How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2016 Ford Transit Connect (Fix EVAP/Loose Cap Issues)
Step-by-step fuel cap replacement with tools needed, safety tips, and post-repair checks to clear EVAP codes
How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2016 Ford Transit Connect (Fix EVAP/Loose Cap Issues)
Step-by-step fuel cap replacement with tools needed, safety tips, and post-repair checks to clear EVAP codes
š§ Transit Connect - Fuel Cap Replacement
Replacing the fuel cap is a quick job: youāll remove the old cap and install a new one so the EVAP system can seal the fuel tank properly. A bad cap can cause a fuel smell, a loose-cap warning, or a check-engine light.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 5-15 minutes
ā ļø Safety & Precautions
- ā ļø Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; fuel vapors are flammable.
- ā ļø No smoking, sparks, or open flames near the fuel filler area.
- ā ļø Turn the ignition OFF before starting.
- ā ļø Donāt top off the tank after the pump clicks off.
- ā ļø Battery disconnect is not required.
š§ Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Nitrile gloves
- Shop towel
- Flashlight
š© Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Fuel cap - Qty: 1
š Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and shift to Park.
- Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
- If you just drove, let things cool for a few minutes around the fuel door area.
šØ Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Open the fuel door
- Open the fuel door by hand.
- Use a flashlight to look inside the filler area.
Step 2: Remove the old fuel cap
- Put on nitrile gloves.
- Turn the cap counterclockwise until it releases, then remove it.
- Use a shop towel to wipe dust off the filler neck sealing surface (the smooth ring where the cap seals).
- If itās stuck, use steady pressureādonāt pry.
Step 3: Transfer the tether (if equipped)
- If your old cap has a small retaining strap (tether), move it to the new cap the same way it was attached.
- A tether is the small strap that keeps the cap from getting lost.
Step 4: Install the new fuel cap
- Place the new cap onto the filler neck and turn it clockwise.
- Tighten until it fully seats; if your cap is a āclick type,ā tighten until you feel/hear clicks.
- Close the fuel door.
ā After Repair
- Start your Transit Connect and confirm thereās no fuel smell near the fuel door.
- If you had a check-engine light for an EVAP leak/loose cap, it may take a few drive cycles to clear on its own after the seal is fixed.
- Re-check the cap after your next fill-up to ensure itās tightened correctly.
š° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $40-$120 (parts + labor/diagnostic)
DIY Cost: $10-$35 (parts only)
You Save: $30-$85 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.
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.
















