Dodge Charger Fuel Pump Relay Location: A Complete Guide to Finding and Fixing It
If your Dodge Charger cranks but won’t start, stalls unexpectedly, or has lost power while driving, the fuel pump relay is one of the first things you should check. The fuel pump relay is the electrical switch that sends power to the fuel pump, and if it fails, your engine won’t get the fuel it needs to run. For most Dodge Charger models built between 2005 and 2010, the fuel pump relay is located in the fuse box in the trunk, also known as the luggage compartment fuse box or rear power distribution center. In the 2005 model, there is also a front power distribution center under the hood that contains a fuse related to the fuel pump relay. For newer Dodge Charger models (2011 and later), the fuel pump relay is often built into the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) under the hood, which makes the repair more involved. This guide will walk you through exactly where to find the fuel pump relay on your specific Dodge Charger, how to test it, and what to do if it’s bad.
Where Is the Fuel Pump Relay on a Dodge Charger?
The location of the fuel pump relay depends on the model year of your Dodge Charger. Here’s the breakdown:
2005 Dodge Charger – This model has two fuse boxes where the fuel pump relay is involved. The front power distribution center under the hood contains a 25-amp MINI fuse (No. 15) that supplies power to the fuel pump relay. The actual fuel pump relay itself is located in the rear power distribution center, which is the fuse box in the trunk. In the rear box, the fuel pump relay is designated as R9 and is protected by a 20-amp MINI fuse (No. 6) .
2006 to 2010 Dodge Charger – For these model years, the fuel pump relay is located in the luggage compartment fuse box. You can find this fuse box in the trunk of your Charger. The fuel pump relay is in slot No. 46 of this fuse box. It is a rectangular-shaped relay, typically located in the lower left corner of the fuse box . The fuse protecting the fuel pump circuit is a 20-amp yellow fuse located in slot No. 6 of the same trunk fuse box .
2011 and Later Dodge Charger – Starting around 2011, Chrysler moved to a Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) system. In these vehicles, the fuel pump relay is not a separate, removable relay that you can swap out easily. Instead, it is soldered directly onto the circuit board inside the TIPM, which is located under the hood near the battery. This means you cannot simply pull out the relay and replace it with a new one. If the internal relay fails, you typically need to replace the entire TIPM or install a bypass kit .
How to Access the Fuel Pump Relay in the Trunk (2005-2010 Models)
If you own a 2005 to 2010 Dodge Charger, here is how to physically get to the fuel pump relay:
Step 1: Open the trunk. The fuse box is located under the spare tire access panel. You may need to remove the carpeted floor panel or the spare tire cover to expose the fuse box .
Step 2: Remove the fuse box cover. The cover should have a diagram on the inside that shows the location of each relay and fuse. Look for the label “Fuel Pump Relay” or check the diagram for relay position No. 46 .
Step 3: Identify the relay. The fuel pump relay is a small, rectangular or cube-shaped block with several metal pins on the bottom. It is larger than the standard fuses. In the 2006-2010 trunk fuse box, you will find it in the lower left corner. For the 2005 model, look for relay R9 .
Step 4: Remove the relay. Firmly grasp the relay and pull it straight out of its socket. You may need to use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry it up, but be careful not to damage the surrounding components or the socket.
How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay
Before you replace the relay, it is important to confirm that it is actually the problem. Here is a simple way to test it:
Check the fuse first. Before you mess with the relay, always check the fuel pump fuse. On 2005-2010 models, this is the 20-amp yellow fuse in slot No. 6 of the trunk fuse box. If the fuse is blown, replace it and see if that fixes the problem. A blown fuse is often caused by a short circuit or a failing fuel pump that draws too much current .
Listen for the pump. When you turn the key to the “ON” position (but do not start the engine), you should hear a faint humming sound coming from the rear of the car for about 1 to 2 seconds. This is the fuel pump priming. If you do not hear this sound, the relay or the pump itself may be faulty .
Swap the relay. The easiest way to test a relay is to swap it with another relay of the same type in the fuse box. For example, you can swap the fuel pump relay with the horn relay or another relay that has the same part number and pin configuration. If the fuel pump starts working after you swap it, the original relay was bad .
Use a multimeter. If you have a multimeter, you can test the relay terminals. With the key off, there should be 12V power at one of the relay terminals. With the key on, a second terminal should also show power. If you do not get power at the expected terminals, you may have a wiring problem or a bad PCM .
What If the Relay Is Good but the Pump Still Does Not Work?
If the relay tests fine but the fuel pump is still not running, the problem could be one of several things:
A bad fuel pump. The pump itself may have failed. You can test this by checking for power at the fuel pump connector. The fuel pump is located under the rear seat on the driver’s side. You will need to remove the rear seat bottom to access it. Use a voltmeter to check if the harness is getting power when someone cycles the key on. If there is power but the pump does not run, the pump is bad .
Wiring issues. A damaged or corroded wire between the relay and the fuel pump can prevent power from reaching the pump. Inspect the wiring harness under the car and near the fuel tank for any signs of damage, fraying, or rodent bites .
A faulty PCM or ECU. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the fuel pump relay. If the PCM fails, it may not send the signal to activate the relay. This is less common, but it can happen. On some models, disconnecting the battery for 10 to 15 minutes can reset the PCM and may resolve the issue .
TIPM failure (2011+ models). On newer Chargers, the TIPM is a known weak point. Chrysler faced a class-action lawsuit regarding TIPM failures on 2007-2013 vehicles. If you own a 2011 or later model and suspect the fuel pump relay, check your VIN with Chrysler customer assistance to see if your vehicle is covered under the settlement. You may qualify for a free or reduced-cost TIPM replacement .
How to Replace the Fuel Pump Relay
Replacing the fuel pump relay on a 2005-2010 Dodge Charger is a straightforward job that anyone can do in a few minutes. Here is what you need to do:
Buy the correct relay. You need a replacement relay that matches the factory specifications. You can buy one from a dealership, an auto parts store, or online. Just make sure it has the same pin configuration and amperage rating.
Pull the old relay out. With the ignition off and the key removed, simply pull the old relay straight out of its socket.
Insert the new relay. Push the new relay firmly into the same socket. Make sure it clicks into place and is fully seated.
Test it. Turn the key to the ON position and listen for the fuel pump priming sound. If you hear it, the fix was successful.
What to Do If the Relay Is Built into the TIPM
If you have a 2011 or newer Dodge Charger, or any Chrysler vehicle with a TIPM, you have two main repair options if the internal fuel pump relay fails:
Option 1: Replace the entire TIPM. This is the official dealer-recommended repair. It is expensive, typically costing between $400 and $1,200. The TIPM must also be programmed to your vehicle after installation, which usually requires a dealership visit .
Option 2: Install a TIPM bypass kit. This is a much more affordable DIY solution, costing between $60 and $200. The bypass kit routes the fuel pump circuit through a standard external relay, bypassing the failed internal relay inside the TIPM. Installation takes about 30 to 60 minutes and involves running new wiring. This is often the most economical fix on older vehicles where the TIPM replacement cost exceeds the vehicle’s value .
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Final Thoughts
Finding the fuel pump relay on your Dodge Charger is not difficult once you know where to look. For 2005 to 2010 models, it is in the trunk fuse box at relay position No. 46 or R9. For 2011 and newer models, it is inside the TIPM under the hood, which requires a more complex repair. Always start by checking the fuse and listening for the pump before you go replacing parts. If the relay is bad, it is a cheap and easy fix. If the pump itself is bad, consider a reliable replacement from KEMSO to keep your Charger running smoothly for years to come. For more information on high-quality fuel pumps, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/.