How to Replace the In-Tank Fuel Pump Module on a 2018 GMC Acadia
Step-by-step fuel tank drop guide with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and priming/leak-check steps
How to Replace the In-Tank Fuel Pump Module on a 2018 GMC Acadia
Step-by-step fuel tank drop guide with required tools, parts list, safety tips, and priming/leak-check steps


đź”§ Acadia - Fuel Pump Replacement
On your Acadia, the fuel pump is part of an in-tank fuel pump module. Replacing it usually requires lowering the fuel tank, then swapping the module and seal to fix no-start, low fuel pressure, or pump noise issues.
Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-6 hours
Quick questions (so I give the exact correct path): (1) Are you replacing the entire fuel pump module (recommended) or just the pump motor? (2) Do you have an access panel under the rear seat/cargo floor, or is the tank fully covered underneath?
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- 🔥 Fuel vapors ignite easily—work outdoors or in strong ventilation, no smoking, no heat guns, no drop lights.
- đź§Ż Keep a Class B fire extinguisher nearby.
- 🔋 Disconnect the negative battery cable before opening any fuel lines.
- â›˝ Relieve fuel pressure before disconnecting lines to prevent a high-pressure spray.
- 🧰 Support the tank securely—fuel slosh makes it unstable, especially if it’s more than 1/4 full.
đź”§ Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Safety glasses
- Nitrile gloves
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Wheel chocks
- Transmission jack (specialty)
- Metric socket set (8mm-21mm)
- 3/8" drive ratchet
- 1/2" drive breaker bar
- Torque wrench (20-200 ft-lbs)
- Flat trim tool
- Fuel line disconnect tool set (3/8" and 1/2")
- Brass punch
- Small hammer
- Fuel pump lock ring remover J-45722 or equivalent (specialty)
- Scan tool with GM fuel pressure data (specialty)
- Fuel-safe drain pan
- Shop towels
- Paint marker
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Fuel pump module assembly - Qty: 1
- Fuel pump module tank seal (O-ring/gasket) - Qty: 1
- Fuel pump module lock ring - Qty: 1
đź“‹ Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the front wheels.
- Run the fuel level down to about 1/8 tank if possible to make the tank lighter.
- Plan for two people if the tank is heavy.
- Have a clean area ready—dirt in the tank can damage the new module.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Relieve fuel system pressure
- Remove the fuel filler cap to release tank vapor pressure.
- Use a scan tool with GM fuel pressure data (specialty) to confirm pressure drops after shutdown (if available).
- If you don’t have a scan tool: pull the fuel pump power (fuse/relay per underhood fuse box label), then crank the engine for 5-10 seconds with a 3/8" drive ratchet ready for later steps. The goal is to use up pressure before opening lines.
- Tip: Keep towels around any fuel fitting.
Step 2: Disconnect the battery
- Use the appropriate metric socket to disconnect the negative battery cable and isolate it so it can’t spring back.
Step 3: Raise and support the Acadia
- Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the rear.
- Set the vehicle onto jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) at proper lift points.
- Keep the transmission jack (specialty) ready for the fuel tank.
Step 4: Remove components that block the fuel tank (as equipped)
- Inspect underneath for shields/braces around the tank.
- Use a metric socket set (8mm-21mm) and 3/8" drive ratchet to remove any underbody shields that prevent tank access.
- Mark locations with a paint marker so everything goes back exactly.
Step 5: Support the fuel tank
- Position the transmission jack (specialty) under the center of the tank with a stable pad.
Step 6: Disconnect EVAP and fuel lines at the tank
- Use safety glasses and place a fuel-safe drain pan underneath.
- Disconnect quick-connect lines using the fuel line disconnect tool set (3/8" and 1/2").
- Use shop towels to catch drips and keep dirt out of the lines.
- If a connector is stubborn, use a flat trim tool gently—do not pry hard on plastic nipples.
Step 7: Disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector
- Unplug the harness at the tank/module using a flat trim tool to help release the lock tab if needed.
Step 8: Lower the tank
- Remove the tank strap fasteners using a metric socket set (8mm-21mm) and 1/2" drive breaker bar as needed.
- Slowly lower the tank with the transmission jack (specialty), watching for any lines you missed.
- Tip: Lower a few inches, re-check, then continue.
Step 9: Clean the module area
- With the tank down enough to access the top, wipe and clean around the pump module so debris can’t fall into the tank.
- Use shop towels only—avoid compressed air that can blow dirt into the opening.
Step 10: Remove the fuel pump lock ring
- Mark the lock ring and module position with a paint marker.
- Use fuel pump lock ring remover J-45722 or equivalent (specialty) to turn the ring off.
- If you must tap it: use a brass punch and small hammer. A brass punch is softer than steel to reduce spark risk.
Step 11: Remove and replace the module
- Lift the module out slowly and angle it as needed to clear the float arm (fuel level arm).
- Remove the old seal and install the new fuel pump module tank seal (O-ring/gasket).
- Install the new fuel pump module assembly in the same orientation as your alignment marks.
Step 12: Reinstall lock ring, raise tank, and reconnect everything
- Install the new fuel pump module lock ring and tighten using fuel pump lock ring remover J-45722 or equivalent (specialty) until fully seated/locked at the stops.
- Raise the tank with the transmission jack (specialty).
- Reconnect the electrical connector and all fuel/EVAP lines until you hear/feel a positive “click.”
- Reinstall shields using the metric socket set (8mm-21mm) and tighten with a torque wrench (20-200 ft-lbs) to factory specification.
Step 13: Lower the vehicle
- Lower from the jack stands using the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
- If wheels were removed, tighten lug nuts with a torque wrench (20-200 ft-lbs): Torque to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs).
âś… After Repair
- Reconnect the battery using the correct metric socket.
- Prime the system: turn ignition ON for 5 seconds, OFF for 5 seconds, repeat 3-4 times before cranking.
- Start the engine and check carefully for leaks at every quick-connect fitting.
- If you have a scan tool with GM fuel pressure data (specialty), verify pressure is stable and check for codes.
- Clear any stored codes and road-test, then re-check for seepage.
đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $900-$1,600 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $250-$650 (parts only)
You Save: $650-$950 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.
🎯 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.

















