply the easiest thing to check first.

How to Check and Replace the Fuel Pump Fuse

Replacing the fuel pump fuse is a straightforward job. Here is the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Turn off the vehicle. Make sure the ignition is in the "OFF" position and remove the key before you touch anything.

Step 2: Open the trunk. Remove any cargo, then pull back the carpet or trim panel on the driver's side to expose the fuse box.

Step 3: Remove the fuse box cover. Look for the diagram on the inside of the cover. Find fuse number 6.

Step 4: Inspect the fuse. Pull the fuse straight out using a fuse puller or needle-nose pliers. Hold it up to the light. If you see a broken metal filament or any dark discoloration, the fuse is blown.

Step 5: Replace with the correct amperage. Install a new 20 Amp yellow MINI fuse in the same slot. Make sure it seats firmly.

Step 6: Test the system. Close the fuse box, turn the ignition to "ON," and listen for the fuel pump priming sound. If it primes, try starting the engine.

Important: Never replace a blown fuse with a higher amperage fuse to "fix" the problem. Using a fuse with too high a rating can overload the wiring and cause serious electrical damage or even a fire. If the fuse blows again immediately, you have a deeper issue that needs proper diagnosis.

Why Does the Fuel Pump Fuse Keep Blowing?

If you replace the fuse and it blows again, do not just keep swapping in new fuses. Repeated fuse failures point to an underlying problem in the fuel pump circuit. Common culprits include:

  1. A failing fuel pump motor: As the pump wears out, it can draw excessive current, which blows the fuse. This is the most common cause.

  2. A shorted wire: The wiring harness running to the fuel pump can chafe against the body or frame, wearing through the insulation and causing a short. This is especially common in older vehicles with high mileage.

  3. A faulty fuel pump relay: The relay controls power to the pump. If it is sticking or failing, it can deliver inconsistent power and cause the fuse to blow.

  4. Corrosion or poor connections: Moisture in the trunk area can cause corrosion at the fuse terminals or the fuel pump connector, increasing resistance and heat.

If the fuse blows more than once, take the car to a professional for proper electrical diagnosis. Repeatedly replacing a fuse without finding the root cause is risky and can damage the fuel pump, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), or other components.

Related Fuses You Should Know About

While you are in the rear fuse box, it helps to know what the other key fuses do. Here are a few that work closely with the fuel system and starting circuit:

  • Fuse 2 (40A Cartridge): Integrated Power Module (IPM). This supplies power to the front fuse box.
  • Fuse 4 (40A Cartridge): Integrated Power Module (IPM), same function as fuse 2.
  • Fuse 9 (20A MINI): Power Outlet. If your accessory outlet is dead, this is the one to check.
  • Fuse 17 (20A MINI): Instrument Cluster. A blown fuse here can make your gauges go dark.
  • Fuse 19 (10A MINI): Stop Lights. If your brake lights are out, check this fuse first.

The front fuse box also contains fuses for the ignition and starter circuits. These are fuse numbers 3 (Ignition Run/Start), 8 (Starter), and 10 (Windshield Wiper, but note that the PCM/starter also shares circuits in some configurations). If your car will not crank at all, the problem might be in the front box instead of the rear one.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Fuel Pump Fuse Issue?

The fuse itself is cheap. A 20 Amp MINI fuse typically costs between $2 and $10 at any auto parts store. If you are replacing the fuse and the car works again, you are done.

However, if the fuse keeps blowing and you need to replace the fuel pump, that is a bigger job. A fuel pump for a 2008 Dodge Charger typically costs between $150 and $400 for the part alone, depending on whether you buy OEM or aftermarket. Labor at a shop will add another $200 to $400 because the fuel tank often needs to be lowered to access the pump.

If you are handy, you can replace the pump yourself using a repair manual and basic hand tools, but be aware that working with fuel lines carries risks. Always relieve fuel system pressure before opening any connections, and never smoke or work near open flames.

Real Owner Experiences and Troubleshooting Tips

Many 2008 Dodge Charger owners have dealt with fuel pump fuse issues, and their experiences point to a few practical lessons:

Lesson 1: Check the fuse before you replace the pump. One owner reported that his Charger would not start after sitting overnight. The shop quoted him over $500 for a new fuel pump. Before agreeing, he checked the rear fuse box, found fuse number 6 blown, replaced it for four dollars, and the car started right up. A five-minute check saved him hundreds.

Lesson 2: Use the correct amperage fuse. Another owner replaced the 20A fuse with a 30A fuse after it blew twice, thinking a bigger fuse would solve the problem. The car ran for a week, then the wiring harness melted near the fuel pump connector, costing over $800 in repairs. The issue was a shorted fuel pump motor, not a fuse rating problem.

Lesson 3: Listen for the prime. A quick way to test the fuel pump circuit is to turn the key to "ON" (not "START") and listen at the rear of the car. You should hear a faint hum for one to two seconds. If you do not hear it, check the fuse first, then the relay.

When to Call a Professional

If you have checked the fuse, replaced it, and it blows again, stop guessing. Repeated fuse failure means there is a short or an overcurrent condition that needs proper diagnostic equipment. A mechanic will:

  1. Test the fuel pump current draw with a multimeter or amp clamp
  2. Inspect the fuel pump wiring harness for chafing or damage
  3. Test the fuel pump relay and its socket
  4. Perform a fuel pressure test to confirm pump output

This kind of systematic diagnosis is worth the money because guessing and replacing parts can quickly cost more than a single professional diagnosis.

Where to Buy a Reliable Replacement Fuel Pump

If you have confirmed that the fuel pump itself is the problem, you need a replacement that will last. This is where KEMSO Fuel Pumps stand out.

KEMSO is a brand dedicated to delivering high-performance fuel pumps that are built as OEM replacements. That means every KEMSO pump is designed to match the original factory specifications for fit, flow rate, and electrical draw. Whether you drive a Dodge Charger, a Honda Civic, a BMW, or a Kawasaki Jet Ski, KEMSO makes a fuel pump that drops in without modification[^KEMSO].

Here is what you get with a KEMSO fuel pump:

  1. High-performance engineering: KEMSO pumps are designed to deliver consistent fuel pressure under all driving conditions, including hard acceleration and heavy loads.
  2. OEM replacement quality: Each pump is built to replace the factory unit exactly, so you do not have to worry about compatibility issues.
  3. Lifetime warranty: KEMSO stands behind every pump with a lifetime warranty, which gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected.

When your 2008 Dodge Charger's fuel pump needs replacing, a KEMSO fuel pump gives you the reliability of a factory-quality part with the added security of a lifetime warranty. You can browse the full KEMSO fuel pump lineup at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ . With KEMSO, you are not just buying a part; you are buying confidence that your Charger will start every time you turn the key.

Summary: What to Do Right Now

If your 2008 Dodge Charger is showing fuel pump symptoms, follow this simple action plan:

  1. Open the trunk and locate the rear fuse box on the driver's side.
  2. Find fuse number 6 (20 Amp yellow MINI fuse).
  3. Inspect the fuse for a broken filament.
  4. Replace it with a new 20A fuse if it is blown.
  5. Test the car and listen for the fuel pump prime.
  6. If the fuse blows again, stop replacing it and get professional help to diagnose the underlying short.

The fuel pump fuse on a 2008 Dodge Charger is a small part with a big job. Knowing where it is, what it does, and how to replace it can save you time and money. And if you need a new fuel pump, remember that KEMSO Racing offers high-performance, OEM-replacement fuel pumps with a lifetime warranty at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ .

Take care of your Charger, and it will take care of you.


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