2009 Dodge Challenger Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Guide for Owners

The fuel pump relay on a 2009 Dodge Challenger is located inside the engine compartment fuse box, which Dodge calls the Integrated Power Module (IPM). This black box sits on the driver's side of the engine bay, near the battery and firewall. The fuel pump relay itself is an internal component within this module, and on 2009 models, it is identified as fuse number 6, rated at 20 amps, which protects the fuel pump circuit. If your Challenger cranks but won't start, or you hear no hum from the fuel pump when you turn the key to the ON position, the relay or its associated fuse is one of the first things you should check .

Unlike some older vehicles where you can simply pull a relay out of a socket, the 2009 Challenger's Integrated Power Module houses many of its relays and fuses in a more integrated fashion. This means finding and testing the fuel pump relay requires a slightly different approach than you might expect. In this guide, we'll walk you through the exact location, how to test the relay, what symptoms point to a failing relay, and your options for replacement—including when it makes more sense to replace the entire IPM rather than just the relay.

Where Exactly Is the Fuel Pump Relay Located?

The 2009 Dodge Challenger uses an Integrated Power Module, which combines the traditional fuse box and relay panel into one unit. This module is mounted in the engine compartment, typically on the left (driver's) side near the strut tower and brake fluid reservoir. To access it, you simply open the hood and look for the black plastic cover with the latch .

When you remove the cover, you'll see a layout diagram printed on the underside, which shows the position of every fuse and relay. The fuel pump relay on this vehicle is not a stand-alone relay you can easily pull with your fingers. On 2009 models, the fuel pump circuit is protected by fuse number 6, rated at 20 amps, which is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) — the second fuse box found in the trunk area under the spare tire access panel .

For the relay itself, you have two things to be aware of:

  1. The external fuse — fuse #6 (20A) in the trunk-mounted Power Distribution Center protects the fuel pump circuit. This is the first thing to check if the pump isn't running .

  2. The internal relay — on many Challenger models from this era, the fuel pump relay is actually embedded within the Integrated Power Module's circuit board. Unlike a traditional plug-in relay, this one may require module replacement if it fails .

If you own a 2009 Challenger and need to find the relay, start by opening the hood and locating the IPM. Once you've removed the cover, look for the relay labeled "Fuel Pump" or check the diagram on the cover. However, if the relay is not visible as a separate plug-in component, it is likely soldered onto the IPM's internal board .

Understanding the Fuel Pump Relay's Function

Before you start testing anything, it helps to understand what the fuel pump relay actually does. The relay acts as a switch that controls power delivery to the fuel pump. When you turn the ignition key to the ON position, the relay closes its contacts and sends full battery voltage to the fuel pump. This allows the pump to pressurize the fuel system before you crank the engine. Once the engine is running, the relay continues to supply power as long as the engine is operating .

When the engine is turned off, the relay opens, cutting power to the fuel pump. This is both a convenience feature and a safety measure—if the engine stalls or the ignition is turned off, the fuel pump stops immediately, reducing the risk of flooding or fire in the event of an accident .

The 2009 Challenger's fuel pump relay is rated for the same amperage as many other Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep vehicles from the same era. This means replacement parts are widely available, and in many cases, you can use a relay from another Dodge model without issues .

Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump Relay

A failing fuel pump relay can cause several noticeable problems. Here are the most common symptoms to watch for:

  1. No start condition — The engine cranks but doesn't fire. You may not hear the fuel pump's priming hum when you turn the key to the ON position .

  2. Intermittent stalling — The engine may run fine for a while, then suddenly die while driving. This happens when the relay's contacts fail intermittently, cutting power to the pump mid-drive .

  3. Hard starting — The engine takes longer than usual to start, often because the fuel system isn't fully pressurized when you crank the engine .

  4. Engine sputtering under load — If the relay is failing but not completely dead, it may deliver inconsistent voltage to the pump, causing the engine to sputter or hesitate, especially under acceleration .

Before you replace the relay, it's important to check the fuel pump fuse first. A blown fuse is a common and cheap fix that can mimic relay failure. On the 2009 Challenger, the fuel pump fuse is fuse #6 (20A) in the Power Distribution Center located in the trunk .

