2006 Chrysler 300 Fuel Pump Relay Location: Exactly Where to Find It (PDC/Relay Box)

The fuel pump relay for your 2006 Chrysler 300 is located in the engine compartment's primary Power Distribution Center (PDC), also called the fuse-relay box. Specifically, look for the relay socket labeled M22. Finding this relay quickly is crucial when diagnosing fuel delivery issues, such as when the engine cranks but won't start.

Understanding the Power Distribution Center (PDC)

  • What it is: The PDC is the main hub for fuses and relays that control critical electrical functions throughout your 2006 Chrysler 300. It houses the fuel pump relay.
  • Location: It's situated in the engine compartment. To locate it precisely:
    1. Stand at the front of your car, facing the engine.
    2. Look at the large black plastic box attached to the driver's side inner fender wall (the vertical panel just behind the front wheel).
    3. It is mounted roughly vertically, positioned next to or slightly towards the rear of the battery (which sits close to the front bumper on the driver's side) and very near the vehicle's brake master cylinder and brake fluid reservoir.
  • Identification: This is a large black box, usually square or rectangular, with either multiple colored plastic latches securing its lid or a single large locking tab mechanism. The lid is always easily removable. You don't need tools initially to open it – unlatch the clips or press the locking tab.

Precise Location of the M22 Fuel Pump Relay Inside the PDC

  1. Open the PDC Lid: Ensure the engine is off. Release the securing clips or lock and carefully lift off the PDC lid. Set it aside safely.
  2. Look Inside: You'll see an array of different-colored fuses and typically cube-shaped relays plugged into sockets. The relay sockets are often black plastic bases.
  3. Find the Labeling: Crucial to identification is the diagram printed inside the PDC lid and/or on the inside surface of the PDC itself surrounding the components. Never guess relay positions.
  4. Locate "M22": Search the labels on the lid diagram or around the sockets for the designation **M22**. This is the socket meant for the fuel pump relay.
    • Typical Layout: While the exact arrangement of surrounding relays may vary slightly, M22 is consistently located within the main relay section of the PDC. A common observation places it in the third row of relays from the front of the car, and often the third relay from the left in that row when facing the PDC in the engine bay (though always verify using the M22 label!).
  5. Identify the Relay: Once you find the M22 socket, look for the relay plugged into it. The fuel pump relay itself is typically a standard automotive cube relay, often colored black, gray, or silver. Its size is approximately 1 inch (25mm) square. Unlike smaller micro-relays used for some functions, it's a standard ISO or "mini-ISO" type.
  6. Confirm: Cross-reference the location in the socket with the M22 label on the lid/box diagram. This is the critical step.

Physical Characteristics of the Fuel Pump Relay (If Removed)

  • Shape: Cube-shaped (roughly 1" x 1" x 0.75").
  • Terminals: Four metal terminals or blades on the bottom.
  • Labeling: While the relay itself might have a tiny number printed on it (like "522" or similar Chrysler codes), relying on the socket label M22 is far more reliable.
  • Colors: Commonly black plastic housing is common, but color is less important than its socket label and physical form factor matching surrounding standard relays.

Importance of Accurate Identification
Relying solely on physical position descriptions without using the M22 label carries risk. Different trim levels (Base, Touring, SRT-8) or production dates might have slight variations in fuse/relay layout within the PDC or wiring revisions. The **M22** label is the universal constant for identifying the correct socket housing the fuel pump relay in the 2006 Chrysler 300 PDC. Guessing can lead to testing or disturbing the wrong circuit (like the starter relay nearby), causing confusion or unintended issues.

Why Knowing the Fuel Pump Relay Location Matters
The fuel pump relay is a critical control switch for your fuel system:

  1. Engine Cranks But Won't Start: A frequent symptom of a failed fuel pump relay is an engine that cranks normally (you hear the starter turning it over) but refuses to fire up. This is because the fuel pump isn't being activated to send fuel to the engine.
  2. No Fuel Pump Prime Sound: When you turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (before cranking), you should hear a faint whirring sound from the rear of the car (where the fuel tank/pump is) for about 2-3 seconds. If you hear no prime sound, a suspect relay is a primary candidate.
  3. Diagnosis First Step: If you suspect a fuel delivery problem leading to a no-start condition, the fuel pump relay is one of the easiest and cheapest components to check or swap for diagnosis before condemning the fuel pump itself, which is a much larger and more expensive job requiring fuel tank access.

Safety and Tips for Accessing/Checking the Relay

  1. Engine Off: Always ensure the ignition is fully OFF and the key is removed.
  2. Disconnect Battery (Recommended): For maximum safety, especially when removing relays or testing circuits, disconnect the negative (-) terminal of your car's battery first. Securely tuck the disconnected cable away from the battery post.
  3. Use the Diagram: Always consult the diagram on the PDC lid or inside the box when identifying M22. Don't rely purely on memory or descriptions of layout.
  4. Removing the Relay: To pull out the relay for inspection or swapping, grasp it firmly and pull straight upwards. Avoid excessive wiggling or twisting that could damage the socket pins.
  5. Swapping for Testing: The easiest way to test a suspect fuel pump relay is to swap it with an identical, known-good relay from another socket in the PDC. The horn relay or A/C clutch relay (check your lid diagram for an identical relay – often M21 or M23) are frequently the same type. Swap them, re-connect the battery (if disconnected), turn the key to "ON," and listen for the fuel pump prime sound. If the sound returns after the swap, your original M22 relay is likely faulty. If swapping makes the horn or A/C stop working instead, it confirms the other relay is good and your original M22 is bad.
  6. Visual Inspection: Check a removed relay for obvious signs of burning, melting, or corrosion on the terminals.
  7. Replacement: If faulty, replace it with a relay matching the Chrysler part number or equivalent standard automotive relay (e.g., industry standard numbers like T92, HC4DG, VF4-4Z2D, etc.). Confirm compatibility with your auto parts supplier.

Common Questions & Clarifications

  • "Is it in the trunk or cabin fuse box?" No. The fuel pump relay is located only in the under-hood Power Distribution Center (PDC) near the battery and brake reservoir in the 2006 Chrysler 300. The interior fuse panel (usually located near the driver's side kick panel) and trunk fuse box do not contain this relay.
  • "My PDC lid is missing, how do I find M22?" Look for labeling printed directly on the plastic inside the PDC, usually molded near the sockets or on a raised surface. If completely missing, careful visual identification of socket positions becomes necessary, though less reliable. Searching a PDC diagram image online specifically for the 2006 Chrysler 300 can be very helpful. Look for the third row back and third from the left in the main relay bank as a starting point, then verify by comparing to other labeled sockets if visible.
  • "Is it the same for other years?" Locations often change! While many 2005-2010 LX-platform cars (Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Magnum) share similarities, always verify the M22 socket location for your specific 2006 Chrysler 300. Do not assume it's identical to a 2007 or a Charger. Consult your owner's manual if available.

Conclusion
For immediate diagnosis of fuel-related no-start issues in your 2006 Chrysler 300, the fuel pump relay is a vital check point. Remember: it resides under the hood in the Power Distribution Center (PDC), specifically in the socket marked M22. Opening the PDC lid and finding this precise label is the guaranteed method. Understanding its location, appearance, function, and basic testing procedure empowers you to address a common failure point efficiently, potentially saving significant time and money versus replacing the fuel pump prematurely. Always prioritize safety by disconnecting the battery and consulting the PDC diagram to avoid error.

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