2009 Dodge Charger Fuel Pump Location: Where It Is and How to Access It

The bottom line up front: The 2009 Dodge Charger has two fuel pumps, not one. The primary fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank on the driver's side (left side) , under the rear seat cushion. The secondary, auxiliary fuel pump is located on the passenger's side (right side) of the fuel tank. Both are accessed from inside the cabin by removing the rear seat cushion, not from underneath the car.

If you own a 2009 Dodge Charger and you're dealing with hard starting, sputtering at speed, or a whining noise from the rear of the vehicle, the fuel pump is a likely suspect. Knowing exactly where it lives and how to reach it can save you hours of frustration and a costly trip to the dealership. This guide walks you through the precise location, the symptoms of a failing pump, and the steps to access it safely.

Why the 2009 Dodge Charger Has Two Fuel Pumps

Many Charger owners are surprised to learn their car has more than one fuel pump. The 2009 Dodge Charger is equipped with a dual pump system because of the saddle-style fuel tank that straddles the driveshaft. This design allows the car to carry fuel on both sides of the drivetrain for better weight distribution and increased fuel capacity.

  • The primary fuel pump (with the sending unit) is on the driver's side and is the main unit that pressurizes fuel for the engine.
  • The auxiliary fuel pump is on the passenger's side and transfers fuel from the passenger side of the tank over to the driver's side, where the primary pump picks it up.

Both pumps are electric and are located inside the fuel tank itself. This placement keeps them submerged in fuel, which helps cool the pump motor and reduces the risk of vapor lock. It also means that replacing either pump requires opening the tank from inside the vehicle.

The Exact Location: Driver's Side vs. Passenger's Side

Let's break down exactly where each pump sits so you can plan your repair correctly.

Primary Fuel Pump – Driver's Side

The primary fuel pump module is located on the left side (driver's side) of the fuel tank. It is accessible through an access panel under the rear seat cushion. This is the unit that contains the fuel pump itself, the fuel level sending unit, and the float. If you hear a whining noise coming from behind the driver's seat, this is the pump making that sound.

Auxiliary Fuel Pump – Passenger's Side

The secondary or auxiliary fuel pump is located on the right side (passenger's side) of the fuel tank. This unit is also accessible from inside the cabin, behind the rear seat on the passenger's side. It serves as a transfer pump, moving fuel from the passenger side of the saddle tank to the driver's side so the primary pump always has fuel to draw from.

Which Pump Do You Need to Replace?

This is a common point of confusion. If your Charger cranks but won't start, or if you have no fuel pressure at the rail, the problem is almost always the driver's side primary pump. If you smell fuel or notice a leak on the passenger side behind the seat, the issue is likely the passenger-side auxiliary pump module.

The OEM part numbers you'll need are as follows:

  • Primary pump (driver's side): 5136021AF (or 05136022AM / 68102700AE as later superseding part numbers)
  • Auxiliary pump (passenger's side): 5136023AC (or 05136023AF as the updated version)

Always verify the exact part number against your VIN before ordering, as fitment can vary by engine and drivetrain configuration.

How to Access the Fuel Pump in a 2009 Dodge Charger

Accessing the fuel pump in your Charger is a job you can do at home with basic hand tools, but it requires patience and care. The good news is that you do not need to drop the fuel tank to reach either pump. Here's the step-by-step process.

Step 1: Relieve Fuel System Pressure

Before doing anything, you need to relieve the pressure in the fuel system. Locate the fuel rail pressure test port (the Schrader valve) on the engine and cover it with a shop rag, then press the valve core to release the pressure. Alternatively, you can remove the fuel pump fuse and crank the engine briefly until it stalls to depressurize the system.

Step 2: Disconnect the Battery

Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent any accidental electrical shorts while you're working near the fuel pump harness.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Seat Cushion

The rear seat cushion on the Charger is held in place by clips. Pull firmly at the front edge of the cushion near the mounting points to release them. Once the clips are released, lift the cushion up and out of the vehicle.

Step 4: Locate the Access Panels

With the seat cushion removed, you'll see the fuel tank's metal floor. On the driver's side, you'll find the access panel for the primary fuel pump. On the passenger's side, you'll find the access panel for the auxiliary pump. Each panel is typically covered by a foam pad and then a plastic or metal cover. Pull back the foam pad and remove the plastic access cover to expose the pump module's mounting flange.

Step 5: Disconnect Electrical and Fuel Lines

Clean the area around the mounting flange thoroughly to prevent dirt from entering the tank. Then:

  1. Disconnect the electrical connector from the top of the fuel pump module.
  2. Disconnect the fuel supply line and the return lines.
  3. For the driver's side pump, you'll also disconnect the two return lines from the fuel pump module.

Step 6: Remove the Lock Ring and Lift Out the Module

The pump module is held in place by a large locking ring. Use a hammer and a brass drift to tap the lock ring counterclockwise to loosen it. Note the position of the square tab on the edge of the mounting flange so you can align the new module correctly.

Once the ring is loose, carefully lift up the mounting flange and remove the fuel pump module from the tank. Be careful not to bend the float arm or damage the fuel level sending unit.

Step 7: Replace the O-Ring and Reinstall

Always replace the O-ring seal between the module and the tank when you reinstall. The OEM part number for the O-ring is 68304753AA. This is a critical step – a worn or damaged O-ring is a common source of fuel leaks and fuel odors in the cabin.

Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump in a 2009 Dodge Charger

Knowing the signs of a failing fuel pump can save you from being stranded. Here are the most common symptoms reported by Charger owners:

  1. Engine Sputtering or Stalling: If the engine sputters at highway speeds or stalls unexpectedly, the fuel pump may not be delivering consistent pressure. This is often followed by the engine restarting after a few minutes of cooling down.

  2. Difficulty Starting: A bad fuel pump can cause long cranking times or a no-start condition. If the car cranks but won't fire, and you don't hear the pump prime when you turn the key to "ON," the pump is likely dead.

  3. Loss of Power Under Acceleration: If the car hesitates or loses power when you press the gas pedal, the pump may not be able to keep up with the engine's fuel demand.

  4. Whining Noise From the Fuel Tank: A loud, high-pitched whine coming from the rear seat area is a classic sign that the pump is working harder than it should and is nearing failure.

  5. Fuel Odor or Leak: Several 2009 Charger owners have reported fuel leaks from the plastic top of the auxiliary pump module on the passenger's side. This is a serious fire hazard and should be addressed immediately.

Common Causes of Fuel Pump Failure in the 2009 Charger

Fuel pumps fail for a variety of reasons, and understanding the cause can help you prevent a repeat failure:

  1. Running the Tank Too Low: The fuel pump relies on the fuel in the tank for lubrication and cooling. Running the tank nearly dry can cause the pump to overheat and fail prematurely.

  2. Contaminated Fuel: Dirt, rust, or debris in the fuel tank can clog the pump's inlet screen and cause the pump to work harder, leading to early failure.

  3. Electrical Issues: A faulty fuel pump relay, a blown fuse, or corroded wiring can starve the pump of power. The fuel pump fuse on the 2009 Charger is a 20-amp fuse located in the luggage compartment fuse box, cavity 6. A voltage drop in the circuit can also overheat the pump motor.

  4. Fuel Leaks at the Module: The plastic housing on the top of the fuel pump module (especially the auxiliary pump) is known to crack and leak on 2009 Chargers. This is a reported safety concern.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a 2009 Dodge Charger Fuel Pump?

The cost to replace the fuel pump on a 2009 Charger varies widely depending on whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts, and whether you do the work yourself or hire a shop. Here's what to expect:

  • Fuel pump module (OEM/Dodge-specific): Typically $150 to $500 for the driver's side primary pump assembly.
  • Aftermarket fuel pump unit (pump only): $60 to $250.
  • Labor costs: If you hire a mechanic, fuel pump replacement labor typically takes 2 to 4 hours at $75 to $130 per hour, bringing labor to about $150 to $520.
  • Total cost: Most 2009 Charger fuel pump replacements land between $500 and $1,000 at an independent shop, and higher at a dealership. One 2009 Charger owner reported a total repair cost of $660 for a fuel pump replacement at a mechanic. Another owner paid $310 for the pump plus labor at an independent shop.

If you're handy with tools and have a weekend to spare, doing the job yourself can save you several hundred dollars in labor.

The Fuel Pump Fuse and Relay You Should Know

Before you assume the fuel pump is dead, check the basics. The fuel pump fuse on the 2009 Dodge Charger is a 20-amp yellow fuse located in the luggage compartment fuse box, in cavity 6. If this fuse is blown, the pump won't run at all.

The fuel pump relay is located in the integrated power module (IPM) under the hood. If the fuse is good but the pump still doesn't prime, test the relay by swapping it with a known-good relay of the same type.

Why the Fuel Pump Is Inside the Tank

The in-tank design of the Charger's fuel pumps offers two key benefits:

  1. Cooling: The fuel surrounding the pump absorbs heat from the electric motor, which extends the pump's lifespan. This is why running the tank low is so damaging – the pump loses its cooling bath.

  2. Vapor Lock Prevention: Keeping the pump submerged in fuel reduces the risk of vapor lock, a condition where fuel turns to vapor in the lines and causes engine performance issues.

The trade-off is that accessing the pump is more labor-intensive than a frame-mounted external pump, but with the access panels under the rear seat, the job is manageable.

Final Thoughts: Where the 2009 Dodge Charger Fuel Pump Lives

To recap: the 2009 Dodge Charger has two fuel pumps. The primary fuel pump is on the driver's side, inside the fuel tank, accessible from under the rear seat. The auxiliary fuel pump is on the passenger's side, also inside the tank, accessible from under the rear seat on that side.

If you don't hear the pump prime when you turn the key to "ON," and the engine cranks but won't start, the driver's-side primary pump is the most likely culprit. If you smell fuel or notice a leak behind the passenger rear seat, the passenger-side auxiliary pump module is the likely source.

Don't forget to check the fuel pump fuse (20-amp, luggage compartment fuse box, cavity 6) and the relay before ordering parts. And always replace the O-ring seal when you reinstall the module to avoid future leaks.

Recommended: KEMSO Fuel Pump for Your Dodge Charger

When it's time to replace your 2009 Dodge Charger fuel pump, you want a part that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank. KEMSO fuel pumps are designed as high-performance, OEM-replacement units that meet or exceed factory specifications. Each KEMSO fuel pump is built with quality materials and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent fuel delivery and long service life.

KEMSO stands behind their products with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind long after the installation is done. Whether you need a pump for daily commuting or pushing your Charger harder, KEMSO has you covered.

Visit KEMSO Racing today to browse their full lineup of fuel pumps and find the right fit for your 2009 Dodge Charger. Their team offers fast shipping and expert support to help you get back on the road with confidence.

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