2012 Chevy Traverse Fuel Pump Relay Location: Quick Guide and Troubleshooting

If you own a 2012 Chevy Traverse and your engine cranks but won't start, the fuel pump relay is often the culprit. The fuel pump relay for a 2012 Chevy Traverse is located in the engine compartment fuse box, which sits on the passenger side of the engine bay, near the right front wheel well . This relay controls power to the fuel pump motor, and when it fails, your engine won't get the fuel it needs to run. In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly where to find it, how to test it, and what to do if it's bad.

Understanding the Fuse Box Locations

Your 2012 Chevy Traverse has two main fuse boxes, but only one contains the fuel pump relay .

Engine Compartment Fuse Box – This is the primary fuse box for the fuel pump relay. It's located under the hood on the passenger side, mounted near the strut tower and the battery . To access it, simply unclip the lid by pressing the release tabs on the sides.

Instrument Panel Fuse Box – This box is under the dashboard on the passenger side . It contains fuses for interior components like the radio, airbag, and door locks, but it does not contain the fuel pump relay.

Identifying the Fuel Pump Relay

Once you open the engine compartment fuse box, you'll see a layout of fuses and relays. The fuel pump relay is clearly labeled in the fuse box diagram, which is usually printed on the underside of the fuse box lid or in your owner's manual. According to the fuse box diagram for the 2012 Chevy Traverse, the following relays are present in the engine compartment fuse box :

Key Engine Compartment Relays:

  1. Fuel Pump Relay – This is what you're looking for. It controls power to the fuel pump motor.
  2. Ignition Main Relay – Provides power to the ignition system.
  3. Powertrain Relay – Controls power to the engine control module (ECM) and other drivetrain components.
  4. Cooling Fan Relays (FAN 1, FAN 2, FAN 3) – Control the engine cooling fans.
  5. Starter Relay – Controls the starter motor.
  6. Horn Relay – Controls the horn.

The fuel pump relay is typically a small, square component that plugs into the fuse box. It's often marked with a diagram symbol or the word "FUEL PMP" or "FUEL PUMP" on the lid.

How to Test the Fuel Pump Relay

Before replacing the relay, you can test it with a simple multimeter or by swapping it with a known-good relay of the same type . Here's a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Locate the relay – Find the fuel pump relay in the engine compartment fuse box.

Step 2: Visual inspection – Check the relay for any signs of damage, such as melted plastic, burnt terminals, or corrosion.

Step 3: Swap test – Find a relay in the same fuse box that has the same part number and rating (for example, the horn relay or the ignition relay). Swap the fuel pump relay with that relay. If the engine starts after the swap, the original relay is faulty.

Step 4: Use a multimeter – Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms). With the relay removed from the fuse box, check the resistance between the coil terminals (usually pins 85 and 86). A good relay should show a resistance reading between 50 and 200 ohms. If the reading is infinite (open circuit) or zero (short circuit), the relay is bad.

Step 5: Check for power – With the key in the "ON" position, use a multimeter to check for 12V at the relay socket in the fuse box. If there's no power, the issue may be a blown fuse or a wiring problem, not the relay itself.

Common Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Pump Relay

A failing fuel pump relay can cause a range of issues :

  1. Engine cranks but won't start – The most common symptom. The starter turns the engine over, but the fuel pump doesn't run, so no fuel reaches the engine.
  2. Engine stalls while driving – The relay may intermittently lose connection, causing the fuel pump to shut off unexpectedly.
  3. No fuel pump priming sound – When you turn the key to the "ON" position, you should hear a brief whirring sound from the fuel pump (usually coming from the rear of the vehicle). If you don't hear this sound, the relay or pump may be faulty.
  4. Check Engine Light – A faulty relay can trigger a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) related to the fuel system, such as a P0087 (fuel rail pressure too low) or P0230 (fuel pump primary circuit malfunction).

Fuel Pump Relay vs. Fuel Pump Fuse

Don't confuse the relay with the fuse. The fuel pump relay is a switch that controls power to the fuel pump, while the fuse is a protective device that prevents electrical overloads. In the 2012 Chevy Traverse, the fuel pump fuse is also located in the engine compartment fuse box . The fuse for the fuel pump is typically a MINI fuse labeled "FUEL PMP" or "FSCM" (Fuel System Control Module) . If the fuse is blown, the fuel pump won't get power, even if the relay is good.

When to Replace the Fuel Pump Itself

If the relay tests good and the fuse is intact, but the pump still doesn't run, the fuel pump itself may be failing. The fuel pump is located inside the gas tank, and replacing it is a more involved job . If you've already replaced the relay and still experience fuel delivery issues, the problem may be the fuel pump itself .

For a high-performance, reliable replacement, we recommend the KEMSO Fuel Pump for your 2012 Chevy Traverse. KEMSO fuel pumps are built to exceed OEM specifications, offering a direct bolt-on installation with no modifications required. Each pump is a high-performance, OEM replacement unit backed by a lifetime warranty, giving you confidence on every drive. Whether you're commuting to work or heading out on a road trip, a KEMSO fuel pump ensures consistent fuel delivery and long-lasting durability. Visit KEMSO Racing today to find the perfect fuel pump for your 2012 Chevy Traverse: https://www.kemsoracing.com/

Final Thoughts

The fuel pump relay on a 2012 Chevy Traverse is easy to access and test. The engine compartment fuse box on the passenger side is where you'll find it. By following the steps above—checking the relay, fuses, and voltage—you can quickly determine whether the relay is the culprit or if the issue lies elsewhere in the fuel system. When replacement is needed, always use a quality relay that matches OEM specifications. And if the fuel pump itself is failing, upgrading to a KEMSO fuel pump provides peace of mind with its lifetime warranty and superior performance.

For more information on fuel pump replacements, diagnostics, and performance parts, visit https://www.kemsoracing.com/.


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