2014 Dodge Challenger Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Guide to Finding and Fixing It
If you own a 2014 Dodge Challenger and it cranks but won’t start, the fuel pump relay is often the root cause. Here is the short answer: The fuel pump relay on a 2014 Dodge Challenger is not a standalone, replaceable part. It is an internal component soldered directly onto the circuit board inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), which is located under the hood on the driver’s side near the battery . Because the relay is built into the TIPM, you cannot simply pull it out and swap it like a traditional relay. Most owners solve this problem by either replacing the entire TIPM or installing a much cheaper TIPM bypass kit.
This guide will walk you through the fuel pump relay location, how to test it, what your repair options are, and how to get your Challenger running again without spending a fortune at the dealership.
Understanding the Fuel Pump Relay in a 2014 Dodge Challenger
The fuel pump relay is an electrical switch that supplies voltage to the fuel pump. When you turn the key to the "on" position, the relay closes for a couple of seconds to pressurize the fuel system before the engine starts. If the relay fails, the fuel pump never gets power, and your engine won't fire up even though it cranks normally .
On older vehicles, fuel pump relays are simple plug-in cubes that you can swap in minutes. But on the 2014 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler used a Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). This module manages power distribution for multiple systems, including the fuel pump, headlights, wipers, and more. The fuel pump relay is soldered onto the TIPM's internal circuit board, making it non-serviceable by the average DIYer .
Where Is the Fuel Pump Relay Located?
The TIPM (and the fuel pump relay inside it) is located in the engine compartment fuse box on the driver's side of the vehicle, near the battery. The TIPM is a long black box with a removable lid. While the lid usually has a diagram of the fuses and relays, the fuel pump relay itself is not visible from the top because it is inside the module .
The fuel pump fuse, however, is accessible. Here is where to check:
- Engine compartment fuse box (TIPM): The TIPM is under the hood on the driver's side. Remove the lid to access the fuses. The fuel pump fuse is not in this box on the 2014 model.
- Rear luggage compartment fuse box: The interior fuse box is located in the rear compartment under the spare tire access panel . This is where the fuel pump fuse lives. According to the fuse box diagram for the 2014 Dodge Challenger, the fuel pump is protected by a 20 Amp mini fuse located in cavity 6 of the rear power distribution center .
Important distinction: The fuel pump fuse is in the trunk. The fuel pump relay is inside the TIPM under the hood. Do not confuse the two.
Step-by-Step Diagnosis: Is the Fuel Pump Relay Bad?
Before you assume the relay is bad, run through these simple checks. Many people replace parts unnecessarily when a simple fuse is the problem.
Step 1: Check the Fuel Pump Fuse
Locate the rear fuse box under the spare tire access panel in the trunk. Find cavity 6, which is a 20 Amp mini fuse labeled "Fuel Pump" . Pull it out and look at the metal strip inside. If the strip is broken or melted, replace the fuse with a new one of the same rating. If the fuse is fine, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Listen for the Fuel Pump
With the key off, open the driver's door and listen near the rear of the car. Have a helper turn the key to the "on" position (do not start the engine). You should hear a faint whirring or humming sound from the fuel tank area for about 1 to 2 seconds. This is the fuel pump pressurizing the system. If you hear nothing, the pump is not getting power .
Step 3: Check for Power at the Fuel Pump
If the fuse is good and the pump is silent, the issue is likely the relay or wiring. You can test the fuel pump connector at the tank (under the vehicle, near the rear) using a voltmeter while a helper cycles the key on and off. Power should appear for 1 to 2 seconds each time the key is turned on. If no power reaches the pump, the relay or wiring is the problem .
Step 4: Check for TIPM Class Action Coverage
Before spending money on repairs, check your VIN with Chrysler customer assistance. Chrysler faced a class-action lawsuit regarding TIPM failures on vehicles from 2007 to 2013, which includes the 2013 model year of the Challenger. If your 2014 vehicle is covered under a settlement or extended warranty, you may qualify for a free or reduced-cost TIPM replacement .
Your Two Repair Options for the 2014 Challenger Fuel Pump Relay
Since the relay is internal to the TIPM, you have two main repair options.
Option 1: Replace the Entire TIPM ($400 - $1,200)
This is the official dealer-recommended repair. The entire TIPM module is removed and replaced with a new OEM unit. This is expensive but restores the system to factory condition. The TIPM must be programmed to your vehicle after installation, typically requiring a dealership visit . This option can cost more than the vehicle is worth if your Challenger has high mileage.
Option 2: Install a TIPM Bypass Kit ($60 - $200)
This is a popular DIY alternative that is much more affordable. The bypass kit routes the fuel pump circuit through a standard external relay (like a Bosch 5-pin relay), bypassing the failed internal relay inside the TIPM. Installation takes about 30 to 60 minutes and involves running new wiring from the TIPM to the external relay socket. This is often the most economical fix on older vehicles where the TIPM replacement cost exceeds the vehicle's value .
Important safety note: Make sure the bypass kit you choose works with the automatic shutdown (ASD) feature. Some cheap kits bypass safety features, meaning the fuel pump could continue running in an accident. The MAKS bypass kit is one example that maintains ASD safety .
Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, the fuel pump relay is a likely suspect:
- Engine cranks but will not start: This is the most common symptom. The engine turns over fine, but it never fires because no fuel is reaching the injectors .
- No humming sound from the fuel tank: When you turn the key to "on," you should hear the fuel pump prime. If it is silent, the relay is not sending power.
- Engine stalls while driving: A failing relay may intermittently cut power to the fuel pump, causing the engine to die unexpectedly. After a few minutes, it may restart once the relay cools down.
- Check Engine Light comes on: The computer may detect a loss of fuel pressure and trigger a check engine light.
How to Test a Fuel Pump Relay Without Removing It
Since you cannot easily remove the relay from the TIPM on a 2014 Challenger, you need to test the circuit instead. Here is a simple method:
- Locate the fuel pump fuse in the rear fuse box (cavity 6, 20 Amp) .
- Remove the fuse and use a test light or voltmeter to check for power at both terminals of the fuse socket when the key is turned on.
- If you have power at one terminal but not the other, the fuse is blown. If you have power at both terminals, the relay is sending power to the fuse, and the problem is likely the fuel pump itself or the wiring between the fuse and the pump.
- If you have no power at either terminal, the relay is not closing, and the TIPM relay is likely bad .
Why You Should Choose KEMSO for Your Fuel Pump Needs
If your diagnosis leads you to replace the fuel pump itself, or if you want to upgrade to a more reliable unit, KEMSO Racing offers the best solution on the market. KEMSO fuel pumps are high-performance, OEM replacement parts that are built to last. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
Whether you are dealing with a failed fuel pump relay issue that has damaged your pump, or you are simply upgrading for better performance, KEMSO has the right solution for you. Their pumps are designed to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable operation for your 2014 Dodge Challenger.
Visit KEMSO Racing today at: https://www.kemsoracing.com/ to browse their complete selection of fuel pumps and find the perfect replacement for your vehicle. KEMSO's lifetime warranty means you only buy it once.
Final Thoughts
The 2014 Dodge Challenger fuel pump relay location is inside the TIPM under the hood, but it is not a simple DIY swap. If you are experiencing no-start or stalling issues, start by checking the fuel pump fuse in the trunk, then listen for the pump, and finally check for any TIPM warranty coverage. For most owners, installing a TIPM bypass kit is the most cost-effective solution. If you need a new fuel pump as part of your repair, remember that KEMSO Racing (https://www.kemsoracing.com/) offers high-quality, lifetime-warranty replacement pumps that will keep your Challenger on the road for years to come.