🔧 Traverse - Fuel Cap Replacement

Replacing your fuel cap is a quick job that helps keep the EVAP system sealed (the system that traps fuel vapors). A worn cap or damaged seal can trigger a check engine light and cause a fuel smell.

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

Assumption: your Traverse uses a standard twist-on fuel cap.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work with the engine OFF and away from open flames or smoking.
• ⚠️ Don’t top off the tank after the pump clicks off; it can damage the EVAP system.
• ⚠️ If you smell strong fuel odor, stop and inspect for leaks before driving.

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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 - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and shift to Park.
• Turn the engine off and remove the key.
• Let the area air out if you notice fuel smell.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the fuel door

• Open the fuel door on the left rear side of your Traverse.
• Use a flashlight if it’s dark so you can see the sealing area.

Step 2: Remove the old fuel cap

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Turn the cap counterclockwise (left) until it comes off.
• If it has a tether (a small retaining strap), let it hang so you don’t drop the cap.

Step 3: Inspect and clean the sealing surfaces

• Use a flashlight to look at the rubber seal on the old cap (the gasket) for cracks, flattening, or missing pieces.
• Wipe the filler neck sealing lip (the round surface the cap seals against) with a shop towel.
• Clean and dry is best for a good seal.

Step 4: Install the new fuel cap

• Thread the new cap on by hand (turn clockwise/right).
• Keep turning until you hear/feel it click at least 1 time (some caps click several times).
• Do not use tools to tighten the cap—hand tight to the clicks is correct.

Step 5: Close the fuel door

• Close the fuel door firmly until it latches.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and confirm there’s no fuel smell around the fuel door area.
• If you had a check engine light from a loose/bad cap, it may take a few normal drives for the light to turn off on its own.
• If the light stays on after several trips, the issue may be another EVAP leak (not just the cap).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $10-$35 (parts only)

You Save: $20-$55 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.