Opening the fuel tank cap

Follow the steps below when preparing to open the fuel tank cap and refuel the Toyota Tacoma safely.

Before refueling the vehicle

  • Turn the engine switch off, then make sure all doors and windows are fully closed before beginning the refueling procedure.
  • Confirm that the correct type of fuel will be used before inserting the fuel nozzle.

 Fuel tank opening for unleaded gasoline

To reduce the possibility of filling the Toyota Tacoma with an incorrect fuel, the fuel tank opening is designed to accept the special nozzle used on unleaded gasoline pumps. This design helps distinguish the proper fueling equipment during normal refueling.

WARNING

When refueling the vehicle

Observe all of the following precautions whenever the vehicle is being refueled. Ignoring these safety measures can create a fire, injury, or other serious hazard that may result in death or serious injury.

  • After getting out of the Toyota Tacoma and before opening the fuel filler door, touch an unpainted metal surface to discharge static electricity from your body. This is especially important before handling the fuel cap or nozzle, because a spark caused by static electricity can ignite fuel vapors around the filler opening.
  • Grip the fuel tank cap securely and loosen it slowly rather than removing it abruptly.

    A whooshing sound may be heard as pressure inside the fuel tank is released. Wait until this sound has completely stopped before removing the cap. During hot weather, fuel may be under pressure and could spray from the filler neck if the cap is opened too quickly, creating a risk of injury.

  • Do not allow anyone who has not discharged static electricity from their body to approach or touch the open fuel filler area.
  • Avoid breathing fuel vapors while refueling.

    Fuel vapors contain substances that can be harmful when inhaled, so keep your face away from the filler neck and nozzle area.

  • Never smoke while refueling the vehicle.

    An open flame, cigarette, or other ignition source can ignite gasoline vapors and cause a fire.

  • Once static electricity has been discharged, avoid returning to the vehicle or touching a person or object that may carry a static charge before refueling is complete. Static electricity can build up again and create an ignition hazard around exposed fuel vapors.

When refueling

Follow these precautions while filling the tank to prevent gasoline from overflowing or escaping from the fuel filler neck:

  • Insert the fuel nozzle securely and fully into the fuel filler neck before starting to dispense fuel.
  • Stop refueling as soon as the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off. Do not continue dispensing fuel after the automatic shutoff operates.
  • Do not attempt to top off the fuel tank after the nozzle has stopped automatically.

NOTICE

Refueling

Take care not to spill gasoline on the Toyota Tacoma while refueling.

Spilled fuel can damage vehicle components and finishes. It may interfere with proper operation of the emission control system, damage parts of the fuel system, or harm painted exterior surfaces if it is not handled properly.

Opening the fuel tank cap

1. Open the fuel filler door to gain access to the fuel tank cap.

Toyota Tacoma fuel filler door opened for refueling

2. Grasp the fuel tank cap and turn it slowly until it can be removed. After removing the cap, place it securely in the holder provided on the inside of the fuel filler door so it does not hang against the vehicle body.

Toyota Tacoma fuel tank cap placed in holder on fuel filler door

Closing the fuel tank cap

After refueling is complete, reinstall the fuel tank cap and turn it until a click is heard. The click confirms that the cap has reached the secured position. After it is released, the cap may rotate slightly in the opposite direction, which is part of its normal operation.

Toyota Tacoma fuel tank cap being tightened after refueling

 When "Check Fuel Cap" is displayed on the multi-information display

If "Check Fuel Cap" appears on the multi-information display, the fuel tank cap may be loose or may not have been fastened correctly. Turn the engine switch to OFF, inspect the cap, and tighten it securely until it is properly seated. If the message remains displayed, wait several seconds and then turn the engine switch to OFF once again so the system can recheck the condition.

WARNING

When replacing the fuel tank cap

If the fuel tank cap must be replaced, use only a genuine Toyota fuel tank cap specifically designed for the Toyota Tacoma. Installing an unsuitable cap may prevent the fuel system from sealing or operating correctly and could contribute to a fire or another hazardous incident resulting in death or serious injury.