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2016 Ram 1500
2016 Ram 1500
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  • Guides
  • Ram 1500
  • 2016
  • How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2016 Ram 1500 (Fix EVAP Leak & Check Engine Light)
How to Replace Gas Cap 2011-16 Ram 1500 Truck

How to Replace Gas Cap 2011-16 Ram 1500 Truck

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Nitrile
Nitrile
Gloves
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Safety
Glasses
Cloth Rags
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How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2016 Ram 1500 (Fix EVAP Leak & Check Engine Light)

Step-by-step fuel cap swap with tools/parts list, safety tips, and EVAP seal verification

How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2016 Ram 1500 (Fix EVAP Leak & Check Engine Light)

Step-by-step fuel cap swap with tools/parts list, safety tips, and EVAP seal verification

Orion
Orion

🔧 1500 - Fuel Cap Replacement

Replacing the fuel cap on your 1500 is a quick job that helps the EVAP system (fuel vapor control) seal properly. A weak or damaged cap can cause a fuel smell and may trigger a Check Engine Light for an “EVAP leak.”

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


⚠️ Safety & Precautions

  • ⚠️ No smoking, sparks, or open flame near the fuel door.
  • ⚠️ Replace the cap with the engine OFF.
  • ⚠️ If you just drove, let the area cool a few minutes before opening the cap.
  • Battery disconnect is not required.

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

  • Nitrile gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Shop towel
  • Flashlight

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

  • Fuel cap (EVAP-rated, correct for your 1500) - Qty: 1

📋 Before You Begin

  • Park on level ground and shift to P.
  • Turn the engine OFF and remove the key.
  • Open the fuel door.

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the old fuel cap

  • Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
  • Turn the cap counterclockwise by hand until it releases.
  • If your cap has a tether (the little retaining strap that keeps it from getting lost), let it hang—don’t yank it.

Step 2: Inspect and clean the filler neck sealing surface

  • Use a flashlight to look at the rim of the filler neck (where the cap seals).
  • Wipe the rim clean with a shop towel.
  • Tip: Dirt here can cause EVAP leak codes.

Step 3: Install the new fuel cap

  • Align the new cap on the filler neck and thread it on by hand (clockwise).
  • Tighten until you hear/feel the cap click (ratchet) at least 3 clicks.
  • Close the fuel door.

Step 4: Confirm the seal

  • Start the engine and make sure there is no fuel smell around the fuel door area.
  • If you replaced the cap due to a Check Engine Light, the light may turn off after a few normal drive cycles if the issue was only the cap.

✅ After Repair

  • Drive normally for a few days; EVAP monitors can take time to re-check the seal.
  • If a Check Engine Light stays on, the cap may not be the only leak (common next checks: cracked EVAP hose, purge valve, leak detection pump).
  • If you have a scan tool, you can clear codes after installation; if the problem is fixed, they should not return.

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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 0.2-0.4 hours.


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