Not liking the capless gas cap system on 2017s

Sean Neilan · December 29, 2016

Then I guess I would convert it. Still, I am pretty sure that the outcry from the farmer/rancher/construction crowd ought to help. But then, the OEM's generally have forgotten that segment of their base. It shows in their pickup design and offerings. At least I won't have to worry about it for a while. By then, the long term results will be known.

The system is "proven"? By whom and in what way? Has it been proven to withstand have dirt caked on it and not letting any of that thru when a person fills up their tank? Kinda one of those torture test examples that are normal out here in fly over country. Well considering that no one in my area, that is, all the farmer/rancher types that live and work around me including myself, have even seen one of these capless systems in our pickups, let alone experienced how "proven" it is. Just because it has worked out ok for the city crowd doesn't mean that it is "proven". We have all seen how "proven" some of the things the OEM's have done actually worked out over time.

Ford has had the capless system since 2008. I'm sure plenty of ranchers and farmers have a Ford truck newer than 2008. Edited December 29, 2016 by novembervictor

Boardmember · December 29, 2016

GM needed some means to distinguish the new model year trucks. This, and some of the other observations posted here are most likely I would guess.

As far as GM forgetting the farmer/rancher/working population (referenced above, no quote), that's what Hillary did and you see what that got her...

Donstar · December 29, 2016

I am certain somebody would eventually claim that GM is 10 years behind the times if they didn't offer a capless fuel filler. Older pickups were without a fuel door and I thought these were frivolous when they were added. I believe that with the flapper in the filler tube and a snug fitting fuel door a screw on cap is redundant.

Daryl Z71 · December 29, 2016

You can buy a cap to plug it. Don't know why anyone thought this was a good idea.

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Probably because Ford did it. Half of their stupid ideas end up on other trucks because the F-150 is so "great".

Boardmember · December 29, 2016

Ok, off topic just a little, but GM didn't copy Ford's tailgate step for bed access. The recessed step pads in the bumper work much better, less expensive, lighter than the Ford contraption. But they're so distinctive in appearance, no one can copy them.

Things that are hidden u dear gas flaps are fair game I guess. I have a '16 with the prehistoric screw-on cap and tether. Now that many of the gas stations in my area have removed the little ratchet stop for the gas dispenser, my gas cap serves that purpose completely. In this case, I think I have the better option.

Cowpie · December 29, 2016

Yeah, and Ford is not a big seller in my neck of the woods. Only one guy around me has a Ford, a F250 and older than 2010.

Thomcat · December 30, 2016

It's not about owner laziness and the added 8 second it takes to take off, put on the cap. Probably more about idiots not putting the cap on tight.. then the truck throws a code, and they head to the dealer. It just waste time for everyone. Like said above, less human involvement is good.

Agree - a complex solution for a simple problem. Evidently the engineers on different car lines don't talk to one another - seems some came to a simple solution for the simple problem

Someone woke up with the Impala/LaCrosse/Caddy XST carline. Instead of a redesigning the proven 100 year old fill system my '17 Impala throws a message in the DIC specific for a loose cap in addition to the confusing engine light. In fact the DIC posts hundreds of descriptive messages for a specific condition instead of just the engine light. With cheap memory and LCD screens permitting posting of a large amount of data including complex figures and text, there is simply no reason why carmakers cannot include a complete diagnostic description of all trouble conditions that lead to the engine light, including severity of the problem!

From '17 manual:

134 Instruments and Controls

Fuel System Messages

FUEL LEVEL LOW

This message displays when the

vehicle is low on fuel. Refuel as

soon as possible.

TIGHTEN GAS CAP

This message displays when the

fuel cap is not on tight. Tighten the

fuel cap.

BIGDOGx · December 30, 2016

I have driven for over 25 years now and have never once had a engine light flip on because i failed to tighten a gas cap.

The real reason for this is imo...

gas cap =.25 cents give or take per vehicle x 500,000-800,000 per year! You do this to every model you make and your talking a large amount of money saved. Same reason why we no longer get under hood lighting or a ash tray and a cig lighter. All things that add up to major amounts of revenue when you produce major volume like the big 3 truck lines do.

CounterMeasure · January 1, 2017

My experience with the capless systems is they are overall a better design than a cap system. A cap works for its design; creating a seal and keeping debris out when tightened. But they don't do anything for dirt and dust that builds up on the filler neck, so any debris on the edge or on top has a chance to fall in once you remove the cap. The capless systems that completely cover the filler neck and seal on the compartment base prevent this from happening.

If my next truck was capless, I'd be happy with that. To me, it means a simpler system that seals up even better and gives me a locking filler cover instead of me having to go buy a locking cap.

Silverado4x4 · January 1, 2017

Yeah, and Ford is not a big seller in my neck of the woods. Only one guy around me has a Ford, a F250 and older than 2010.

You know I noticed that Cowpie when I had to go out to Sperry Iowa I bet I saw 20-30 Chevys and Dodge's to 1 Ford.

Pearl2017 · January 1, 2017

Think about it for a second ...a cap is on the outside with a seal trying to mechanically contain pressurized fumes ...the capless system uses the tanks internal pressure to keep the INWARD opening cover sealed when not in use. Is It a case of saving a few cents ...Yes but it also makes good engineering sense.

07Softail · January 1, 2017

Well, with all the nanny state nonsense that keeps coming out, it is becoming very clear that I will not be buying any new pickup. My 2015 will have to be my last. Will have to make a condition to any dealer before a sale... if it has a capless system, remove it and make a capped system or no sale. If I ever am so desperate in need of a new vehicle and there is no way around not having a capless system, will have to find a work around. I understand some liking this sort of thing, but I have to travel several miles of dusty gravel roads to and from the house just to get to the nearest highway. Already lot of dirt builds up in the fuel fill area. Some stupid capless nonsense is sure to let in some dirt and debris. We need to have OEM's that actually make pickups and not luxury cars trying to imitate pickups.

100% Agreed! My 14 will be the last if I have anything to do with it! I just watched a short video of a spokesperson for ford explaining this so call feature. Apparently someone complained about the odor of gasoline when dropping a few droplets of fuel while refueling LMFAO! Well they have a funnel that is stored inside the vehicle if you have to use a gas can to add fuel to the vehicle, now you will have to store the smelly ass funnel inside the vehicle after filling up GREAT... go to know that these stupid engineers are on the job with all of their WORTHLESS GADGETRY!! This country is filled with idiots and it's only getting worse by the day!

RT

Edited January 1, 2017 by 07Softail

Sean Neilan · January 1, 2017

Or just like, put the funnel in the bed. And I can honestly say in 16 years of driving I have put gas in my vehicle with a gas can exactly once, and that was on my 1969 Camaro that had a busted gas gauge.

MikeNH · January 2, 2017

Or just like, put the funnel in the bed. And I can honestly say in 16 years of driving I have put gas in my vehicle with a gas can exactly once, and that was on my 1969 Camaro that had a busted gas gauge.

Yep. Never, ever run a vehicle out of gas before. If someone does, leave the funnel in the bed till you get to the gas station and the gas will likely have evaporated by then. Non-issue.