🔧 ILX - Fuel Cap Replacement

Replacing the fuel cap is a quick job that helps seal the fuel system so it can hold pressure correctly. A worn or incorrect cap can trigger an EVAP warning light and cause a fuel smell.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work with the engine off and away from sparks, cigarettes, or open flames.
• Open the fuel door slowly in case pressure releases.
• If you smell strong fuel fumes, stop and let the area ventilate.
• Battery disconnect is not required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Clean shop rag

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Fuel filler cap - Qty: 1
• Fuel cap tether/retainer (if damaged) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Make sure the engine is off and the key is away from the car.
• Wipe the area around the filler neck with a clean shop rag so dirt can’t fall in.

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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 rear quarter panel.
• Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.

Step 2: Remove the old fuel cap

• Turn the cap counterclockwise until it comes off.
• Inspect the rubber seal (the soft ring) on the cap. If it’s cracked, flattened, or sticky, it can cause EVAP leaks.

Step 3: Check the filler-neck sealing surface

• Use a clean shop rag to wipe the sealing lip on the filler neck.
• Make sure there’s no sand, rust flakes, or damage where the cap seals.

Step 4: Transfer/attach the tether (if equipped)

• If your cap has a tether (the small strap that keeps the cap from getting lost), move it to the new cap if it’s removable.
• If the tether is torn or missing, replace it so the cap doesn’t dangle against the paint.

Step 5: Install the new fuel cap

• Place the new cap on the filler neck and turn it clockwise.
• Tighten until you hear/feel it click several times (typically 1–3 clicks). Clicks mean it’s fully sealed.

Step 6: Close the fuel door

• Close the fuel door securely.
• Wipe away any fuel residue with the clean shop rag.

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✅ After Repair

• If you had a check-engine light for an EVAP leak, it may take a few drive cycles to clear on its own after installing a correct cap.
• If the light stays on, the issue may be another EVAP leak (hose, purge valve, or vent valve), not the cap.
• Do a quick sniff check: there should be no strong fuel smell around the fuel door after driving.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$140 (parts + labor/diagnostic)

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

You Save: $45-$95 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.5 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.