🔧 Traverse - Fuel Pump Replacement

Replacing the fuel pump on your Traverse means lowering the fuel tank, removing the fuel pump module from the top of the tank, and installing a new module with a fresh seal. This repair restores proper fuel pressure when the pump is weak, noisy, or has failed.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 4-6 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🔥 Gasoline vapors are extremely flammable. Work outdoors or in a very well-ventilated area away from sparks, heaters, cigarettes, and open flames.
• 🧯 Keep a Class B/C fire extinguisher nearby before opening the fuel system.
• 🧤 Wear fuel-resistant gloves and safety glasses. Gasoline can irritate skin and eyes.
• 🔋 Disconnect the negative battery cable before opening fuel lines or connectors.
• ⛽ Relieve fuel system pressure before disconnecting any fuel line.
• 🚗 Support your Traverse securely with jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• ⚠️ The fuel tank is heavy and awkward, especially if it contains fuel. Use a transmission jack or a wide floor jack with wood support.
• 🧽 Clean dirt from the top of the tank before opening it. Dirt inside the tank can damage the new fuel pump.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 3/8-inch extension set
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Fuel line disconnect tool set (specialty)
• Fuel pump lock ring tool (specialty)
• Torque wrench, 10-100 Nm range
• Floor jack, rated 3-ton minimum
• Jack stands, rated 3-ton minimum
• Transmission jack (specialty)
• Wood block, 12-inch minimum
• Fuel-safe drain pan
• Shop towels
• Plastic trim tool
• Brass punch
• Dead-blow hammer
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Class B/C fire extinguisher

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Fuel pump module assembly - Qty: 1
• Fuel pump tank seal/O-ring - Qty: 1
• Fuel pump lock ring - Qty: 1
• Fuel line retaining clips - Qty: As needed
• Fuel-safe absorbent pads - Qty: 1 pack

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Traverse on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• ⛽ Run the fuel level as low as safely possible before starting. A nearly empty tank is much easier and safer to lower.
• ❄️ Let the vehicle cool completely before working near the fuel tank or exhaust area.
• 🔋 Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable. Move the cable away from the battery post.
• 🧰 A fuel line disconnect tool releases spring-lock fuel fittings. It slides into the connector to release the internal clip without breaking it.
• 🔧 A fuel pump lock ring tool turns the large retaining ring that holds the pump module in the tank.
• 🧯 Place a Class B/C fire extinguisher within reach before disconnecting fuel lines.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Relieve Fuel Pressure

• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable if you have not already done so.
• Open the hood and locate the fuel rail service area on the 3.6L V6.
• Place shop towels around the fuel rail service port area.
• Use a small flat-blade screwdriver to carefully press the service valve, if equipped, and catch any fuel with shop towels.
• If no service valve is present, leave the vehicle sitting with the battery disconnected for several minutes, then disconnect fuel lines slowly with shop towels wrapped around the fitting.
• Go slowly. Fuel may spray.

Step 2: Raise and Support the Vehicle

• Use a floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to lift the rear of your Traverse at approved rear lift points.
• Place jack stands rated 3-ton minimum under the approved rear support points.
• Gently lower the vehicle onto the jack stands using the floor jack.
• Shake the vehicle lightly by hand to confirm it is stable before getting underneath.

Step 3: Support the Fuel Tank

• Position a transmission jack under the fuel tank.
• Place a 12-inch minimum wood block between the jack and fuel tank to spread the load.
• Raise the transmission jack until it just supports the tank. Do not crush the tank.
• The tank can shift suddenly.

Step 4: Disconnect Filler Neck and Vent Connections

• Use a flat-blade screwdriver or 8mm socket, if clamp-equipped, to loosen the fuel filler hose clamp at the tank connection.
• Use a plastic trim tool to help separate the filler hose if it is stuck.
• Use your fingers or a flat-blade screwdriver to release the vapor/vent hose retainers.
• Mark hose positions with tape if needed so they go back in the same location.

Step 5: Disconnect Electrical Connectors and Fuel Lines

• Use a flat-blade screwdriver to gently unlock the electrical connector safety tabs at the fuel tank.
• Press each connector release tab by hand and unplug the connectors.
• Wrap shop towels around each fuel line fitting.
• Use the fuel line disconnect tool set to release the fuel line quick-connect fittings.
• Cap or cover open lines with clean shop towels to keep dirt out.
• Do not force plastic fittings.

