How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2018 Ford Fusion
Step-by-step DIY instructions with parts, tools, safety tips, and check engine light guidance
How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2018 Ford Fusion
Step-by-step DIY instructions with parts, tools, safety tips, and check engine light guidance
🔧 Fusion - Fuel Cap Replacement
Replacing the fuel cap on your Fusion is a very simple repair. The fuel cap seals the fuel filler neck so the evaporative emissions system can hold pressure and keep fuel vapors contained.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⛽ Work in a well-ventilated area away from flames, cigarettes, heaters, or sparks.
- 🧤 Avoid touching fuel residue with bare hands; gasoline can irritate skin.
- 🚫 Do not top off the tank after the pump clicks off, because this can damage the evaporative emissions system.
- 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
- Clean microfiber cloth
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Fuel cap - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- 🅿️ Park your Fusion on level ground and shift to Park.
- 🔥 Turn the engine off and keep the key away from the ignition area.
- ⛽ If you just refueled, wait a minute before opening the filler door so vapors can settle.
- 💡 A tether is the small plastic strap that keeps the fuel cap attached to the vehicle so it does not get lost.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Open the Fuel Door
- Use your hand to press and release the rear edge of the fuel door.
- The fuel door should pop open.
- Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses before touching the cap.
Step 2: Remove the Old Fuel Cap
- Use your hand to turn the fuel cap counterclockwise until it comes loose.
- Pull the cap straight out of the filler neck.
- If your cap has a tether, use your fingers to unclip or slide the tether end off its retaining point.
- Go slow so the tether does not snap.
Step 3: Inspect and Clean the Filler Neck
- Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the sealing surface around the fuel filler neck.
- Look for dirt, rust, cracks, or pieces of the old cap seal.
- Do not push dirt into the fuel opening.
Step 4: Install the New Fuel Cap
- If equipped, attach the new cap tether by hand to the original retaining point.
- Place the new fuel cap squarely into the filler neck.
- Use your hand to turn the fuel cap clockwise until it clicks.
- Keep turning until you hear at least one firm click.
- No torque wrench is used; tighten by hand only.
- Do not use pliers on the cap.
Step 5: Close the Fuel Door
- Use your hand to swing the fuel door closed.
- Press the fuel door gently until it latches flush with the body.
✅ After Repair
- ✅ Start your Fusion and make sure there is no fuel smell around the filler door.
- 🔍 If the check engine light was on for a loose or leaking fuel cap, it may take several drive cycles to turn off on its own.
- 🛠️ If you want the light cleared immediately, use an OBD-II scan tool to clear evaporative emissions codes after confirming the cap is tight.
- 🚗 Drive normally and recheck that the cap clicks tight after the next refuel.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $45-$95 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $15-$35 (parts only)
You Save: $30-$60 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.
🎯 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.
















