🚨 Diagnostic Profile
Vehicle Make: Dodge
Description: Fuel Pump Relay Control Circuit Open Or Shorted. The powertrain control module has detected a fault in the fuel pump relay control circuit, meaning the relay may not be receiving or responding to its control signal correctly. This can cause a no-start, stall, or loss-of-power condition.
DTC Reference: P0692 / P0693 (Fuel Pump Relay Control Circuit Low/High) — cross-reference with P0230/P0231 (Fuel Pump Relay Circuit) depending on PCM software calendar year.
🚨 Repair Difficulty Tier
Tier: Intermediate
Diagnosis requires scan tool access, live data review, and electrical circuit testing with a digital multimeter. A relay replacement is simple, but harness faults may require careful inspection and repair.
🛠️ Resolution Steps
Step 1: Preliminary Inspection
- Verify battery voltage is at least 12.4V at rest and confirm charging system output (typically 13.8-14.7V at idle) before testing, since low voltage can mimic relay control faults.
- Inspect the fuel pump relay, commonly housed in the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) under the hood or in the engine compartment power distribution center depending on platform — confirm exact location using the fuse box lid diagram or service information for the specific model year.
- Check the fuel pump fuse and related circuit fuses inside the TIPM/power distribution center, cross-referencing the amperage rating printed on the fuse box lid legend rather than assuming a universal value, as ratings vary by engine and trim.
- Visually inspect the wiring harness near the relay, frame rail runs, and the fuel tank sending unit connector for chafing, melted insulation, corrosion, or moisture intrusion, which are common failure points on Dodge trucks and minivans exposed to road salt.
- Record freeze frame data and all pending and confirmed codes before clearing anything, noting whether the fault is intermittent or continuous, as this affects whether a relay, PCM driver, or harness is suspected.
Step 2: Diagnostic Verification
- Command the fuel pump relay on and off with a bidirectional scan tool if supported (many Dodge/Chrysler platforms support this through the ASD/Fuel Pump Relay actuator test in the PCM module menu), and listen for an audible relay click and pump prime.
- With the relay removed, measure control circuit voltage at the relay socket control pin using a digital multimeter: key-on, the PCM should pull the circuit toward ground (near 0V) when commanded on, and show reference voltage (typically 5V or system voltage depending on relay driver design) when commanded off — compare both states against a known-good ground.
- Check the control circuit for an open or a short to ground or voltage using a DMM with the circuit unpowered and disconnected from the PCM connector; continuity should be present end-to-end with no continuity to chassis ground or battery voltage.
- Verify relay coil resistance against the manufacturer specification listed in the service information for that specific relay part number, since values vary between the standard ISO mini-relay and TIPM-integrated relay designs; a reading of infinite resistance or a significant deviation from spec indicates a failed coil.
- Check fuel pump power and ground at the pump electrical connector during a key-on cycle, confirming full battery voltage on the power side and less than 0.2V drop on the ground side, to rule out a pump or wiring fault separate from the relay control circuit.
Step 3: Resolution & Reset Process
- Replace the relay only if it is verified faulty through resistance or control circuit testing; if the relay is integrated into the TIPM, replacement may require TIPM module replacement or relay socket repair rather than a standalone relay swap.
- Repair any damaged wiring using OEM-style splice connectors, heat-shrink butt connectors, and proper loom/tape to restore the harness to factory environmental sealing standards — avoid simple twist-and-tape repairs near the fuel tank area.
- Clear DTCs with the scan tool after repairs are complete and perform the PCM’s internal monitor reset if supported.
- Perform a key-on, engine-off cycle and confirm the fuel pump primes audibly for approximately 2 seconds, then attempt a normal start.
- Road test the vehicle through several drive cycles, including idle, acceleration, and highway speeds, and recheck for pending or returning codes using the scan tool’s readiness monitor status.
📦 Parts, Labor, and Budget Estimates
Required Components/Software:
- Fuel pump relay (OEM Mopar relay or TIPM assembly depending on platform — verify exact part number using the vehicle’s VIN through a dealer parts lookup or service information system)
- Wiring repair kit (marine-grade heat shrink connectors, loom tape, and fuel-rated wire if repair is near the tank), if harness damage is found
- Bidirectional scan tool with Chrysler/Dodge-specific bidirectional actuator test capability (e.g., factory wiTECH access or an aftermarket tool with OEM-level bidirectional support) and current manufacturer service information subscription
Average Component Price:
- Fuel pump relay (standalone): approximately $15–$45
- TIPM assembly (if integrated relay driver has failed and requires module replacement): approximately $350–$650 for the part alone, often requiring dealer programming
- Wiring repair materials: approximately $20–$60 for connectors, loom, and heat-shrink supplies
- Dealer programming/module initialization labor (TIPM replacement only): approximately $100–$200 additional, often billed separately from diagnostic labor
Estimated Labor Hours:
Diagnostic time (scan tool retrieval, live data review, and circuit testing): approximately 0.5–1.0 hour. Relay-only replacement: approximately 0.2–0.3 hour (minimal labor, often under the diagnostic hour). Wiring harness repair: approximately 1.0–2.5 hours depending on accessibility and damage extent. TIPM replacement and programming (if required): approximately 1.5–3.0 hours including module configuration. Total shop estimate for a straightforward relay-only fix typically ranges from 0.7–1.3 hours; a harness repair or TIPM replacement scenario can extend total shop time to 2.5–4.5 hours.