Capless Gas Tank Problems and Ways to Avoid or Fix Them

For many years, refilling your car has been a straightforward exercise where you pop up the fuel tank cover. In recent years, this has been changing, and you shouldn't be confused and frustrated when you find a capless gas cap instead of the traditional fuel cap.

In the late 2000s, Ford introduced a new technology in the fuel system of the Ford Explorer. The company introduced a capless gas tank where you could no longer physically twist or unscrew the gas cap. All you were required to do was insert the gas nozzle. When done, you simply remove the nozzle, and the fuel tank is automatically closed by a flap. Refueling a car had never been easier. This technology was quickly adopted by other car makers such as Honda and Chrysler.

In our article today, we investigate the possible problems that come with owning a capless gas tank car. We will further explore ways through which one can avoid these problems and even how to solve them. To fully appreciate the day's topic, we will start by first understanding how the capless gas tank works.

What's capless gas tank

Not many people have encountered a capless gas tank where you aren't required to unscrew the gas tank cap when refilling your car's fuel tank. Those who have had the privilege to own a vehicle exuding this unique feature have come to appreciate and love it.

A capless gas tank is simply one that doesn't require you to physically operate the gas cap. When you arrive at the gas station, you will simply need to pop up the gas tank cap remotely from the driver's seat. Once outside, you will be required to enter the amount of cash you want to spend and pick up the nozzle. Even though a cap is covering the gas tank, it is just a flap, and you should simply push it with the nozzle.

Once the nozzle is inserted, squeeze the trigger and start dispensing the gas into the gas tank. Once the gas has been dispensed, release the trigger and remove the nozzle from the tank. The gas cap will automatically close. Or remains now is for you to return the nozzle to its slot, slap the fuel tank cap, and be on your way.

This technology affords you plenty of advantages, among them little time wastage. There are no excessive gas fumes on your hands or in the car because you will not touch the gas cap. The few seconds spent juggling between unscrewing the gas cap and the nozzle are eliminated. Moreover, for a person with arthritis, this capless technology saves them from the agony of twisting their wrists.

Capless gas tank problems and how to fix them

There are quite a number of disadvantages and problems associated with the capless gas tank. Some of the problems can be avoided, while others are simple to resolve. Still, there are issues that come with a capless gas tank that require an expert to fix and which can cost you quite some cash.

1) Gas pump nozzle gets stuck in capless gas tank

This is one of the most common problems reported by owners of these types of cars. This issue can arise either because of a faulty capless cap or the gas station nozzle, but in many cases, the latter. The issue is usually with the nozzle, which has a loose sleeve at its tip, making it difficult to pull out the nozzle.

In many cases, you should not have an extraordinarily difficult time removing the nozzle from the gas tank. For starters, spin the nozzle and then push it in and out. If done several times, it should come free. The only thing to note is that excessive force will damage the capless flap, as the nozzle is likely stuck to it.

Like a door lock, sometimes all you need to open a stuck lock is to push the key further into the lock and then unlock it. Try pressing the nozzle further into the fuel tank; this has been seen to work by many people. Another way to resolve this issue is by reaching into the neck of the gas cap found at the side of the spout using a long object. This is done to open the gas cap flap as you pull out the nozzle.

2) Check engine light

An improperly closed gas tank cap has been seen to cause the check engine light (CEL) to pop on the dashboard. This can be a disconcerting experience, especially if you take good care of your vehicle. For those with a capless gas tank, the CEL can be caused by a malfunctioning cap. You needn't rush to a dealership only to be billed dearly for a problem you could have resolved yourself.

The capless gas tank can trigger the CEL when there is dirt and debris build up in the flap area. Over time, dirt builds up around the filler neck, making it difficult for the flap to close completely. Therefore, this is a problem likely to be experienced by drivers of older cars or those driving on rough, unpaved dirt roads. Such build-up will trigger trouble codes, making the CEL pop up.

The solution to this problem lies in either of the following methods:

• This method involves the use of WD-40 or brake cleaner. Start by inserting the special funnel in the fuel tank. Spray some brake cleaner on the funnel and the neck of the tank. Repeat this trick as many times as possible until you are satisfied the dirt build-up is cleared. Some people have achieved good results by spraying the WD-40 on the funnel and then
• The second option will be using the funnel alone. If you don't have access to WD-40 or brake cleaner, you can remove or break the dirt build-up using the provided funnel. This process takes time and a lot of patience on your part. You should stick the funnel in and out of the fuel tank until the check engine light disappears.

3) The capless gas cap won't open

A malfunction on the part of the capless fuel cap can lead to you being unable to fuel your car. This is because the flap on the gas cap can become stuck, and even after nudging it with the gas nozzle, it refuses to budge. This problem usually happens when a particular nozzle has issues and is not well-rounded or has some rough edges that make it unable to open the second flap of the capless gas tank. Other issues might be that the nozzle is small in size and cannot reach the second flap and open it.

The answer to this problem is simply to use the other nozzles in the service station. As stated above, the most likely issue when you are unable to fuel is because the nozzle is too short and cannot reach the second flap into the gas tank. If all the nozzles don't work, it is time to call a tow company, as the cap is stuck in the close position. This is highly unlikely, though.

4) Gas smell inside the car

This shouldn't be listed as a problem, especially if you carefully read the instruction manual. When refilling your car, the nozzle should click itself shut when the tank is full. If you press the trigger to add more fuel, you will overfill the tank. The excess fuel will be deposited in the space between the inner and the outer flap. As you drive, the extra fuel will evaporate and fill the inside of your vehicle with the gas smell.

5) It is impossible to refill using a jerry can.

A capless gas tank requires a special funnel to be inserted in the tank when using a jerry can to refill. You will easily get stranded on an unbeaten road if you run out of fuel even though you have a full jerry can for refill. If you have this type of vehicle, it is imperative that you check whether the dealership included a gas funnel in the car. It is also critical that you only use the specified funnel provided by the manufacturer to avoid damaging the cap and the flaps.

How to avoid these problems

Many people don't have time to read the user manual that comes with their vehicles. Some basic instructions can also be found on the inside of the gas cover. By reading these simple instructions, you will save yourself from a lot of headaches in the long run.

Even though the fuel nozzle at the gas station might be problematic, try and always examine the nozzle's tip. Where there are gaps on the nozzle's spout, you should avoid using such a nozzle. When refilling by the roadside, always make sure you use the provided special funnel to avoid damaging the cap.

Conclusion

A capless gas tank should make your life so much easier. It should save you time and, in some cases, money. But like a lot of gadgets, it has its inherent problems. When you take your time to understand how the capless gas tank works, you should have an easy time solving the said problems and even avoid them.