🔧 GS - Fuel Cap Replacement

Replacing the fuel cap on your GS is a quick job that helps keep the EVAP system sealed (the system that traps fuel vapors so they don’t vent to the air). A bad or missing cap can cause a fuel smell and may turn on the check engine light.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work away from flames, cigarettes, or hot bulbs—fuel vapors can ignite.
• ⚠️ Turn the engine OFF and avoid static (don’t rub cloth on seats while fueling).
• ⚠️ If you smell strong fuel odor after replacement, stop and re-check cap seating.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not 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 - 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 from the vehicle area.
• Use a shop towel to wipe dust off the fuel filler area so dirt doesn’t fall in.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the fuel door

• Press the fuel door release (inside the car) and open the fuel door by hand.
• Use a flashlight to look at the cap and the sealing area.

Step 2: Remove the old fuel cap

• Twist the cap counterclockwise by hand until it comes off.
• If it has a tether (a small strap that keeps it from falling), let it hang safely to the side.
• Use a shop towel to gently wipe the filler neck sealing lip (the smooth circular edge the cap seals against).
• Don’t push dirt into the opening.

Step 3: Install the new fuel cap

• Thread the new cap on by hand clockwise.
• Keep turning until you feel/hear it click (typically 1–3 clicks). The clicks mean the cap is tight enough to seal.
• Do not use tools to tighten—hand-tight only.

Step 4: Close up

• Close the fuel door firmly.
• Use a shop towel to wipe any fuel residue from the painted area.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and confirm there is no fuel smell around the rear of the car.
• If you replaced the cap because of a check engine light, the light may take a few drive cycles to turn off on its own after the leak is fixed.
• If the light stays on, the system may still have a leak (cap seal, filler neck, or EVAP components).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $60-$150 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $45-$105 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.