🔧 Traverse - Fuel Pump Replacement

On your Traverse, the fuel pump is an in-tank module (it sits inside the fuel tank). Replacing it usually means lowering the fuel tank, unless your body has a service access cover under the rear floor (some builds do, many don’t).

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-6 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🧯 Work outside or in a very well-ventilated area; fuel vapors ignite easily.
• 🔥 No smoking, no sparks, no hot work lights; use an LED work light.
• 🔌 Disconnect the negative battery cable before opening any fuel lines.
• ⛽ Relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting fuel lines.
• 🛞 Support the vehicle with jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• 🧱 Support the fuel tank with a transmission jack (or equivalent) before removing straps.
• 🧤 Wear safety glasses and fuel-resistant gloves.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Fuel-resistant nitrile gloves
• LED work light
• Fire extinguisher Class B
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Transmission jack (specialty)
• Socket set (metric) 8mm-21mm
• Ratchet (3/8" drive)
• Breaker bar (1/2" drive)
• Torque wrench (10-200 Nm range)
• Flat trim tool
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Pliers
• Fuel line quick-disconnect tool set (specialty)
• Brass punch and mallet
• Shop towels
• Drain pan
• Marker 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 module seal O-ring - Qty: 1
• Fuel tank lock ring - Qty: 1
• Evaporative emissions line retaining clips - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Drive until the tank is as low as possible; a full tank is heavy and harder to control.
• Open the fuel door and loosen the gas cap to reduce tank vapor pressure.
• Plan your path first: this job is either through an access cover (if equipped) or by lowering the fuel tank.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm which method your Traverse uses

• Use a flat trim tool to lift the rear cargo floor panels and look for a round/oval metal access cover held by screws.
• If you see an access cover: follow Steps 2A–8A.
• If you do not: you’ll lower the tank; follow Steps 2B–12B.

Step 2A: Disconnect the battery (access-cover method)

• Use a socket set (metric) 8mm-21mm and ratchet (3/8" drive) to disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Torque to OE specification when re-tightening the battery terminal.

Step 3A: Relieve fuel pressure (access-cover method)

• Pull the fuel pump fuse/relay (location varies by fuse block; check the underhood fuse panel cover diagram).
• Start the engine and let it run until it stalls, then crank for 3 seconds more.
• Turn the key off and reinstall the fuse/relay after pressure is relieved.
• Keep a towel under any line fitting.

Step 4A: Remove the access cover

• Use a flat trim tool to remove any clips, then use a socket set (metric) 8mm-21mm and ratchet (3/8" drive) to remove the cover fasteners.
• Lift the cover and set it aside.

Step 5A: Disconnect electrical and fuel lines at the module

• Unplug the pump electrical connector by hand; use a flat-blade screwdriver only if needed to gently release the lock tab.
• Place shop towels around the fuel line fitting.
• Use a fuel line quick-disconnect tool set (specialty) to disconnect the fuel line(s).
• Quick-disconnect tool slides into the fitting to release the internal lock.

Step 6A: Remove the lock ring and lift out the fuel pump module

• Mark the module orientation with a marker pen.
• Use a brass punch and mallet to rotate the lock ring counterclockwise until it releases.
• Lift the module out carefully (the fuel level float arm can snag).
• Use a drain pan to catch any fuel.

Step 7A: Install the new seal and new fuel pump module

• Remove the old seal and install the new fuel pump module seal O-ring in the tank groove.
• Lower the new module in using the same orientation marks.
• Install the new fuel tank lock ring and use the brass punch and mallet to lock it fully.
• Torque to OE specification if your lock ring uses fasteners (most are ring-lock style).

Step 8A: Reconnect, close up, and prime the system

• Reconnect fuel line(s) until you feel/hear a click; tug lightly to confirm it’s locked.
• Reconnect the electrical connector.
• Reinstall the access cover using a socket set (metric) 8mm-21mm and ratchet (3/8" drive).
• Reconnect the battery using a socket set (metric) 8mm-21mm and ratchet (3/8" drive).
• Prime: key ON for 5 seconds, key OFF for 10 seconds; repeat 3 times.

Step 2B: Disconnect the battery (tank-lowering method)

• Use a socket set (metric) 8mm-21mm and ratchet (3/8" drive) to disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Torque to OE specification when re-tightening the battery terminal.

Step 3B: Relieve fuel pressure (tank-lowering method)

• Pull the fuel pump fuse/relay (use the diagram on the fuse box cover).
• Start the engine and let it run until it stalls, then crank for 3 seconds more.
• Turn key off and reinstall the fuse/relay after pressure is relieved.

Step 4B: Raise and support the vehicle

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift at the proper lift point.
• Set the vehicle on jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) and keep the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) as a secondary support.

Step 5B: Support the fuel tank

• Position a transmission jack (specialty) under the fuel tank with a stable pad.
• Use a marker pen to mark strap locations if helpful.

Step 6B: Disconnect EVAP and fuel lines

• Place shop towels and a drain pan under the connections.
• Use pliers for hose clamps (if equipped).
• Use a fuel line quick-disconnect tool set (specialty) to separate quick-connect fuel lines.
• Disconnect EVAP vapor lines carefully; replace any broken retainers with evaporative emissions line retaining clips.

Step 7B: Disconnect the electrical connector(s)

• Unplug the tank/pump harness connector by hand; use a flat-blade screwdriver gently only if needed.

Step 8B: Lower the fuel tank

• Use a socket set (metric) 8mm-21mm with a ratchet (3/8" drive) and/or breaker bar (1/2" drive) to remove tank strap bolts.
• Slowly lower the tank with the transmission jack (specialty), watching for any line still attached.
• Torque to OE specification when reinstalling tank strap bolts.

Step 9B: Clean the top of the tank and remove the lock ring

• Wipe dirt away using shop towels so debris doesn’t fall into the tank.
• Mark the module orientation with a marker pen.
• Use a brass punch and mallet to rotate the lock ring counterclockwise to remove it.

Step 10B: Replace the module seal and install the new fuel pump module

• Remove the old seal and install the new fuel pump module seal O-ring.
• Lower the new module into the tank, carefully guiding the float arm.
• Install the new fuel tank lock ring and lock it fully with the brass punch and mallet.

Step 11B: Raise the tank and reconnect everything

• Raise the tank with the transmission jack (specialty).
• Reconnect electrical connector(s) by hand.
• Reconnect fuel and EVAP lines; use the fuel line quick-disconnect tool set (specialty) as needed.
• Reinstall tank straps using a socket set (metric) 8mm-21mm and ratchet (3/8" drive).
• Torque to OE specification for strap bolts and shields.

Step 12B: Lower the vehicle and prime the fuel system

• Lower the vehicle using a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) and remove jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a socket set (metric) 8mm-21mm and ratchet (3/8" drive).
• Prime: key ON for 5 seconds, key OFF for 10 seconds; repeat 3 times.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the key ON and check under the vehicle for any seepage before starting.
• Start the engine and let it idle for 2 minutes while you check for fuel smell or drips.
• If the check engine light comes on, scan for codes (EVAP line issues are common if a clip didn’t fully seat).
• Recheck for leaks again after a short test drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,800 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$650 (parts only)

You Save: $650-$1,150 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-6 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.

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Quick check (answer one): Does your Traverse have a service access cover for the pump under the rear cargo floor/seat area, or will you be lowering the tank?