1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Gas cap is always loose

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Lioninstreet, Apr 25, 2024.

  1. Lioninstreet

    Lioninstreet Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2017
    21
    5
    0
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    I'm stuck with a CEL from a loose gas cap. All was good until I lent the car to a friend who forgot to put the cap back on when they gassed up and lost it. I picked up a replacement at auto zone (or advanced auto I forget which). That one wouldn't stay tight and would be loose at fuel up.

    Thinking it had to be an aftermarket crap cap, I've even tried spending the $45 :eek: on a genuine Toyota gas cap and even that is found loose when I fuel up. It just doesn't feel right when I try to tighten it up either.

    And yes, the o-ring is in place. It's driving me crazy. Any ideas?
     
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    10,950
    4,437
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Look closely at the metal tabs that the cap threads onto... I suspect you might see something that's a little bit bent that can be bent back into place with some pliers. If it's hard to figure out try to find someone with the same car and compare the difference.

    If all else fails, you could buy one of these and you, a friend or family member can learn how to replace it and we can help walk you through it:

    upload_2024-4-24_22-12-36.png
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Apr 25, 2024
    Last edited: Apr 25, 2024
  3. Lioninstreet

    Lioninstreet Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2017
    21
    5
    0
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    PriusCamper likes this.
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    8,265
    1,434
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    You know the generation 2 has two different cap types You can't mix them up One has two ears on it and one threads which do you have when you look at the tank hole behind your door there are two different types You might want to assess that out first. I have both types here I think the '09 is a screw in and the '07 has the tabs I would have to go physically look mine are original caps still have the strap that keeps them attached to the door and all that
     
  5. ColoradoCrow

    ColoradoCrow Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2019
    939
    382
    1
    Location:
    Leawood, KS
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    I
    Also try a layer of Vaseline or similar lube on the o ring. My wifes Mercedes has the CEL everytime we go back to Colorado and the altitude changes. More lube always helps I have found.
     
  6. Lioninstreet

    Lioninstreet Junior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2017
    21
    5
    0
    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    Interesting, thanks @ColoradoCrow

    Mine is an '08 I'll have to see if I still have the invoice and try to match a part number.
     
  7. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    8,265
    1,434
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    By just looking in the silver gold metal area with the fuel tank door open you can tell whether you have the two ears or the threaded cap well at least I can if I just look in the door.