2010 Chrysler Sebring Fuel Pump Relay Location: The Complete Owner’s Guide

The fuel pump relay on a 2010 Chrysler Sebring is not a standalone, labeled relay you can simply pull from the fuse box. Instead, it is integrated into the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), located on the left side of the engine compartment. This single module controls the fuel pump relay function, along with many other electrical circuits, which means there is no separate relay to locate or replace on its own.

If you are experiencing fuel delivery problems—such as the engine cranking but refusing to start, or the fuel pump not priming when you turn the key—the fuel pump relay function inside the TIPM is one of the first things to check. However, because the relay is built into the TIPM, you cannot swap it out like a traditional relay. Understanding how this system works, where the TIPM sits, and what signs point to a faulty fuel pump relay will save you time, money, and frustration.

1. What Exactly Is the Fuel Pump Relay on a 2010 Sebring?

The fuel pump relay is an electrically operated switch that sends power to the fuel pump. When you turn the ignition to the "Run" position, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) energizes the relay, which then delivers battery voltage to the fuel pump for a few seconds to prime the fuel system. Once the engine starts, the relay stays closed to keep the pump running.

On the 2010 Chrysler Sebring, this relay function is not a separate physical relay that sits in a relay box. Instead, it lives inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) —a large fuse and relay center mounted on the left side of the engine compartment. The TIPM handles power distribution for dozens of circuits, including the ASD relay feed, fuel pump control, cooling fans, and more.

The wiring diagrams for the 2010 Sebring clearly list "Fuel pump ctrl" and "Fuel pump ctrl out" as circuits within the TIPM, confirming that the relay function is internal to this module.

2. Where Is the TIPM Located?

The TIPM is the main fuse and relay distribution center. On the 2010 Chrysler Sebring, it is located on the left side of the engine compartment, near the battery and the driver’s side fender. It is a dark-colored plastic box with a cover that holds numerous fuses and relays.

To access it:

  1. Open the hood and secure it properly.
  2. Look toward the driver’s side (left side) of the engine bay, close to the fender and the strut tower.
  3. Remove the cover by pressing the release tabs or lifting the latches. The underside of the cover typically has a diagram showing fuse and relay assignments.

Inside, you will find the fuse cavities and relays. However, remember that the fuel pump relay is an internal function of the TIPM itself, not a removable relay. The fuse that protects the fuel pump circuit is a 10A mini fuse labeled "IOD" or "Battery Feed – Ignition Switch," depending on the exact configuration.

3. How the Fuel Pump Relay Works in the TIPM

The TIPM contains a circuit board with solid-state relays (electronic switches) instead of traditional mechanical relays. When the PCM sends a signal requesting fuel pump operation, the TIPM closes the internal circuit and sends power to the fuel pump module located inside the fuel tank.

This design has one major advantage: fewer moving parts mean fewer mechanical failures. But it also means that when the relay function fails, you cannot simply replace a standalone relay. The entire TIPM may need to be repaired or replaced, although some aftermarket shops specialize in rebuilding TIPMs.

Key circuits related to the fuel pump in the 2010 Sebring include:

  • Fuel pump ctrl — the control signal from the PCM to the TIPM
  • Fuel pump ctrl out — the output power from the TIPM to the fuel pump
  • Fused B(+) (pump) — the battery feed that powers the pump through the TIPM

If any of these circuits fail, the fuel pump will not receive power, and the engine will crank but not start.

4. Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump Relay

A faulty fuel pump relay—or a failing TIPM fuel pump circuit—can cause several noticeable symptoms:

  1. Engine cranks but does not start. This is the most common symptom. You hear the starter motor turning the engine, but there is no fuel pressure, so the engine never fires up.

  2. No fuel pump prime sound. When you turn the ignition to the "ON" position (without cranking), you should hear a faint whirring sound from the rear of the car for about two seconds. This is the fuel pump pressurizing the system. If you hear nothing, the relay may not be closing.

  3. Intermittent starting problems. The car may start fine sometimes and fail to start other times. This points to an intermittent relay or electrical connection issue.

  4. Engine stalls while driving. If the relay drops out while the engine is running, the fuel pump loses power and the engine shuts off. This is a safety hazard, especially on the highway.

  5. No diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for the relay. Because the relay is solid-state inside the TIPM, the PCM may not detect a specific relay fault. Instead, you may see codes related to fuel pressure, such as P0192 (Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Low), P0230 (Fuel Pump Primary Circuit), or P0231 (Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit Low).

5. How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay Function

Since you cannot physically remove the relay, you need to test the circuit to confirm whether the TIPM is sending power to the fuel pump.

Step 1: Listen for the prime. Turn the key to the "ON" position and listen for the fuel pump. If you hear the pump, the relay function is working at that moment.

Step 2: Check for power at the fuel pump harness. The fuel pump module is located in the trunk under the floor mat. There is a four-pin electrical connector that plugs into the top of the fuel pump module. With the key in the "ON" position, use a multimeter to check for battery voltage on the power wire (usually a dark green or dark blue wire). If you have voltage, the relay and wiring are fine. If you have no voltage, the problem lies in the TIPM or the wiring between the TIPM and the pump.

