🔧 IS - Fuel Cap Replacement

Replacing the fuel cap is quick and helps prevent EVAP leaks that can cause a fuel smell or a check engine light. You’ll remove the old cap, transfer the tether (strap) if equipped, and install the new cap so it seals correctly.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• ⚠️ Keep sparks, cigarettes, and open flames away from the fuel door.
• ⚠️ Turn the engine OFF and remove the key/fob from the car.
• ⚠️ Don’t over-tighten the cap; the seal can get damaged.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Flashlight
• Trim clip removal tool (specialty)
• OBD-II scan tool

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Fuel cap (OEM-style, tethered if equipped) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your IS on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Make sure the engine is off and the area is cool (no hot exhaust nearby).
• Assumption: standard OEM-style screw-on cap.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the fuel door

• Use your hand to pull the fuel door release lever (inside the car) and open the fuel door.
• Use a flashlight to look at how the cap and tether (strap) are attached.

Step 2: Remove the old fuel cap

• Use your hand to turn the cap counterclockwise until it comes off.
• Set the cap where it won’t get dirt on the sealing surface (the rubber ring).

Step 3: Move the tether (if your cap uses one)

• If the cap is attached to a small plastic tether/strap, use a trim clip removal tool (specialty) to gently pry the tether retainer off its peg (if it’s a clip-on style).
• A trim clip tool is a forked plastic/metal tool that pops clips off without breaking them.
• If your new cap already has the correct tether installed, skip this step.

Step 4: Install the new fuel cap

• If needed, attach the tether using the trim clip removal tool (specialty) to press the retainer back onto the peg securely.
• Thread the new cap on by hand clockwise until it seats.
• Keep turning by hand until you feel it fully tighten (many caps “click” when properly tightened).
• Tip: Start threads gently to avoid cross-threading.

Step 5: Close the fuel door

• Use your hand to close the fuel door firmly until it latches.
• Use a flashlight for a quick final check that the cap sits straight and the tether isn’t pinched.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and make sure there’s no fuel smell near the rear quarter panel.
• If you had a check engine light related to an EVAP leak, use an OBD-II scan tool to clear the code.
• If you don’t clear it, the light may turn off after a few normal drive cycles once the system re-tests itself.

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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 0.2-0.5 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.