🔧 WRX - Fuel Cap Replacement

Replacing the fuel cap on your WRX is a quick job that helps prevent fuel vapors from escaping and can prevent a check engine light caused by an EVAP leak. You’ll remove the old cap and install the new one until it clicks tight.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⛽ Turn the engine off and don’t smoke or use open flames near the fuel door.
• Let the car cool if you just drove; fuel vapors are more intense when hot.
• If you smell strong fuel after replacement, stop and re-check the cap seal.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Clean shop towel
• Flashlight

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Fuel cap (cap with sealing gasket) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and shut the engine off.
• Have a clean shop towel ready to wipe the filler neck sealing surface.

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🔨 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 left rear quarter panel.
• Use a flashlight if it’s dark so you can see the cap and seal area clearly.

Step 2: Remove the old fuel cap

• Use your hand to turn the cap counterclockwise (left) until it comes off.
• If your cap is attached to a tether (a small retaining strap), let it hang—don’t pull hard on it.

Step 3: Inspect and clean the sealing surface

• Use a clean shop towel to wipe the filler neck rim (where the cap seals).
• Check the old cap’s gasket (rubber ring). If it’s cracked, flat, or missing, that can cause an EVAP leak.
• Clean and dry beats “extra tight.”

Step 4: Install the new fuel cap

• Place the new cap onto the filler neck and use your hand to turn it clockwise (right).
• Continue tightening until you hear/feel it click several times (typically 1–3 clicks). This is how you know it’s sealed.
• If a tether is used, make sure it isn’t twisted or pinched.

Step 5: Close the fuel door

• Use your hand to close the fuel door until it latches flush.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and make sure there’s no fuel smell around the fuel door.
• If you were replacing the cap due to a check engine light: it may take a few drive cycles to clear on its own, or you can clear it with an OBD2 scan tool.
• If the light comes back, the issue may be elsewhere in the EVAP system (like a vent valve or hose).

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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 0.2-0.4 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.