How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
Step-by-step instructions, safety tips, parts, and warning-light checks for a quick DIY repair for 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018
How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
Step-by-step instructions, safety tips, parts, and warning-light checks for a quick DIY repair for 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018
🔧 Fuel Cap - Replacement
Assumption: your Sierra has a removable, threaded fuel cap. If your truck has a capless fuel filler, there is no fuel cap to replace. This job is simple: remove the old cap, inspect the tether and seal, then install the new cap until it clicks or seats fully.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.1-0.2 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- Work outside or in a well-ventilated area. Fuel vapors are flammable.
- Do not smoke or create sparks near the fuel filler.
- Keep the ignition off and engine off.
- No battery disconnect is required.
- Wipe dirt away before opening the fuel door.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- None required
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Fuel cap - Qty: 1
- Fuel cap tether - Qty: 1, if damaged
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and shut the truck off.
- Make sure the fuel door area is clean.
- If the old cap is stuck, let it cool before forcing it.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Open the fuel door
- Press the fuel door to release it and open the filler area.
- Inspect the old cap, tether, and seal for cracks or wear.
Step 2: Remove the old fuel cap
- Turn the cap counterclockwise by hand until it comes off.
- If it is attached by a tether, leave the tether connected unless it is being replaced.
- Set the cap on a clean surface.
Step 3: Install the new fuel cap
- Use your hand to thread the new cap clockwise onto the filler neck.
- Tighten until it stops and clicks, if the cap is designed to click.
- Do not use tools. Hand-tight is enough.
Step 4: Close and verify
- Close the fuel door.
- Start the truck and make sure the fuel cap warning, if present, turns off after a drive cycle.
- If the warning stays on, recheck that the cap is fully seated.
✅ After Repair
- Check that the fuel door closes properly.
- Confirm there is no fuel smell around the filler area.
- If the check engine light was on for an EVAP leak, it may take a drive cycle to clear after the repair.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $40-$90 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $10-$35 (parts only)
You Save: $30-$55 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.1-0.2 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.















