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2018 Chevrolet Trax
2015 - 2022 Chevrolet Trax
Inline 4 1.4L

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2012 - 2022 GM Tethered Fuel Cap Replacement (Chevrolet Cruze, Sonic, Spark, Trax)

2012 - 2022 GM Tethered Fuel Cap Replacement (Chevrolet Cruze, Sonic, Spark, Trax)

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Pocket Flathead
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Screwdriver
Nitrile
Nitrile
Gloves
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How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2015-2022 Chevrolet Trax (Engine: Inline 4 1.4L)

Step-by-step DIY instructions with required tools, parts, and essential safety tips for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022

How to Replace the Fuel Cap on a 2015-2022 Chevrolet Trax (Engine: Inline 4 1.4L)

Step-by-step DIY instructions with required tools, parts, and essential safety tips for 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022

Orion
Orion

๐Ÿ”ง Trax - Fuel Cap Replacement

Replacing the fuel cap on your Trax is a simple job. A worn cap seal can allow fuel vapors to escape and may turn on the check-engine light.

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


โš ๏ธ Safety & Precautions

  • โ›ฝ Work outdoors with the engine switched off.
  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Keep cigarettes, flames, sparks, and hot tools away from the fuel-filler area.
  • ๐Ÿงค Wear gloves and safety glasses because fuel vapour may escape when the cap is opened.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery disconnection is not required.

๐Ÿ”ง Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

  • Small flat-blade screwdriver
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Safety glasses

๐Ÿ”ฉ Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

  • Fuel filler cap with tether and sealing gasket - Qty: 1

๐Ÿ“‹ Before You Begin

  • ๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Park your Trax outdoors on level ground, shift into Park, apply the parking brake, and switch off the engine.
  • โณ Allow hot exhaust components to cool before working near the rear of the vehicle.
  • ๐Ÿ” Compare the new cap with the old one. The sealing gasket, threaded section, and tether attachment should match.

๐Ÿ”จ Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the Fuel Door

  • Put on the nitrile gloves and safety glasses.
  • Press and release the rear edge of the fuel door by hand. The fuel door is on the passenger-side rear quarter panel.

Step 2: Remove the Old Fuel Cap

  • Turn the old cap counterclockwise by hand until it releases from the filler neck.
  • Remove it slowly to allow any fuel-tank pressure to escape.
  • Do not insert the small flat-blade screwdriver into the filler neck.

Step 3: Disconnect the Cap Tether

  • The tether is the flexible strap that prevents the cap from being lost.
  • If the tether has a slotted rubber loop, stretch and slide it off its mounting post by hand.
  • If it uses a push-in retainer, carefully lift the retainer edge with the small flat-blade screwdriver, then pull it out by hand.
  • Do not force the retainer against the painted fuel-door pocket.

Step 4: Attach the New Tether

  • Fit the new tether onto the same mounting point by hand.
  • For a loop-style tether, press the loop completely over the mounting post.
  • For a push-in retainer, align it with the original hole and press it firmly into place by hand.
  • Make sure the tether is not twisted and cannot become trapped by the fuel door.

Step 5: Install the New Fuel Cap

  • Place the new cap squarely against the filler neck by hand.
  • Turn it clockwise until it clicks once. Additional clicks are harmless, but one clear click confirms the cap is tightened.
  • No numerical torque specification or torque wrench is required.
  • Start straight to avoid damaging the threads.

Step 6: Close the Fuel Door

  • Position the tether inside the filler pocket by hand so it does not hang outside.
  • Close the fuel door and press its rear edge until it sits flush with the body.

โœ… After Repair

  • ๐Ÿš— Start your Trax and confirm there is no strong fuel smell around the filler door.
  • ๐Ÿ’ก If a loose-cap message was displayed, it may clear after the cap is tightened and the vehicle completes several driving cycles.
  • ๐Ÿ”Ž If the check-engine light remains on, the evaporative-emissions system should be scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. Do not erase codes before recording them.
  • โš ๏ธ Stop driving and inspect the installation if liquid fuel leaks from the filler area.

๐Ÿ’ฐ DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: โ‚น1,500-โ‚น4,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: โ‚น800-โ‚น2,500 (parts only)

You Save: Approximately โ‚น700-โ‚น1,500 by doing it yourself!

Local labor rates vary. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.2-0.5 hour.


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