What's the reason when the fuel tank cap cannot pop out?
2 Answers
When the fuel tank cap cannot pop out, it is most likely caused by the cap being stuck or rusted. In this case, you can slightly use a tool to pry or tap the fuel tank cap while pressing the fuel tank cap switch. Below is relevant information about the fuel tank cap: 1. The fuel tank cap refers to the cap on the car's fuel tank used for storing gasoline. It is square-shaped, made of stainless steel, and has excellent sealing. There is only a small circular opening, about the size of a bottle cap, which facilitates storage. It is usually located at the rear of the car. 2. If the fuel tank cap cannot be opened, you can try starting from the trunk. First, remove the liner inside the trunk that covers the fuel tank. The liner is usually secured by some plastic clips and can be easily pried open with a screwdriver. After removing the liner, you can see the locking mechanism of the fuel tank cap and the cable used for remote operation. Simply pull the cable to open the fuel tank cap. If this doesn't work, you can press the movable part of the locking mechanism while continuously pulling the cable, and the fuel tank cap will open easily. Some car models have a dedicated switch on the locking mechanism; pressing this switch will open the fuel tank cap.
I remember one time when I was refueling, the fuel tank cap just wouldn’t pop open no matter what, and I was sweating bullets in frustration. Later, I found out it might have been due to the spring in the cap aging or getting jammed by dirt—this tends to happen more often in freezing weather. Some cars also have an electric or mechanical lock that might not be disengaged, preventing the cap from popping, so always check if the key has unlocked it first. As a seasoned long-distance driver, my advice is to first try gently tapping the cap a few times to see if it loosens up. If that doesn’t work, inspect the small linkage rod for deformation or rust, and add some engine oil for lubrication if needed. Never force it open, as damaging the fuel tank could lead to serious issues. Another factor is seasonal temperature changes—plastic parts expand and contract with the heat and cold, which can cause them to get stuck. This incident reminded me to regularly maintain the fuel tank cap, clearing out dust or wiping it with a soft cloth to prevent the same problem from happening again.