Step 3: Check the fuse. Locate the fuse that protects the fuel pump circuit in the TIPM. Refer to the fuse diagram on the underside of the TIPM cover. For the 2010 Sebring, the fuel pump circuit is typically protected by a fuse in the TIPM, often in the 10A–15A range. Replace the fuse if it is blown.

Step 4: Test the relay control signal. This requires a wiring diagram and a multimeter. The PCM sends a control signal to the TIPM on a specific pin. If the control signal is present but there is no output power, the TIPM's internal relay has likely failed.

Step 5: Consider professional diagnosis. If you do not feel comfortable testing electrical circuits, a professional technician with a scan tool and wiring diagrams can diagnose the system quickly.

6. Common Misconceptions About the Fuel Pump Relay

Many online forums and older repair guides suggest that the fuel pump relay is a standalone relay on the passenger side firewall or in the fuse box. This is not accurate for the 2010 Sebring. The 2007–2010 Sebring generation (JS body style) moved almost all power distribution into the TIPM, eliminating traditional external relays for the fuel pump, ASD, and many other functions.

Another misconception is that you can bypass the relay by jumping two pins in the fuse box. Because the relay is internal to the TIPM, there are no exposed relay pins to jump. Attempting to bypass the TIPM's fuel pump circuit requires cutting into the wiring, which is not recommended.

7. When the Relay Is Not the Problem

If the fuel pump relay function tests fine, but the engine still will not start, the issue may lie elsewhere. Consider these possibilities:

  • Fuel pump failure. The pump itself may be worn out. A failing pump may still hum but not produce adequate pressure. The 2010 Sebring's fuel pump module is mounted on top of the fuel tank and is accessed from under the rear seat or through the trunk.

  • Fuel filter clogged. A severely clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow, causing similar symptoms. Chrysler recommends replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles.

  • Fuel pressure regulator. This component, often integrated into the fuel pump module, maintains consistent fuel pressure. If it fails, the engine may run poorly or not start.

  • Crankshaft or camshaft position sensor. If these sensors fail, the PCM will not command fuel delivery even if the relay works properly.

  • PCM failure. In rare cases, the PCM itself may not send the control signal to the TIPM.

8. Options for Repair

If you confirm that the fuel pump relay inside the TIPM is not functioning, you have three main options:

1. Replace the TIPM. This is the most straightforward fix, but it is also the most expensive. A new TIPM from a dealer can cost several hundred dollars. Used units from salvage yards are cheaper but may carry the same risks.

2. Have the TIPM repaired. Several specialized companies rebuild TIPMs by replacing failed internal components. This is often more affordable than a new module and can restore factory functionality.

3. Install a standalone wiring harness with an external relay. Some technicians bypass the internal fuel pump relay by wiring in an aftermarket relay. This is a custom solution that requires skill and a good understanding of the vehicle’s electrical system. It is not a factory-approved method, but it can be a cost-effective fix.

9. A Reliable Replacement Fuel Pump

If your diagnosis points to a failing fuel pump rather than the relay, you need a pump you can trust. A fuel pump is the heart of your fuel delivery system, and a cheap, poorly made unit can fail within months.

Consider the KEMSO brand fuel pump for your Chrysler Sebring. KEMSO fuel pumps are designed as high-performance, OEM Replacement parts, meaning they meet or exceed the original manufacturer’s specifications for fit, form, and function. Whether you drive the 2.4L four-cylinder or the 2.7L V6, a KEMSO pump delivers consistent fuel pressure and reliable performance.

What makes KEMSO stand out is the lifetime warranty that comes with every pump. This warranty gives you peace of mind, knowing that your replacement fuel pump is backed by a company that stands behind its product. If the pump ever fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship, you are covered.

Unlike many aftermarket brands that cut corners, KEMSO focuses on durability and precision engineering. Each pump is rigorously tested to handle the demands of daily driving, extreme temperatures, and high-mileage use. The plug-and-play design ensures a straightforward installation with no modifications required.

To browse the full KEMSO fuel pump catalog and find the exact match for your vehicle, visit the official website: https://www.kemsoracing.com/ . There, you will find detailed product descriptions, compatibility charts, and customer reviews to help you make an informed choice.

10. Bottom Line: What to Remember

  • The 2010 Chrysler Sebring fuel pump relay is not a separate, replaceable relay. It is an internal function of the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), located on the left side of the engine compartment.
  • The fuel pump fuse is located inside the TIPM, and the fuel pump itself sits inside the fuel tank, accessed through the trunk or under the rear seat.
  • If the engine cranks but will not start, and you hear no fuel pump prime, test the fuel pump power wire at the four-pin connector in the trunk before replacing any parts.
  • A blown fuse, a failed TIPM, a dead fuel pump, or a clogged filter can all produce similar symptoms. Diagnose systematically to avoid unnecessary parts replacement.
  • If the fuel pump needs replacement, choose a KEMSO fuel pump for high-performance, OEM Replacement quality, backed by a lifetime warranty. Visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to find the right pump for your Sebring.

Taking the time to understand how your fuel system works will help you make the right decision, whether the fix is as simple as replacing a fuse or as involved as replacing the pump or TIPM. Start with the easiest checks, work your way through the diagnostic steps, and always prioritize safety when working on any fuel system component.


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