2009 Chevy Traverse Fuel Pump Fuse Location: A Practical Guide for Owners
The bottom line up front: On a 2009 Chevy Traverse, the fuel pump is not protected by a single dedicated fuse. Instead, the fuel pump circuit relies on the Engine Control Module (ECM) fuse (15A, labeled F23) and the Fuel System Control Module fuse (25A, labeled F34) in the underhood fuse box, plus a fuel pump relay that is part of the underhood fuse block. The underhood fuse box is located on the driver's side of the engine compartment, near the battery.
If your Traverse cranks but won't start, or if you hear no hum from the fuel pump when you turn the key to the ON position, the problem is often a blown fuse, a faulty relay, or the fuel pump itself. This guide walks you through locating the correct fuse, testing the relay, and confirming whether the pump is receiving power.
Where Is the Fuse Box on a 2009 Chevy Traverse?
The 2009 Chevrolet Traverse has two main fuse boxes:
1. Underhood Fuse Box (Engine Compartment Fuse Block)
- Location: Open the hood. Look on the driver's side, near the battery. It is a black rectangular box mounted against the inner fender.
- This box contains fuses and relays for engine management, the fuel system, cooling fans, the starter, the ABS system, and exterior lighting.
2. Interior Fuse Box (Instrument Panel Fuse Block)
- Location: Under the instrument panel on the passenger side, behind a cover.
- This box handles interior functions: airbags, radio, door locks, power windows, the body control module (BCM), and the HVAC system.
The fuel pump fuse and relay are in the underhood fuse box, not the interior box.
Which Fuse Controls the Fuel Pump on a 2009 Chevy Traverse?
The 2009 Traverse (first generation, GMT561) does not have a fuse labeled "FUEL PUMP." Instead, the fuel pump circuit is protected by two related fuses, both in the underhood fuse box:
- F23 – ECM (Engine Control Module), 15A – This fuse powers the engine control module, which commands the fuel pump relay.
- F34 – FSCM (Fuel System Control Module), 25A – This fuse feeds the fuel pump flow control module, which directly drives the fuel pump.
In addition to these fuses, the fuel pump circuit depends on the fuel pump relay. In the underhood fuse block, the relay labeled CRNK (crank) or PWR/TRN (powertrain) is involved in the fuel pump control circuit. When you turn the key to ON, the ECM energizes this relay for two seconds to prime the fuel system. If the relay fails, the pump won't run even with good fuses.
Fuse Location and Amperage Table (Underhood)
| Fuse Label | Amp Rating | Circuit Protected |
|---|---|---|
| F23 – ECM | 15A | Engine Control Module |
| F34 – FSCM | 25A | Fuel System Control Module |
| F51 – AIRBAG | 10A | Airbag System (not fuel related) |
| F53 – PCM IGN | 10A | Powertrain Control Module Ignition |
How to Access the Underhood Fuse Box
1. Open the hood and secure it with the prop rod.
2. Locate the fuse box on the driver's side, next to the battery.
3. Release the latches on the cover. You may need a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to gently pry them open.
4. Lift the cover and set it aside. Look for the diagram on the underside of the cover – it shows fuse positions and amperages.
5. Use the fuse puller (stored inside the fuse box or in the interior fuse box) to remove fuses.
Tip: The 2009 Traverse uses mini blade fuses and JCase cartridge fuses. The fuel pump related fuses (F23, F34) are mini blade type.
How to Check if the Fuel Pump Fuse Is Blown
1. Turn the ignition to OFF and remove the key.
2. Pull the fuse (F23 or F34) using the fuse puller.
3. Hold it up to light – a blown fuse will have a visible break in the metal wire inside, or the glass will look smoky.
4. Use a multimeter set to continuity or ohms. Touch the probes to the two metal prongs on the fuse. If the meter reads infinite resistance (or no beep), the fuse is blown.
5. Replace with the same amperage – never use a higher amp fuse, as this can damage wiring or cause a fire.
If both fuses are good, move on to testing the relay.
How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay
The fuel pump relay in the 2009 Traverse is located inside the underhood fuse box. Relays are small black cubes with four or five prongs.
