How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2016 Kia K900 (Fix EVAP Leak & Check Engine Light)
Beginner-friendly step-by-step instructions, required tools/parts, safety tips, and post-repair checks
How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2016 Kia K900 (Fix EVAP Leak & Check Engine Light)
Beginner-friendly step-by-step instructions, required tools/parts, safety tips, and post-repair checks
🔧 K900 - Fuel Cap Replacement
Replacing the fuel cap on your K900 is a quick job that helps prevent fuel vapor leaks and can stop an EVAP-related check engine light caused by a weak seal. You’ll remove the old cap, move the tether (strap) if equipped, and confirm the new cap clicks and seals correctly.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.1-0.2 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Work with the engine off and away from sparks, cigarettes, or open flames.
- ⚠️ Do not top off the tank after the pump clicks off; it can damage the EVAP system.
- ⚠️ If you smell strong fuel fumes or see liquid fuel, stop and clean up before continuing.
- ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
- Clean shop towel
- Flashlight
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Fuel cap (OEM-style, tethered if equipped) - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, shift to Park, and turn the engine off.
- Let any fuel vapors clear for a minute before opening the cap.
- Have a clean shop towel ready to wipe the filler neck sealing surface.
🔨 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 rear quarter panel.
- Use a flashlight to inspect the area for dirt or damage.
Step 2: Remove the old fuel cap
- Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
- Turn the cap counterclockwise until it releases, then pull it straight off.
- If your cap is tethered, let it hang without twisting the strap.
Step 3: Inspect and clean the sealing surface
- Use a flashlight to look at the filler neck rim (the round metal/plastic ring where the cap seals).
- Wipe the rim with a clean shop towel.
- Tip: A dirty rim can cause leaks.
Step 4: Transfer the tether (if equipped)
- If the old cap has a tether strap and the new one does not, move the tether only if your replacement cap is designed to accept it.
- Use your hands to unclip the tether from the old cap and clip it to the new cap.
- Tip: Don’t force clips—plastic breaks easily.
Step 5: Install the new fuel cap
- Place the new cap onto the filler neck and turn it clockwise by hand.
- Tighten until you hear/feel at least 1–3 clicks (clicks mean the ratcheting mechanism is tight enough).
- Use a flashlight to confirm the cap sits flat and the tether isn’t pinched.
Step 6: Close the fuel door and final check
- Close the fuel door with your hand until it latches.
- Use a clean shop towel to wipe any fingerprints or fuel residue from the area.
✅ After Repair
- Start the engine and verify there’s no fuel smell around the fuel door area.
- If you were replacing it due to a check engine light, it may take a few drive cycles for the light to turn off on its own.
- If the light stays on, the issue may be another EVAP leak (hose, purge valve, vent valve), not just the cap.
💰 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 0.2-0.5 hours.
🎯 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.

















