How to Troubleshoot the Gas Cap on a 2004 Chevy Truck
The gas cap is one of the most underrated pieces of vehicle safety equipment. On one side is a large tank full of very flammable liquid, and on the other side is a world full of sparks and hot metal just waiting to set the tank on fire. Making sure your gas cap is in good working condition and sealing the gas tank correctly is one of the simplest and oft-forgotten safety checks you can make on your 2004 Chevy truck.
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Instructions
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Open the gas cap cover (the plastic piece that covers the gas cap) and remove the gas cap. Look carefully at the inside of the neck leading to the gas tank and check for any deformation from overtightening.
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Check the gas cap for any deformation of the threads from overtightening.
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Look at the top of the gas cap for any cracks or deep scratches in the top. Turn the cap upside down and look for any damage to the O-ring. This could include breaks, cracks, thinning, discoloration or anything else that looks out of place.
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Check the seal of the gas cap. Usually a bad seal will cause a check engine light. You can also check the seal by putting the cap on, sitting on the side of the truck bed and bouncing up and down to see whether any gas seeps out. You can also drive and look for any gas residue around the edge of the cap after you stop.
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Watch for subtle problems with the cap. These could include high gas mileage or gas splashing down the side of the truck.
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Replace the gas cap if you notice any signs of trouble.
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Tips & Warnings
You may find a replacement gas cap at a local filling station. Most have a lot of caps that have been left behind by motorists.
Do not smoke while around the gas cap, gas is very flammable.
References
- Photo Credit pumping gas image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
