🔧 Fuel Pump - Replacement

The fuel pump on your Equinox is the in-tank fuel pump module, so replacement usually means relieving fuel pressure, lowering the fuel tank, and swapping the module assembly. This is a fuel-system repair with fire risk, so work slowly and keep sparks, cigarettes, and hot lights away.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Fuel is highly flammable. Work outside or in a very well-ventilated area.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before opening the fuel system.
• Relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting any fuel line.
• Keep a class B fire extinguisher nearby.
• Do not use incandescent work lights near fuel vapors.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Wear safety glasses and fuel-resistant gloves.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Fuel-safe gloves
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• Long extension
• Torque wrench
• Fuel line disconnect tool
• Flat-blade trim tool
• Brake cleaner
• Drain pan
• Shop towels
• Marker or paint pen

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Fuel pump module assembly - Qty: 1
• Fuel pump lock ring - Qty: 1
• Fuel pump seal / O-ring - Qty: 1
• Fuel line O-rings - Qty: 1 set
• Evaporative vent hose seal - Qty: 1
• Fuel - Qty: Refill tank as needed

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Run the fuel level low if possible. A lighter tank is much easier to lower.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm socket.
• Remove the fuel filler cap to help reduce pressure in the tank.
• Relieve fuel system pressure at the service point if equipped, or wait several minutes after key-off before disconnecting lines.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect power and prepare the vehicle

• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Block the front wheels with wheel chocks.
• Raise the rear of the vehicle with a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) and support it with jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Work with the tank as empty as possible.

Step 2: Remove shielding and access components

• Use a 13mm socket and 15mm socket to remove any fuel tank shield or underbody braces in the way.
• Keep the hardware in order so it goes back in the same spots.

Step 3: Disconnect fuel and vapor lines

• Use a fuel line disconnect tool to separate the fuel line from the module.
• Use a flat-blade trim tool if any retaining clips need gentle release.
• Disconnect the EVAP vent hose and any electrical connector to the fuel pump module.
• Cap or wrap open lines with shop towels to keep dirt out.

Step 4: Support and lower the fuel tank

• Place a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) with a wide support under the tank.
• Use a 15mm socket to remove the fuel tank strap bolts.
• Lower the tank slowly and check for any line or wire still attached.
• Disconnect anything still connected before lowering the tank fully.

Step 5: Remove the fuel pump module

• Clean the top of the tank with brake cleaner and shop towels so no dirt falls inside.
• Use a marker or paint pen to mark the module orientation.
• Use a fuel pump lock ring tool or a brass drift and hammer if needed to remove the lock ring.
• Lift the fuel pump module out carefully and angle the float arm through the opening.

Step 6: Install the new module

• Install the new fuel pump seal / O-ring on the tank opening.
• Lower the new fuel pump module assembly into the tank in the same orientation as the old one.
• Install the lock ring and tighten it to the manufacturer specification. If your service information is unavailable, do not overtighten; the ring must seat fully and evenly.
• Reconnect the electrical connector and EVAP vent hose.

Step 7: Raise the tank and reconnect everything

• Raise the tank with the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) until it is seated correctly.
• Use a 15mm socket to reinstall the tank strap bolts and tighten them evenly.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) for tank strap bolts unless your service data lists a different spec.
• Reconnect the fuel line with the fuel line disconnect tool if needed and make sure it clicks into place.
• Reinstall any shield or brace with the 13mm socket and 15mm socket.

Step 8: Restore power and prime the system

• Reconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm socket.
• Turn the key to ON for 5 seconds, then OFF. Repeat this 3 times to prime the system.
• Check all fuel line connections and the top of the tank for leaks.

Step 9: Start and verify

• Start the engine and let it idle.
• Inspect again for leaks, fuel smell, or warning lights.
• Clear any fuel system codes with a scan tool if needed.

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✅ After Repair

• Check for fuel leaks with the engine running and after shutdown.
• Make sure the fuel gauge reads correctly.
• Road test the vehicle and verify normal acceleration.
• If a check engine light returns, scan for fuel pressure or EVAP codes.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $250-$700 (parts only)

You Save: $650-$900 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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