My “service engine soon” light came on 2 weeks ago. Because the tire kicks a lot of stones and water into the drainage hole just beneath the gas cap, there was a lot of buildup of rust on the metal part the gas cap screws onto, so I carefully sanded it down (after talking to the dealer). The light stayed on for several more days, so I also replaced the gas cap with a new one in case the rubber seal was too worn out with all the rust—however, the problem still remains.
Here’s my question: I think that the place where the fuel hose is inserted used to have a spring-loaded metal flap. I checked, and it certainly isn’t there anymore, if it ever was (what I remember is that after unscrewing the cap, you would see a flap covering the hole, and then insertion of the fuel hose into the tank would temporarily push it down).
Could someone please do me a big favor and check to see whether they have a flap covering their fuel tank opening? Also, while you’re at it, do you have a guard covering the drainage hole (directly beneath the screw-off gas cap). I noticed it on the 2006 models, but mine doesn’t have it.