Where is the fuel pump located on a 2012 Chevy Traverse?
The fuel pump on a 2012 Chevy Traverse is located inside the fuel tank (in-tank); access is gained through a panel in the rear cargo area floor beneath the rear seat. This means you won’t find it under the hood or in the trunk compartment—service requires reaching the top of the tank from the rear interior.
Location of the fuel pump
This section clarifies the pump’s physical placement in the 2012 Traverse and what that means for access and maintenance.
- The pump is an electric, in-tank unit, not a separate under-hood component.
- It is mounted inside the fuel tank, toward the rear portion of the tank.
- Access for service is provided by a removable panel located in the rear floor/cargo area, usually under the rear seat or behind the rear seating area, not from the engine bay.
In summary, the 2012 Traverse uses an in-tank fuel pump with a rear-floor access point for servicing. This design keeps the electrical pump submerged in fuel to aid cooling and pressure stability, but it requires interior-access work to reach the unit.
Accessing and replacing the pump
When replacing or servicing the fuel pump, you must access the top of the fuel tank through the rear interior floor panel. The following steps outline the typical process, but always consult the factory service manual for exact instructions and torque specs.
- Relieve fuel system pressure: remove the fuel pump fuse/relay, then start the engine and let it run until it stalls to release pressure.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent any electrical shorts.
- Fold down or remove the rear seats and lift the carpet/floor panel in the cargo area to reveal the pump access cover.
- Remove the access panel bolts and lift off the cover to expose the fuel pump module.
- Disconnect the electrical connector and the fuel supply/return lines from the pump assembly. Cap or secure any open lines.
- Remove the pump retaining ring or bolts and carefully lift the pump/Sending unit assembly out of the tank.
- Install the new pump assembly with a new O-ring/gasket; ensure a proper seal and seating, then reattach the retaining ring/bolts.
- Reconnect the electrical connector and fuel lines, reinstall the access panel, and replace the carpet/floor panel and rear seat(s).
- Reconnect the battery, turn the ignition to run for a few seconds to pressurize the system, then start the engine and check for leaks.
Working on the fuel system can be hazardous. If you’re not comfortable performing these steps, have a qualified technician do the replacement to avoid fire risk or fuel leaks.
Safety and practical tips
Keep these considerations in mind when dealing with the Traverse’s fuel system:
- Work in a well-ventilated area away from sparks or flames.
- Relieve pressure before disconnecting lines to minimize fuel spray.
- Dispose of fuel and components according to local regulations.
- Label and reconnect all hoses and electrical connections exactly as they were.
Proper procedure helps avoid common pitfalls such as fuel leaks, incorrect seating of the pump, or electrical faults that could impair starting or performance.
Summary
The 2012 Chevy Traverse uses an in-tank fuel pump located inside the fuel tank toward the rear of the vehicle. Access is through a panel in the rear floor area, beneath the rear seat or cargo floor, requiring interior disassembly to reach the pump. Replacement involves relieving pressure, removing the access panel, detaching lines and electricals, replacing the pump, and reassembling, with attention to safety and proper resealing.
