Removing stock fuel tank cap (for replacement)

[crackhammer]

Hello folks,

My car has been throwing P0455 (or similar) code quite often. I took it to the mechanic a few times and he asked me to change the cap. I got a replacement OEM cap from QuickParts on Ebay but I am unable to take the cap cable out from the door. Its a simple click clip but there is not enough space for me that I can somehow push that clip to take it off.

I could cut that cable off to remove it but not too sure if that will cause any troubles.

A reference picture of newer Sentra fuel tank cap attached with arrow of what I am talking about.



Bonus question, how do you clean that area i.e. the door and area surround fuel tank opening?

Thanks in advance.

[ezb57e]

That clip will probably break when you try to take it off. Get a new one from the dealer.
You could cut the cable if you wanted. That will cause no problem except maybe a lost cap.
P0455 is a pretty big leak. Fuel caps aren't often (but can be) the source a leak this large.
Your evap vent control valve is a more likely suspect.
Go ahead and install that cap.
You can wash the cap/fill neck area just the same as the rest of the vehicle, its completely water/weather proof.

[crackhammer]

Thank you. I was planning to cut that piece yesterday anyways but waited.

I have tried all possible options with the mechanic and they keep telling me that they don't notice anything bad. Then the Service Engine came up for Oxygen sensor, he replaced it and told me that the front flex pipe is broken and the light will keep coming back. I replaced that too. The light came on again and he suggested, change the cap and if it comes again then we have a lot on our hands.

[ezb57e]

There really isn't anything to "notice". The valves stick partially open and set a large leak code. The system can be smoke tested, but even then if the valve is failing intermittently, you may not catch it.

[crackhammer]

I don't understand much in the auto. This is my first vehicle and although trying to learn, still far behind in the knowledge that I could suggest something to a mechanic. Now that I have replaced the cap, I will keep an eye on the light. Should it come back again, I will talk about the smoke test.

Thank you for the pointer.