🔧 CX-5 - Fuel Cap Replacement

Easy job. I’d use the tethered, non-locking fuel cap shown first in the parts list at $6.53 because it most closely matches the original design. You’ll remove the old tether, fit the new one, and hand-tighten the cap until it clicks.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🔥 Switch off the engine and keep cigarettes, flames, and sparks away.
• 🧤 Work carefully around the plastic tether clip because it can become brittle.
• ⛽ If fuel spills, wipe it up immediately and allow the area to air-dry.
• 🔋 Battery disconnection is not required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Plastic trim-removal tool
• Clean shop towel

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Non-locking tethered fuel tank cap - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🚗 Park your CX-5 on level ground, select Park, and switch off the engine.
• 🔑 Keep the ignition completely off while the filler opening is uncovered.
• 🧼 Clean loose dirt from around the cap so it can’t fall into the filler neck.
• 📱 No infotainment menu, scan tool, programming, or reset procedure is required.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the fuel door

• Open the fuel door with the vehicle unlocked.
• Use a clean shop towel to wipe dirt from around the old cap.

Step 2: Remove the old cap

• Turn the cap counterclockwise by hand until it releases.
• Set it in the holder on the inside of the fuel door, if equipped.
• Do not insert tools into the metal filler neck.

Step 3: Release the tether

• Inspect where the plastic tether attaches to the fuel-door area.
• Use the plastic trim-removal tool to gently release its retaining clip.
• Support the clip while removing it. Don’t pull hard on the tether.
• Warm plastic bends more safely than cold plastic.

Step 4: Attach the new cap

• Press the new tether retainer into the same mounting point by hand.
• Use the plastic trim-removal tool only if gentle guidance is needed.
• Confirm that the retainer sits fully in place and the tether isn’t twisted.

Step 5: Install the new cap

• Place the new cap squarely onto the filler neck.
• Turn it clockwise by hand until it clicks.
• No torque wrench is needed. Hand-tighten until the cap clicks securely.
• Give the cap a light counterclockwise check without releasing it.

Step 6: Check operation

• Remove and reinstall the cap once to confirm smooth threading.
• Place the cap in the fuel-door holder and check that the tether reaches without pulling tight.
• Close the fuel door gently.

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start the engine and confirm there’s no immediate warning message.
• 🔍 Check that the fuel door closes flush and doesn’t pinch the tether.
• ⚠️ If the check-engine light was caused by a loose cap, it may take several normal driving cycles to turn off.
• 🛠️ If the light remains on, the evaporative-emissions system should be scanned for fault codes.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $35-$80 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $7-$19 (parts only)

You Save: $16-$73 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.1-0.2 hours.

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🎯 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. This is a five-minute win, which is about as friendly as car repair gets.