How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2018 Kia Sorento (Fix EVAP Leak & Check Engine Light)
Step-by-step fuel cap replacement with required parts, basic tools, safety tips, and post-repair checks
How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2018 Kia Sorento (Fix EVAP Leak & Check Engine Light)
Step-by-step fuel cap replacement with required parts, basic tools, safety tips, and post-repair checks
š§ Sorento - Fuel Cap Replacement
Replacing the fuel cap on your Sorento is a quick job: you remove the old cap and install a new one that seals the fuel tank properly. A good seal prevents fuel vapors from escaping and helps avoid an āCheck Engineā light caused by an EVAP leak.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.1-0.2 hours
ā ļø Safety & Precautions
- ā ļø Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated areaāfuel vapors are flammable.
- ā ļø No smoking, sparks, or open flames near the fuel filler area.
- ā ļø Replace the cap with the engine OFF; avoid fueling with the engine running.
- ā ļø If fuel is spilled, wipe it up and let fumes clear before starting.
- Battery disconnect is not required.
š§ Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Nitrile gloves
- Shop towels
š© Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Fuel cap (OE-style, tethered) - Qty: 1
š Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and switch the ignition OFF.
- Make sure the area around the filler neck is clean so dirt doesnāt fall into the opening.
šØ Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Open the fuel door
- Press the fuel door to open it.
- Put on nitrile gloves.
Step 2: Remove the old fuel cap
- Turn the cap counterclockwise until it releases, then pull it off.
- Use shop towels to wipe the sealing surface around the filler neck if dusty.
Step 3: Transfer the tether (if needed)
- If your new cap didnāt come with a tether (the little strap that keeps the cap attached), move the tether from the old cap to the new cap.
- Tether keeps you from losing the cap.
Step 4: Install the new fuel cap
- Place the new cap on the filler neck and turn it clockwise.
- Tighten until you feel/hear it āclickā several times, then stop. This means itās sealed correctly.
Step 5: Close the fuel door
- Close the fuel door firmly.
- Remove nitrile gloves and clean up with shop towels.
ā After Repair
- Start your Sorento and verify thereās no fuel smell near the filler area.
- If you had a Check Engine light for an EVAP leak, it may take a few normal drives for the light to turn off on its own.
- If the light stays on after a few days, the issue may be another EVAP leak (not just the cap).
š° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: ā¹1,000-ā¹3,000 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: ā¹600-ā¹2,000 (parts only)
You Save: ā¹400-ā¹1,500 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.1-0.3 hours.
šÆ 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.
