How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Step-by-step DIY guide with safety tips, required parts, and EVAP light reset advice
How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Step-by-step DIY guide with safety tips, required parts, and EVAP light reset advice
🔧 Grand Cherokee - Fuel Cap Replacement
Replacing the fuel cap on your Grand Cherokee is a very simple job. A worn, loose, or missing fuel cap can cause fuel vapor leaks and may trigger an EVAP-related check engine light.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- ⚠️ Work in a well-ventilated area away from flames, cigarettes, heaters, or sparks.
- ⚠️ Do not replace the cap while fueling or while fuel vapors are strong around the filler area.
- ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this repair.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Safety glasses
- Nitrile gloves
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Fuel cap - Qty: 1
📋 Before You Begin
- Park your Grand Cherokee on level ground and shift to Park.
- Set the parking brake.
- Turn the ignition off and keep the key away from the Start button area.
- Let the vehicle sit for a minute before opening the fuel door if you just drove it.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Open the Fuel Door
- Use your hand to press the rear edge of the fuel door inward, then release it.
- The fuel door should pop open.
- Press gently; do not pry.
Step 2: Remove the Old Fuel Cap
- Put on nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
- Use your hand to turn the old fuel cap counterclockwise until it comes loose.
- A counterclockwise turn means turning it to the left.
- If the cap has a tether, pull the tether button or loop free from the fuel door area by hand.
Step 3: Inspect the Filler Neck
- Use your eyes to check the metal fuel filler neck where the cap seals.
- Look for dirt, rust, damage, or pieces of the old rubber seal.
- Wipe light dirt away with a clean glove-covered finger or clean cloth if needed.
- Do not push anything down into the filler neck.
Step 4: Install the New Fuel Cap
- If the new cap has a tether, attach the tether to the same mounting point on the fuel door area by hand.
- Place the new fuel cap squarely onto the filler neck.
- Use your hand to turn the cap clockwise until it clicks.
- A clockwise turn means turning it to the right.
- Tighten until you hear at least one click; three clicks is a good beginner-friendly check.
- No torque spec is used for this cap because it is hand-tightened by its built-in click mechanism.
Step 5: Close the Fuel Door
- Use your hand to push the fuel door closed until it sits flush with the body.
- Make sure the fuel cap tether is not trapped between the door and body.
- A pinched tether can keep the door open.
✅ After Repair
- Start your Grand Cherokee and confirm there is no fuel smell around the fuel door.
- If a loose-cap message was showing, it may clear after several drive cycles.
- If the check engine light was on from an EVAP leak, it may also take several trips to turn off by itself.
- If you have a scan tool, you can clear the EVAP code after replacing the cap, then drive normally and make sure it does not return.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $60-$130 parts + labor
DIY Cost: $15-$45 parts only
You Save: $45-$85 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.















