Hello everyone!

This may be a bit of a silly question, but I noticed on my new 2011 Outie ES that the gas cap can be really hard to twist open. Is this due to tight tolerances or suction from the gas tank? Is there a fix or service bulletin about this?

I don't want to appear too wimpy, but I have arthritis in my hands. Also, my wife will never be able to twist this thing off. (I've done all the fill ups so far.)

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

Its normal. If you don't tighten it enough you will get a check engine light. Suction will build up as the tank drains, making it harder to open.

 

My '09 is the same way.

 

Maybe a Permanent cap like the Kleen Permacap would help, no unscrewing required.

The Permanent Gas Cap

 

Also there is many design of gas cap wrench Just Google that for a search.

An example

 

Thanks for the tips. That PermaCap site looks like it hasn't been updated in many years. No price or address information either. Maybe the wrench is a better idea.