Step 6: Remove Fuel Tank Straps

• Use a 15mm socket, 3/8-inch ratchet, and extension to remove the fuel tank strap bolts.
• Keep one hand on the tank or jack handle while loosening the final strap bolt.
• Lower the straps away from the tank.
• Support the tank fully with the transmission jack.

Step 7: Lower the Fuel Tank

• Slowly lower the transmission jack a few inches at a time.
• Watch for any remaining hoses, wiring, or clips still attached.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver to release any remaining retainers.
• Lower the tank enough to access the fuel pump module on top.
• If more room is needed, lower the tank completely and slide it out carefully.

Step 8: Clean Around the Fuel Pump Module

• Use shop towels to wipe dirt and debris from the top of the fuel tank.
• Use a soft brush if needed, but do not blow dirt into the pump opening.
• Make sure the area around the pump lock ring is clean before opening the tank.
• Cleanliness protects the new pump.

Step 9: Remove the Fuel Pump Lock Ring

• Use the fuel pump lock ring tool to rotate the lock ring counterclockwise.
• If the lock ring tool will not fit, use a brass punch and dead-blow hammer carefully on the ring tabs.
• Do not use a steel punch. Steel can spark near fuel vapors.
• Remove the lock ring and set it aside if replacing it.

Step 10: Remove the Old Fuel Pump Module

• Lift the fuel pump module straight up by hand.
• Tilt it slightly to clear the float arm. The float arm is the small level-sensor arm that tells the fuel gauge how much gas is in the tank.
• Let fuel drain from the module into the tank before removing it fully.
• Remove and discard the old tank seal/O-ring.

Step 11: Install the New Seal and Fuel Pump Module

• Wipe the tank sealing surface with a clean shop towel.
• Install the new fuel pump tank seal/O-ring by hand into the tank groove.
• Lower the new fuel pump module into the tank by hand.
• Guide the float arm carefully so it does not bend.
• Align the fuel pump module marks with the tank marks.

Step 12: Install the Lock Ring

• Install the new fuel pump lock ring by hand to start it evenly.
• Use the fuel pump lock ring tool to rotate the ring clockwise until fully seated against the stop tabs.
• If using a brass punch and dead-blow hammer, tap evenly around the ring until it is locked in place.
• Make sure the pump module sits flat and the seal is not pinched.

Step 13: Raise and Reinstall the Fuel Tank

• Use the transmission jack to raise the fuel tank slowly back into position.
• Reconnect any top-mounted electrical connectors by hand before the tank is fully raised, if access is limited.
• Route hoses and wiring exactly as they were before removal.
• Install the fuel tank straps by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 15mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the fuel tank strap bolts to Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 14: Reconnect Fuel Lines, Vent Lines, and Filler Hose

• Push each fuel line quick-connect fitting on by hand until it clicks.
• Gently tug each line by hand to confirm it is locked.
• Reconnect vapor/vent hoses by hand and secure their retainers.
• Slide the filler hose back onto the tank neck.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver or 8mm socket to tighten the filler hose clamp snugly.

Step 15: Reconnect Battery and Prime the Fuel System

• Use a 10mm socket to reconnect the negative battery cable.
• Turn the ignition to ON without starting the engine for 5 seconds.
• Turn the ignition OFF for 10 seconds.
• Repeat this ON/OFF cycle 3 times to prime the new fuel pump.
• Start the engine and let it idle.

Step 16: Check for Leaks and Lower the Vehicle

• With the engine idling, use a flashlight to inspect all fuel line connections, filler hose connections, and the tank area.
• Do not use an open flame to check for leaks.
• If any fuel leak is found, shut the engine off immediately and repair the connection before driving.
• Use the floor jack to lift the rear slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands and lower your Traverse to the ground with the floor jack.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start the engine and confirm it starts normally without long cranking.
• 👃 Check for fuel odor around the rear of the vehicle and underneath the tank.
• ⛽ Add fuel and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
• 🚗 Road test gently for 10-15 minutes, then recheck underneath for leaks.
• 🔍 If the check engine light was on, a scan tool may be needed to clear stored fuel-pressure or fuel-level codes.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$1,500 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $650-$850 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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