🔧 Fuel Pump - Replacement

The fuel pump on your Equinox is inside the fuel tank, so the repair involves relieving fuel pressure, lowering the tank, and replacing the pump module. Because this is a fuel system repair, safety is critical and all sparks, flames, and hot work must be kept away from the area.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work in a well-ventilated area away from open flames, heaters, and smoking.
• Relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel lines.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting.
• Keep a class B fire extinguisher nearby.
• Fuel will spill when the lines are disconnected; wear fuel-resistant gloves and safety glasses.
• Use only a jack and jack stands rated for your vehicle; never rely on the jack alone.
• No sparks, no phone charging, no drop lights with bulbs.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• Short extension
• Fuel line disconnect tool set
• Fuel pump lock ring tool (specialty)
• Torque wrench
• Flathead screwdriver
• Pliers
• Drain pan approved for fuel
• Shop towels
• Safety glasses
• Fuel-resistant gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Fuel pump module assembly - Qty: 1
• Fuel tank seal / O-ring - Qty: 1
• Fuel line retainer clips - Qty: 1 set
• Fuel filter sock - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Run the tank as low on fuel as safely possible to reduce weight and spill risk.
• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Relieve fuel system pressure at the fuel rail service procedure if equipped, then crank briefly if needed to bleed pressure.
• Have a fuel-safe drain pan ready before lowering the tank.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Prepare the vehicle and relieve pressure

• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Relieve fuel pressure using the vehicle’s fuel system bleed procedure, then place shop towels around the fuel line connections.
• If equipped with a fuel pump relay/fuse service procedure, remove it and crank briefly until the engine stalls.

Step 2: Raise and support the rear of the vehicle

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to raise the rear of the vehicle.
• Support it securely with jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Chock the front wheels with wheel chocks.

Step 3: Remove any parts blocking tank removal

• Use a 13mm socket and 15mm socket to remove the fuel tank shield or any underbody braces if equipped.
• Lower and remove the spare tire or shield components if they interfere with access.

Step 4: Support the fuel tank

• Place a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) with a wide wood block under the fuel tank.
• Raise the jack just enough to hold the tank firmly without crushing it.

Step 5: Disconnect lines and wiring

• Use a fuel line disconnect tool set to separate the supply and return lines, if equipped.
• Disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector.
• Disconnect any EVAP hose connections attached to the tank.
• Cap open fuel lines right away.

Step 6: Lower the fuel tank

• Use the 13mm socket and 15mm socket to remove the fuel tank strap bolts.
• Lower the tank slowly with the jack while watching for any missed hoses or wires.
• Remove the tank from under the vehicle.

Step 7: Remove the fuel pump module

• Clean the top of the tank thoroughly before opening it.
• Use a fuel pump lock ring tool (specialty) to turn the lock ring counterclockwise.
• Lift the fuel pump module straight out of the tank carefully to avoid bending the float arm.
• Remove the old seal/O-ring from the tank opening.

Step 8: Install the new fuel pump module

• Install the new fuel tank seal / O-ring in the tank opening.
• Lower the new fuel pump module into the tank in the same orientation as the old one.
• Use the fuel pump lock ring tool (specialty) to lock the ring into place.
• Torque to 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs) if the service procedure specifies torque for the lock ring or retaining ring fastener.

Step 9: Reinstall the fuel tank

• Raise the tank back into position with the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Reconnect the fuel lines, EVAP hoses, and electrical connector.
• Install the tank straps with the 13mm socket and 15mm socket.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) unless the service information for your Equinox specifies a different value.

Step 10: Reassemble and prime the system

• Reinstall any shields or braces removed earlier.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable with the 10mm socket.
• Cycle the ignition key to ON for 2-3 seconds, then OFF, three to five times to prime the fuel system.
• Listen for pump operation before starting.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle.
• Inspect the tank area, fuel lines, and top of tank for leaks.
• Check for fuel odor after the engine runs.
• Clear any fuel system codes if present and verify the fuel gauge reads correctly.
• Road test the vehicle and confirm normal starting and drivability.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,600 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$550 (parts only)

You Save: $650-$1,050 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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