🔧 Impreza - Fuel Cap Replacement

Replacing your Impreza’s fuel cap is quick and important because the cap seals the fuel system and keeps fuel vapors from leaking out. A weak or damaged cap can trigger an evap leak check engine light and cause fuel smell.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.1-0.3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work outside or in a well-ventilated area; fuel vapors are flammable.
• ⚠️ No smoking, sparks, or open flames near the fuel door.
• ⚠️ Replace the cap with the engine OFF; keep dirt out of the filler neck.
• ⚠️ 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
• Safety glasses
• Clean microfiber towel
• Flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Fuel cap (tethered, sealing type) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and turn the engine OFF.
• Let the area cool down if you just drove; avoid working near hot exhaust.
• Use a flashlight to check the fuel filler area for dirt so nothing falls in.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the fuel door

• Use a flashlight to see the fuel door area clearly.
• Open the fuel door from the outside (press/pull as your Impreza’s door design allows).

Step 2: Remove the old fuel cap

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Turn the cap counterclockwise until it releases, then remove it by hand.
• If your cap has a strap (called a tether, meaning the little retaining strap), let it hang so it doesn’t touch dirt.

Step 3: Inspect and clean the sealing surfaces

• Use a flashlight to inspect the rubber seal on the old cap and the filler neck lip.
• Wipe the metal/plastic sealing lip of the filler neck with a clean microfiber towel.
• Tip: Don’t push debris into the filler neck.

Step 4: Install the new fuel cap

• Align the new cap on the filler neck by hand.
• Turn clockwise until you feel and hear it click several times (this means it’s properly tightened).
• Confirm the tether is not twisted and won’t get pinched by the fuel door.

Step 5: Close the fuel door

• Close the fuel door firmly by hand.
• Use safety glasses if you’re close to the body panel edges.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and check that there is no fuel smell near the fuel door.
• If you had a check engine light for an EVAP leak, it may take a few drive cycles to turn off on its own after installing a good cap.
• If the light stays on after several normal trips, the issue may be elsewhere in the EVAP system.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $30-$90 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $15-$45 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.1-0.3 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.