Just saved a friend a couple of hundred dollars by rekeying his gas cap myself

[theking]

So he bought an aftermarket gas cap but want his ignition key to work on it. He called around and some Locksmiths were quoting him "$200" so I'm like, let me help you out.

Here are the two options...

Option 1: Just grind off the wafers that don't align with the key..

Pro: easier, saves time...Con: the remaining wafers will still lock the cap but won't be as strong because instead of 6, there may only be 2-3 wafers left to lock it.


Option 2: Pull the wafers out and re-align it so it'll fit the new key...

pros: most if not all the wafers will remain to lock the cap...Con: takes more time as the lock cylinder will have to be disassembled to get the wafers out to re-align.


I went with option 2 because it's better IMO:

[Cali Guy]

Nice of you and good info for future references since many pickup trucks I’ve seen just have the simple no lock manual unlock from outside.

[DuMa]

Got to make a disclaimer that tampering with the gas cap can cause the check engine light to come on. 


https://www.sterlingmccalltoyota.com/what-are-the-indicators-of-a-bad-gas-cap/

[theking]

The previous owner replaced the OEM gas cap with this aftermarket non-locking one for simplicity:

[theking]

But my friend prefers a lockable gas cap for peace of mind reasons. He didn't want to pay high $$$ for an OEM one so he went with this aftermarket one:

[theking]

I think it's a good idea to have a locking gas cap. Not so much worry about FRUADs stealing gas but more so idiots pouring stuff into the gas tank just for fun...