frozen/seized locking gas cap and low on gas.

[380]

I have 1/8 tank of gas left But I am unable to fill it up because I can’t remove my locking gas cap. Idk if its jammed or frozen but I can’t even insert the key. I’ve had the gas cap for about a year now and have never had a problem until now. There’s a metal slot in the center of the lock that u would normally slip the key past, but its the part that has jammed. I even attempted to push it open with my finger nail but it won’t budge.

We were hit by a snow storm and the car has been parked since Tuesday night in freezing temps, but there is no visible ice or moisture any where around the cap or lock.

Does anyone know of a good way to remove the gas cap? Preferably without drilling.

Thanks,

Topic

[380]

P.s.

It’s a 1997 Chevy cavalier with an after market gas cap. I think I got it from auto zone.

[scott37300]

If it is frozen you might try putting some of those hand warmer packets on top of it. I’ve never tried this and don’t know if it would work but it’s about the only safe way I can think of to thaw it.

[Oscar Lopez]

How about pouring some hot water on it and see if it budges. The locking mechanism on the cap might become rusty (and damaged) but it’s either that or drilling it out . Either way you’ll need a new one…

Another option would be to push it with a small flat head screwdriver.

Oscar.

[Roy French]

If it’s the twist off type you just grab the outside firmly with channel locks. You will compress the outer edge allowing you to twist it right off. It doesn’t even damage the cap.
Iv’e done this many times back when I drove tow truck for AAA.

[380]

Thank You for all of the replies.

I ended up getting a rag and rinsing it under hot for awhile and then ringed it out. Then I covered the gas cap with the rag and held it there for a minute and keep rearranging it in order to keep the hot part of the rag over the lock. And it worked! After that I took it off and brought it inside to thaw out, before quickly running to the gas station before it could freeze again.

I really like the hand warmer suggestion. I didn’t need it this time, but I might carry some in the glove box from now on, just in case.

[bigmeat]

Might consider buying some lock deicer to carry with you. I had a problem with a geo tracker when we had freezing rain. I just applies vasoline over the key hole to keep the water out.

[college man]

Glad you got it off.All great suggestions above.
Try wd-40 on the cap and lock.It may repel the water.

[Nick Warner]

Methyl Hydrate can break loose the ice crystals too. You can find it at truck stops. They sell it as air brake antifreeze.

[EricTheCarGuy]

Glad you got it sorted out. +1 on getting some lock deicer to prevent it from happening again in the future.

[Author]

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