i want to get a locking fuel cap toreduce the chance ofhaving gas stolen. i was told by a mechanic at aa dodge dealership that i dont need to get one because there is a screen in the fuel fill shaft to keep from siphoning. i have never heard this before and honestly dont believe it. anyone know anything about this?

 

I've heard of some vehicles having it, but I am not sure if our trucks have it or not. Basically, partway down the fill tube there is a screen, which prevents people from sticking a hose down the fill tube to siphon gas out. It certainly wouldn't hurt to add a locking gas cap and would have the added benefit of preventing people from adding anything to your tank. However I have two caveats:

1. I got the locking gas cap for my old Dakota and it was a pain because the mechanism wasn't very good and the key frequently had problems turning. Maybe they have improved on the design now though.

2. Thieves are now drilling (or punching holes) in the tanks and letting gravity do the work to steal gas. No locking gas cap of screen will prevent this type of theft.

 

Sorry to necro an old thread but I am having to ship my Dakota and I put too much gas in it (must be 1/4 tank or less). Being supposedly maintenance savy I thought hell, I'll just siphon the extra gas and put it in my Jeep.... Plot twist... There is in fact something blocking the filler neck and preventing me from sticking a hose in the tank.... Looks like I'll be driving circles around Hawaii for a little while in the morning!