The fuel pump relay in a Dodge Neon requires 12 volts of DC power in order to operate properly. When the relay loses power it cannot actuate the fuel pump, rendering the engine inoperable. This relay is located underneath the hood inside the relay control center. The fuel pump relay has four prongs and plugs into a four prong receptacle. The power receptacle (orange wire) must be probed with a voltage test lamp in order to determine whether the relay is receiving power.
Shut down the engine and shift the Neon's transmission into first gear for standard transmission or park for automatic transmission. Open the hood and set the emergency brake.
Find the relay control center underneath the hood. It is a black plastic box on the right hand side of the engine compartment, just in front of the driver's side strut tower.
Remove the relay control center cover by pressing the locking tab on the front edge of the cover and pulling straight up. Locate the fuel pump relay within the relay control center using the diagram printed on top of the cover.
Remove the fuel pump relay from the relay control center. Look closely at the four fuel pump relay receptacle holes and locate the one with an orange wire attached to the underside of it.
Connect the grounding clip of an automotive test lamp to a good ground, such as bare steel bracket on the engine. Probe the receptacle hole with the orange wire attached to it. If the fuel pump is receiving power the test lamp will illuminate when it comes into contact with the receptacle hole.
