In a 2014 Jeep Patriot, the starter relay is located in the engine bay power distribution center (the large under-hood fuse/relay box) on the driver's side near the battery; the lid diagram marks the relay as START or S.
Beyond this quick locator, the following overview explains how to identify the exact relay, what to check if the car won't start, and how to safely verify the component before replacing it.
Engine-bay location and identifying the relay
The starter relay is typically housed inside the engine bay Power Distribution Center (PDC), a black plastic box near the battery on the driver’s side. The PDC lid usually has a diagram showing relays and fuses, with the starter relay labeled as START, STARTER, or S. If the lid’s print is hard to read, consult the owner’s manual or a service diagram for your engine variant to confirm the exact relay position.
What to look for
Relays in the PDC are rectangular blocks, commonly 4- or 5-pin devices. The starter relay will be located among the high-current relays and should be labeled clearly on the lid diagram or the relay housing itself.
Alternative locations and notes
In some Patriot configurations, there may be a secondary fuse/relay block under the hood or a separate relay near the starter itself. If you cannot locate the START relay in the main PDC, inspect other under-hood fuse boxes and refer to the VIN-specific service manual for your engine code to determine the exact layout.
Steps to locate and verify the starter relay
Use these steps to locate the starter relay inside the engine bay and confirm you have the correct component before testing or replacement.
- Open the hood and locate the engine bay Power Distribution Center near the battery (typically on the driver’s side).
- Remove the PDC cover and check the diagram on the underside or inside the lid for a relay labeled START, STARTER, or S.
- Identify the corresponding relay slot and gently pull the relay out to inspect for corrosion or damage.
- If you need to test, swap the starter relay with a same-spec relay from another circuit with identical coil and contact ratings and attempt a start to see if the issue follows the relay.
- If the vehicle still won’t start after swapping, the fault may lie in the ignition switch, wiring, starter motor, or ECU; seek professional diagnostics.
With the diagram as reference, you can confidently locate the START relay inside the PDC. If you cannot locate it or the no-start condition persists, consult the service manual or a qualified technician for VIN-specific guidance.
Testing and safety tips
Perform basic safety steps when handling relays and electrical components. Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before removing or swapping relays, and handle components carefully to avoid short circuits or injury.
Summary
For a 2014 Jeep Patriot, the starter relay is typically housed in the engine bay Power Distribution Center (the under-hood fuse/relay box) on the driver’s side near the battery. Check the lid diagram for a START or STARTER label. If not found there, inspect alternate fuse blocks under the hood and refer to the service manual for your engine variant. Swapping with a known-good relay can help verify a faulty unit, but persistent no-start issues should be diagnosed by a professional.