Gas cap warning message - help

Upinsmoke · 01-04-2021, 03:39 PM

Hi, we're traveling and, stupidly, I lost the gas cap to the RV. The tether was broken and so I set it on the ground and promptly drove off.

I picked up a new one, Stant, but it is a generic one and although it appears to be vented, the RV didn't like it. Some time the next day I received the error message to check gas cap. Which I did. I even loosened it a little but to no avail.
I can clear the message from the display but only temporarily. As soon as I shut off the RV and restart it, the message comes back.

So, the question(s) is how do I get the correct cap short of ordering from Winnie and, how do I permanently clear the code? Maybe an OBD?

We're in Charleston currently for two more days and there is a Camping World here if necessary. No need to discuss pros & cons of CW here - thanks.

Any thoughts/help would be appreciated.

Winterbagoal · 01-04-2021, 03:57 PM

Can you go back to where you refueled and see if someone turned it in to the cashier? I did that once before, years ago, drove nearly 50 miles, realized I'd left it on top of the pump, turned around and went back to the truck stop. Almost 2 hours had passed and when I walked in, the cashier had it behind the counter.

rk911 · 01-04-2021, 03:57 PM

you're getting the alert message because the cap is too loose, not too tight. the cause is a bad, or in the case of the new cap, an insufficient seal. until you can get a proper gas cap nothing bad will happen as far as the engine or performance is concerned except you'll be annoyed. for an exact replacement try a google search for 'OEM cas cap XXX' where XXX is the year, make and model of your RV. or contact Winnebago Tech Support/Parts at 1-800-537-1885.

powercat_ras · 01-04-2021, 04:16 PM

Gas cap is a Ford part, don't call Winnebago. Just go to any Ford dealer with your VIN # and they can provide if in stock or order you one. I've lost one before and that's how I resolved it.

rk911 · 01-04-2021, 04:29 PM

and the next time you refuel and the gas cap has no tether just put it on the driver's seat before you start to re-fuel. you'll never lose it again.

Morich · 01-04-2021, 05:01 PM

Random guess but it might also be worth checking a few auto parts stores for the chassis you have like a Ford F53, etc.???

Upinsmoke · 01-05-2021, 07:04 AM

Thanks! I think I'll start with a local Ford dealer and go from there.

Does anyone (with a similar unit or maybe even any of the F53 chassis) happen to have, or you you get, a pic of your gas cap? I'd like to have one to show whomever it is that may have them.

Thanks

Upinsmoke · 01-05-2021, 07:47 AM

OP here - thanks, no further help needed, I found one at a local Ford dealer. $25 bucks but it will be over and done with - thanks again.

Cooperhawk · 01-05-2021, 08:50 AM

Our fuel cap has a ridge over the top and after losing a couple over the years I drilled a hole through it and attached it to the tank opening with a nylon cord. Haven't lost one since, but I do have a spare with me if I do.

Upinsmoke · 01-11-2021, 04:05 AM

OP here. One final thing, the "check fuel cap" warning light reset automatically without me having to do anything.
Thanks again.