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2018 Dodge Durango
2018 Dodge Durango

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2021 Dodge Durango - How To Open Gas Cap Fuel Door

2021 Dodge Durango - How To Open Gas Cap Fuel Door

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Tools & Fluids

Nitrile
Nitrile
Gloves
Safety
Safety
Glasses
Flashlight
Flashlight
Cloth Rags
Cloth Rags
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How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2018 Dodge Durango (Fix EVAP Vapor Leaks)

Step-by-step DIY instructions with required tools/parts, safety tips, and check-engine light verification

How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2018 Dodge Durango (Fix EVAP Vapor Leaks)

Step-by-step DIY instructions with required tools/parts, safety tips, and check-engine light verification

Orion
Orion

🔧 Durango - Fuel Cap Replacement

Replacing the fuel cap is a quick job that helps prevent fuel vapor leaks (which can trigger a check-engine light) and keeps dirt/water out of the fuel system. On your Durango, the cap should tighten until it “clicks” to seal properly.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.1-0.3 hours


⚠️ Safety & Precautions

  • ⚠️ Work outside or in a well-ventilated area; fuel vapors are flammable.
  • ⚠️ No smoking, sparks, or open flames near the fuel door.
  • ⚠️ Replace the cap only with the engine OFF.
  • ⚠️ If the cap is tethered (attached by a strap), don’t yank the strap.

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

  • Nitrile gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Flashlight
  • Clean shop towel

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

  • Fuel filler cap (OEM-style, sealed) - Qty: 1

📋 Before You Begin

  • Park on level ground and shift to Park.
  • Turn the engine OFF and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
  • If you recently drove, wait a few minutes so any vapor pressure settles.

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the fuel door

  • Use your hand to open the fuel door.
  • Use a flashlight to look for dirt or damage around the filler neck opening.

Step 2: Remove the old fuel cap

  • Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
  • Turn the cap counterclockwise by hand until it comes off.
  • If there’s a tether strap, let the cap hang without twisting the strap.

Step 3: Inspect and clean the sealing surface

  • Use a flashlight to inspect the rubber seal area on the filler neck (the round surface the cap seals against).
  • Wipe the area with a clean shop towel to remove dust/grit.
  • Grit on the seal can cause a vapor leak.

Step 4: Install the new fuel cap

  • Thread the new cap on by hand (clockwise).
  • Tighten until you hear/feel it click (usually 1–3 clicks).
  • Do not use tools to tighten—hand-tight is correct.

Step 5: Close the fuel door and verify

  • Close the fuel door securely by hand.
  • Start the engine and confirm there’s no “GASCAP”/check-engine message related to the cap.

✅ After Repair

  • If the check-engine light was on due to a loose/bad cap, it may take a few drive cycles to turn off on its own.
  • If the light stays on after several normal trips, the vehicle may have stored an EVAP leak code and may need scanning/diagnosis.
  • Make it a habit to tighten the cap until it clicks after every fill-up.

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $30-$120 (parts + labor/diagnostic)

DIY Cost: $15-$45 (parts only)

You Save: $15-$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.


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