1. Locate the relay labeled CRNK or PWR/TRN on the fuse box diagram.
2. Remove the relay by pulling it straight up.
3. Check for continuity between the relay's coil terminals (85 and 86). You should see low resistance (typically 50–120 ohms).
4. Apply 12V to terminal 86 and ground to terminal 85 – you should hear a click, and continuity should exist between terminals 30 and 87.
5. If the relay fails either test, replace it with a genuine GM relay or an equivalent aftermarket part.
What If the Fuses and Relay Are Good?
If fuses and relay test fine, the problem may be the fuel pump itself. The 2009 Traverse has two pumps:
- Low-pressure pump inside the fuel tank (sends fuel toward the engine)
- High-pressure pump mounted on the engine, below the throttle body
Before replacing the pump, run a simple test:
1. Turn the key to ON (do not crank). Listen for a 2-second hum from the rear fuel tank. If you hear nothing, the pump is not getting power.
2. Check fuel pressure using a gauge on the fuel rail test port – expect 50–60 psi with the key on.
3. Check for codes with an OBD2 scanner. Look for P0087 (fuel rail pressure too low), P0231 (fuel pump circuit low), or P0232 (fuel pump circuit high).
A no-start condition with good fuses and relay usually points to either a failed fuel pump or a faulty fuel pump control module.
Common Symptoms of a Blown Fuel Pump Fuse
A blown fuse rarely causes a subtle problem. Expect one or more of these:
1. Engine cranks but won't start – The pump can't prime, so the fuel rail has no pressure.
2. No fuel pump hum – Turn the key to ON and you should hear the pump run briefly. Silence suggests no power.
3. Check engine light – Codes related to fuel pressure or fuel pump circuit may appear.
4. Stalling while driving – If the fuse blows intermittently (due to a shorted pump), the engine may die mid-drive.
If you blow the same fuse repeatedly, do not keep replacing it. A shorted fuel pump, damaged wiring, or a failing control module is the likely cause. Have the circuit tested with a multimeter to find the short before installing another fuse.
Step-by-Step Replacement Summary
1. Confirm the problem – The engine cranks but no fuel pressure.
2. Open the underhood fuse box on the driver's side.
3. Remove and visually inspect F23 (ECM, 15A) and F34 (FSCM, 25A).
4. Replace any blown fuse with the exact same amperage.
5. Test the fuel pump relay (CRNK or PWR/TRN) following the procedure above.
6. If fuses and relay pass, check the fuel pump – listen for the prime hum, test pressure, scan for codes.
7. Replace the fuel pump only after confirming power and ground are present at the pump connector.
Recommended Fuel Pump: KEMSO Brand
When the time comes to replace the fuel pump in your 2009 Chevy Traverse, we recommend choosing a KEMSO brand fuel pump. KEMSO fuel pumps are built as high-performance, OEM replacement units, designed to match or exceed factory specifications for fit, flow, and durability. Every KEMSO fuel pump comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind that your repair is protected for as long as you own the vehicle.
KEMSO covers a wide range of vehicles – from the Traverse and Silverado to BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, and more. Their pumps are tested to meet OEM standards and are a popular choice among DIYers and professional mechanics alike.
Visit the KEMSO website to browse their full catalog and find the exact pump for your 2009 Chevy Traverse: https://www.kemsoracing.com/
Final Thoughts on the 2009 Chevy Traverse Fuel Pump Fuse
The fuel pump fuse location on a 2009 Chevy Traverse is straightforward once you know where to look. All fuel system fuses and relays live in the underhood fuse box on the driver's side. The ECM fuse (F23) and the FSCM fuse (F34) are the two you need to inspect. If both are good, test the relay before condemning the pump.
Always replace blown fuses with the same amperage rating. If a fuse blows repeatedly, trace the wiring and test the pump for a short circuit. And when you need a new pump, choose KEMSO for a reliable, warranty-backed replacement.
Visit KEMSO Racing today for high-performance fuel pumps and more: https://www.kemsoracing.com/