🔧 Legacy - Fuel Cap Replacement

Replacing the fuel cap on your Legacy is a quick job that helps prevent fuel vapors from leaking out and can stop an “EVAP” or “Check Engine” light caused by a loose or failed cap seal.

You’ll remove the old cap, check the filler neck sealing surface, and install the new cap until it clicks tight.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.1-0.2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work outside or in a well-ventilated area; fuel vapors are flammable.
• ⚠️ No smoking, flames, or hot work nearby.
• ⚠️ Do not replace the cap with the engine running.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Shop towel
• Flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Fuel cap (OEM-style, tethered) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and shift to Park.
• Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the cabin area.
• Let the area cool if you just drove (avoid working around hot exhaust).

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the fuel door

• Use your hand to open the fuel door on the driver-side rear quarter panel.
• Use a flashlight to look for dirt around the filler area.

Step 2: Remove the old fuel cap

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Turn the cap counterclockwise by hand until it releases.
• Let the cap hang by the tether (the small retaining strap that keeps you from dropping it).

Step 3: Clean and inspect the sealing surfaces

• Use a shop towel to wipe the filler neck lip (where the cap’s rubber seal sits).
• Check the old cap’s rubber seal for cracks, flattening, or missing pieces.
• Clean, dry sealing surfaces prevent EVAP leaks.

Step 4: Install the new fuel cap

• Place the new cap on the filler neck and turn it clockwise by hand.
• Tighten until you hear/feel at least one click (this is the cap’s built-in limiter so it doesn’t get overtightened).
• If it doesn’t click, remove it and try again to ensure the threads started correctly.

Step 5: Close the fuel door

• Close the fuel door firmly by hand until it latches.
• Use the flashlight for a quick final look to ensure the cap sits flush.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and confirm there’s no fuel smell around the filler area.
• If you were replacing the cap due to a Check Engine light, it may take a few normal drive cycles for the light to turn off (or you can clear codes with a scan tool).
• Recheck the cap after your next fill-up: tighten until it clicks.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $40-$120 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15-$45 (parts only)

You Save: $25-$75 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.1-0.2 hours.

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🎯 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.