🔧 TLX - Fuel Cap Replacement

The fuel cap seals your fuel tank so fuel vapors don’t leak out and the EVAP system can self-test correctly. A worn cap can cause a fuel smell and can trigger a check engine light (often EVAP-related).

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work away from flames, sparks, or smoking materials.
• ⚠️ Turn the engine off before opening the fuel door.
• ⚠️ Avoid breathing fuel vapors; work in a well-ventilated area.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required.

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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 (capless not used on this model) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Turn the ignition off and remove the key/fob from the car.
• Have a shop towel ready to wipe the sealing area.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the fuel door

• Press the fuel door release (driver area) or press the fuel door edge to open (depending on how your TLX is equipped).
• Use a flashlight to see the cap and the filler neck clearly.

Step 2: Remove the old fuel cap

• Turn the cap counterclockwise until it releases.
• If it’s tethered, let it hang by the tether strap.
• Wipe the filler neck sealing surface with a shop towel.
• Tip: Dirt here can cause EVAP leaks.

Step 3: Install the new fuel cap

• Place the new cap on the filler neck.
• Turn it clockwise until it clicks.
• Tighten until you hear/feel at least 1 click (more clicks are okay; stop when it keeps clicking).
• Tip: A clicked cap is a sealed cap.

Step 4: Close the fuel door

• Close the fuel door firmly until it latches.
• Use nitrile gloves and a shop towel to clean any spilled fuel (if any).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and confirm there’s no fuel smell around the fuel door area.
• If you replaced the cap because of a check engine light, it may take a few normal drive cycles for the light to turn off on its own.
• If the light stays on, the EVAP leak may be elsewhere (hose, purge valve, vent valve, or canister).

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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.