🔧 Trax - Fuel Cap Replacement

Replacing the fuel cap is a quick job that restores a proper seal at the fuel filler neck. A bad cap can let fuel vapor escape and may trigger a check engine light (often EVAP-related).

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; fuel vapors are flammable.
• ⚠️ No smoking, flames, or sparks near the fuel door.
• ⚠️ Replace the cap only with the engine OFF.
• ⚠️ If you smell strong fuel odor or see wet fuel, stop and inspect for leaks.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Shop towel
• Flashlight

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Fuel cap (sealed type for Trax) - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and turn the engine OFF.
• Wait a minute if you just drove, so any vapor pressure settles.
• Have a shop towel ready to wipe dust from the filler neck sealing surface.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the fuel door

• Press the fuel door to pop it open.
• Use a flashlight if it’s dark.

Step 2: Remove the old fuel cap

• Put on nitrile gloves.
• Turn the cap counterclockwise until it releases.
• If it’s a tethered cap (attached by a strap), let it hang to the side.

Step 3: Inspect and clean the sealing area

• Use a flashlight to look at the filler neck lip (the round surface the cap seals against).
• Wipe the sealing surface with a shop towel.
• Tip: Dirt here can cause EVAP leaks.

Step 4: Install the new fuel cap

• Thread the new cap on by hand (clockwise) until it seats.
• Keep turning until you feel/hear it “click” and stop snug. (That click is the cap’s built-in limiter to prevent over-tightening.)

Step 5: Close the fuel door

• Push the fuel door closed until it latches.
• Use a shop towel to wipe any fingerprints or dust if you want.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start your Trax and confirm there’s no fuel smell around the fuel door area.
• If you replaced the cap because of a check engine light, it may take a few normal drive cycles 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 (like a purge valve, vent valve, or hose).

---

💰 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.

---

🎯 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.