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Testing the fuel pump relay on a 2009 Challenger requires a digital multimeter and, in some cases, a set of jumper wires. Here's a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Locate and access the relay. Open the hood and remove the IPM cover. If the relay is a visible plug-in component, carefully pull it out. If it's internal to the module, you may need to access it from the back side of the IPM .

Step 2: Identify the terminals. Most relays have four terminals: two for the control circuit (the coil) and two for the power circuit (the switch). The relay housing usually has a diagram showing which pins are which. If not, look at the wires connected to the relay socket—thin wires are typically the control circuit, while thicker wires carry power .

Step 3: Test the coil continuity. Set your multimeter to the ohms setting. Touch the probes to the two control terminals. You should see a resistance reading typically between 50 and 200 ohms. If you get infinite resistance, the coil is open and the relay is dead .

Step 4: Test the switch continuity. With the relay out of the circuit, the switch contacts should be open (infinite resistance). Now, apply 12V power from a battery to the control terminals using jumper wires. You should hear a click as the relay energizes, and the resistance between the power terminals should drop to near zero .

Step 5: Interpret your results. If the relay clicks but the contacts don't close, or if the coil doesn't energize at all, the relay is faulty. On the 2009 Challenger, if your relay is internal to the IPM, you may not be able to test it without removing the module entirely .

Replacement Options: Relay vs. Integrated Power Module

When it comes to replacing the fuel pump relay on a 2009 Challenger, you have two primary options, and the right choice depends on your vehicle's specific design.

Option 1: Replace the relay only. If your Challenger has a standard plug-in relay, replacement is straightforward. The genuine Mopar relay is part number 4727370AA and costs around $30 from aftermarket suppliers. This relay fits 2009 Challenger models across all trims, including SE, R/T, and SRT8 .

Option 2: Replace the Integrated Power Module. On many 2009 Challengers, the fuel pump relay is integrated into the IPM's circuit board. If this is the case, you cannot replace just the relay. Instead, you'll need to either have the IPM professionally repaired or purchase a rebuilt unit. Companies specializing in TIPM and IPM repair can rebuild the module with a new relay for a fraction of the cost of a new module .

Important safety note: When replacing the relay, always use a genuine OEM or high-quality aftermarket part with the correct amperage rating. Using a relay with the wrong rating can cause electrical system overload and potentially damage your vehicle's wiring or the fuel pump itself .

Why Choose KEMSO for Your Fuel Pump Needs

If your fuel pump diagnosis leads you to replace the pump itself, or if you simply want to ensure your Challenger's fuel delivery system is running at peak performance, KEMSO is a brand worth considering.

KEMSO fuel pumps are high-performance, OEM replacement units designed to meet or exceed the original factory specifications for your 2009 Dodge Challenger. Each pump is engineered for a perfect fit and maximum durability, ensuring your vehicle returns to factory-level performance without the dealership markup.

Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected for as long as you own your vehicle. Whether you're working on a V6 SE model or a V8 R/T, KEMSO has a fuel pump solution that delivers reliable performance and longevity.

Visiting https://www.kemsoracing.com/ will connect you with a full range of fuel pumps and related components for your Challenger and many other vehicles. If you're already dropping the fuel tank or replacing the fuel pump module, choosing a KEMSO replacement ensures you're getting a product that's built to last.

Preventive Maintenance and Final Advice

Owning a 2009 Dodge Challenger means owning a piece of American muscle car history. But even the toughest machines need proper care. Here are a few final tips to keep your fuel system healthy:

  1. Keep your tank at least a quarter full. Regularly running your tank low can cause the fuel pump to overheat and fail prematurely. A pump that stays submerged in fuel stays cooler and lasts longer .

  2. Replace the fuel filter when you replace the pump. This is a cheap and easy way to protect your new pump from debris that may have accumulated in the tank .

  3. Address electrical issues early. Faulty wiring, a failing relay, or a blown fuse can all mimic fuel pump failure but cost far less to fix. Always do a proper electrical diagnosis before condemning the pump itself .

If your 2009 Challenger is showing signs of fuel pump relay trouble—hard starts, stalling, or a no-start condition—start by checking the fuse and relay. If those check out, the problem may be the pump itself. And when replacement time comes, remember that KEMSO offers high-quality, lifetime-warranty fuel pumps at https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to keep your Challenger running strong for years to come.


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