Ask the Car People.SM


Hard to Remove Mitsubishi Outlander Gas Cap?

20 messages,  Last post on Jan 10, 2011 at 12:34 PM

You are in the Mitsubishi Outlander Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mitsubishi Outlander, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 2

#11 of 20 Re: FWD,AWD-AUTO OR AWD-LOCK? [comem47] by toomanyfumes

Sep 28, 2010 (7:00 am)

Replying to: comem47 (Sep 27, 2010 8:25 pm)
My AWD V6 will also spin the front tires in the rain in 2WD, even with the new tires. I use AWD in the rain, and throughout most of our Wisconsin winter.

#12 of 20 Re: Hard to Remove Gas Cap [tmjc1] by mitsumike

Oct 13, 2010 (7:56 pm)

Replying to: tmjc1 (Sep 06, 2010 5:06 am)
Does anyone know the number of the tech bulletin mentioned in Post #5?

#13 of 20 Re: FWD,AWD-AUTO OR AWD-LOCK? [westernone] by jonox

Oct 17, 2010 (4:08 pm)

Replying to: westernone (Sep 27, 2010 10:25 am)
The AWD is a notable features of your new vehicle be it the 4 or the 6 cylinder model. Many AWD vehicles do not have the option to select 2WD so fuel consumption is marginally higher due to the extra power required to drive four wheels all the time. The owners manual is pretty clear on when to use which drive - 2WD on dry tarmac and freeways. 4WD Auto in rainy or other potentially slippery conditions and 4WD Lock through deep snow, mud or on loose road surfaces, plus the ability to switch back and forth on the run.
One important drawback - when being towed all four wheels must be off the ground.

#14 of 20 Re: Hard to Remove Gas Cap [tmjc1] by dinabor

Oct 25, 2010 (4:11 pm)

Replying to: tmjc1 (Sep 06, 2010 5:06 am)
I was wrong about my "fix" with the lubrication. The problem came back when my wife needed to fuel it up next time. The cap was very hard to remove, so she had to ask gas station attendant for help again. We think that vacuum in the empty tank was causing some significant suction, making removal of the cap very hard. I came to the dealership and got the cap replaced, but that did not help. I wrote letter to MMNA and had follow up phone call back from their representative. I was told that this is "normal condition" in the vehicle and I "should not let the fuel tank to become this empty and I have to refuel the tank earlier".
I actually went speechless for a minute at the time when I heard that. I did request formal written reply from Mitsubishi with this conclusion. This is the first time, I had such incident with a new car (~1200 miles on it) and manufacturer rep is telling me not to use the feature of the car, the way it is intended and documented in owner's manual. I am still suspicious that it is ok to let the fuel tank to get refueled only when the fuel light comes on. Anyone else has the same experience with the fuel cap?
I forgot to tell the Mitsubishi lady on the phone, that folks on gas stations, that were helping my wife to unscrew the fuel cap, are not getting closer to become new Mitsubishi fans. (She did get some unpleasant jokes about our car choice instead). I am very sincere here.

#15 of 20 Re: Hard to Remove Gas Cap [dinabor] by fushigi

Oct 25, 2010 (6:47 pm)

Replying to: dinabor (Oct 25, 2010 4:11 pm)
After 10K miles mine is still stiff but it is easier to open than it was when new. Personally I think it's just a close tolerance and has nothing to do with the gas level. Gas tanks are vented, after all.

#16 of 20 Re: Hard to Remove Gas Cap [fushigi] by dinabor

Oct 25, 2010 (8:15 pm)

Replying to: fushigi (Oct 25, 2010 6:47 pm)
Thank you for your reply, fushigi. I do notice that after the bad case, next minute re-try on removal of the cap is normal and does not require excessive force. This coincidence was causing an impression, that the issue is fixed. Then when the tank is getting filled up and again become near empty (when the fuel light is on), the problem is back. Hence I started to believe in the suction theory. May be you are right, but still the effort needed to operate on this cap is not acceptable on consumer grade car. There is a problem. Sorry, I did not understand your phrase about "close tolerance".

#17 of 20 Re: Hard to Remove Gas Cap [dinabor] by rcpax

Oct 26, 2010 (1:30 am)

Replying to: dinabor (Oct 25, 2010 8:15 pm)
I don't think you can overtighten it either, because it gets tight to a point then it starts clicking. It's just how it was designed I suppose. You might want to consider a "racing type" gas cap. I saw one at Meijer. it's a gas cap with a valve.You don't have to open the cap. you just push the gas pump nozzle through the round flap, and pull the nozzle out when done. the round flap acts as a valve that "should" keep you gas cap sealed. I don't know if it will keep a tight seal though, that you won't end up with a check engine light. Might be worth to try. I think it's only a couple of $.

#18 of 20 Re: Hard to Remove Gas Cap [dinabor] by jonox

Oct 26, 2010 (6:51 am)

Replying to: dinabor (Oct 25, 2010 8:15 pm)
Check the warning notes in your owners manual, page 1-5. Suggest you try filling before the fuel light comes on to see if this makes a difference. The cap is a tight fit.

#19 of 20 Re: Hard to Remove Gas Cap [dinabor] by fushigi

Oct 26, 2010 (7:28 am)

Replying to: dinabor (Oct 25, 2010 8:15 pm)
By close tolerance I mean that the gas cap & fuel filler neck are close enough in size that it's a tight fit to get the cap on/off.

#20 of 20 Re: Hard to Remove Gas Cap [fushigi] by kiara2002

Jan 10, 2011 (12:34 pm)

Replying to: fushigi (Oct 26, 2010 7:28 am)
Bought generic gas tank cover at O'Reilly's. First shop insisted on only using an authentic Mitsubishi 2010 part, which was out of stock. But another shop just sold me a "Mitsubishi 2009" one, that works ok with the neck of my 2010 Outlander. (Do not know how would they be different. ) The new part opens quite better. By the way, there is vacuum inside of the tank that is formed when the fuel is consumed. It is just the vented cap is expected to balance the pressure in it. Thanks to everyone, who shared their thoughts.

Messages Page 2 of 2

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement