2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Fuel Pump Relay Location: Your Complete Guide to Finding, Testing, and Fixing It

The bottom line: On a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the fuel pump relay is not a simple plug-in relay inside the main fuse box like older vehicles. Your vehicle either has a fuel pump relay that is part of the internal circuit board inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) under the hood, or it has an external fuel pump relay that was installed as part of a safety recall. If you are experiencing a no-start condition where the engine cranks but won't fire, a failing fuel pump relay is a very common cause . The quickest way to check is to open the hood and look for a small black relay box mounted near the front of the engine bay, close to the passenger-side headlight .

Where to Look for the Fuel Pump Relay

There are two possible locations for the fuel pump relay on your 2013 Grand Cherokee, depending on whether your vehicle has had the recall repair performed.

1. The External Fuel Pump Relay (Most Likely)
Due to a known defect in the original internal relay, a safety recall (NHTSA 19V-813) was issued for 2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos . The fix for this recall was to move the fuel pump relay outside the TIPM. If your vehicle has had this recall work done, you will find the external fuel pump relay mounted on a bracket near the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which is located on the passenger side of the engine bay, up near the front shock tower and core support . It is a small, square, black relay, often manufactured by Omron .

2. The Internal Relay Location (If No External Relay Is Found)
If your 2013 Grand Cherokee has never been part of the recall, or if the recall was not performed, the fuel pump relay is located inside the TIPM. The TIPM is the large black fuse box located under the hood on the passenger side, near the battery . Open the lid of the TIPM. Look for the diagram on the inside of the lid. The fuel pump relay is not labeled as "Fuel Pump Relay" in the standard diagram. For gasoline models, the fuel pump circuit is controlled by the Automatic Shutdown (ASD) Relay, which is labeled as K10 on the diagram . For diesel models, there is a dedicated "Fuel Pump" relay, labeled K7 . If you have a 2013 V6 gas model, look for Relay K10 first.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

If you suspect the relay is bad, don't just buy a new one yet. Testing it is simple and can save you time and money.

1. The "Listen" Test
This is the easiest test. Get a friend to help you, or simply listen closely near the fuel tank (which is under the rear of the vehicle). Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (do not start the engine). You should hear a faint humming sound coming from the fuel tank for about 2-3 seconds. This is the fuel pump priming the system. If you hear nothing, the relay or the pump may be failing .

2. The Swap Test
If you have an external relay, you can perform a simple swap test. Locate an identical relay in the TIPM. Good candidates for swapping are the horn relay, the headlight relay, or the starter relay, as they are often the same type . Carefully pull out the suspect fuel pump relay and the relay you want to swap it with. Insert the suspect relay into the known-good circuit's slot. Then, insert the known-good relay into the fuel pump relay slot. Turn the key to the "ON" position. If the fuel pump now hums, your original relay was faulty.

3. The Multimeter Test
For a more definitive test, use a digital multimeter. Set the multimeter to measure resistance (Ohms). Remove the relay. Look at the relay's diagram printed on its side. You will typically see pins labeled 85 and 86 (the coil). Probe these two pins. You should see a reading between 50 and 120 ohms. If you see infinite resistance (OL), the coil is open and the relay is dead .

Common Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump Relay

A failing fuel pump relay can cause a variety of frustrating issues. Here are the most common symptoms to watch out for:

  1. Engine Cranks But Does Not Start: This is the classic symptom. The starter motor turns the engine over, but the engine never fires because the fuel pump is not getting power .
  2. Intermittent Stalling: The vehicle may start and run fine for a while, then suddenly lose power and stall while driving, with no warning. This is a dangerous symptom that can leave you stranded .
  3. No Fuel Pump Noise: When you turn the key to the "ON" position, you should hear a brief hum from the rear of the vehicle. If you hear nothing, the relay or pump circuit is not working .
  4. Long Crank Before Starting: The engine may take an unusually long time to crank before it finally starts. This can indicate a weak relay that is slow to engage .

How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay

If you have determined that the relay is the problem, replacing it is a straightforward job.

If you have an External Relay (Post-Recall):
This is the easiest scenario. The external relay is simply plugged into a wire harness.

  1. Disconnect the battery. Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on any electrical component .
  2. Locate the relay. It is the small black box mounted near the PCM .
  3. Unplug the old relay. Simply pull the relay out of its socket.
  4. Plug in the new relay. Push the new relay firmly into the socket until it clicks into place.
  5. Reconnect the battery. Start the vehicle and test it.

If you have an Internal Relay (Pre-Recall):
If your vehicle still has the original internal relay, you will need to replace the entire Automatic Shutdown (ASD) Relay.

  1. Disconnect the battery.
  2. Open the TIPM. The TIPM is the large black fuse box under the hood. Release the clips on the lid .
  3. Locate Relay K10. Refer to the diagram on the lid. It is a standard-sized cube relay.
  4. Pull the old relay. Use a relay puller or a pair of pliers to gently pull the relay straight out .
  5. Install the new relay. Push the new relay into the same slot until it is fully seated.
  6. Reconnect the battery. Test the vehicle.

Important Safety Note: The Recall

If you have a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee and you are experiencing fuel pump relay issues, check if you have an open recall first. The recall (NHTSA 19V-813) for the fuel pump relay is still active for many vehicles. If your vehicle has not had the repair, the dealer will perform it for free. This is a much better solution than simply replacing the internal relay, as the recall fixes the underlying design flaw . To check, simply call your local Jeep dealer with your VIN number.

When to Replace the Fuel Pump Itself

If you have replaced the relay and your vehicle is still experiencing issues, the problem may be the fuel pump itself. A failing fuel pump can mimic the symptoms of a bad relay. Common signs of a failing pump include:

  • Sputtering or hesitation under load (like when accelerating or going uphill).
  • Loss of power at highway speeds.
  • Whining noise coming from the fuel tank.
  • Difficulty starting after the vehicle has been sitting for a while.

If you are experiencing these symptoms after replacing the relay, it is very likely that the fuel pump itself needs to be replaced.

Upgrade Your Fuel System with KEMSO

If you have determined that the fuel pump itself is the culprit, or if you simply want to ensure your vehicle has the most reliable component on the market, we strongly recommend upgrading to a KEMSO Fuel Pump.

KEMSO brand Fuel Pump products are high-performance, OEM Replacement units designed to match or exceed the original equipment specifications. Every KEMSO fuel pump is built to deliver consistent fuel pressure and flow, ensuring your engine runs smoothly and reliably. Plus, every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a Lifetime Warranty, giving you total peace of mind. You can check out the full range of high-performance fuel pumps and other products at the KEMSO website: https://www.kemsoracing.com/.

Final Recommendations

Troubleshooting a no-start condition on your 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee can be frustrating, but following this logical flow will save you time and money. Start with the cheapest and easiest step: check the relay. If you have an external relay, it is a simple plug-and-play replacement. If you are still having issues after replacing the relay, move on to testing the fuel pump. Remember, a failing relay can also cause a "long crank" condition, which is a common early warning sign that should not be ignored . By understanding your vehicle's specific setup and following these steps, you can get back on the road quickly and safely.

For more detailed diagrams and further product information, visit the KEMSO website at https://www.kemsoracing.com/.


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