How do I open the gas tank on a Honda Pilot?
Unlock the vehicle and use the interior fuel-door release to open the gas tank. If your model lacks an interior release, the fuel door can be opened from the outside after unlocking, then you’ll access the fill neck and either remove a gas cap or use a capless filler as applicable.
Where to find the interior fuel-door release
On most Honda Pilot models, the interior release is a small lever or switch located on the driver's side—typically near the kick panel or the lower dash, sometimes at the base of the driver’s seat. If you locate this release, use it first to pop the fuel door open from inside the vehicle.
- Ensure the vehicle is unlocked before attempting the interior release.
- Locate the fuel-door release lever or button on the driver’s side, often near the floor by the left kick panel or under the dashboard.
- Pull the lever or press the button firmly to release the fuel door. You should hear a click indicating it is unlocked.
- Step outside to complete the fueling process at the outside fuel door.
Note: Some model years or trims may not include an interior fuel-door release. In those cases, proceed with the exterior method described below.
Open the fuel door from the outside (no interior release)
If your Pilot doesn’t have an interior release, you can still access the fuel tank from outside after you’ve unlocked the doors. Follow these steps:
- Walk to the rear passenger-side quarter panel where the fuel door is located.
- Gently press on the center of the fuel door or pull on its edge to unlatch it. The door should spring open or be easy to swing outward once unlatched.
- If your model uses a traditional gas cap, twist the cap counterclockwise to remove it. If your Pilot uses a capless fuel system, there will be no cap to remove.
- Proceed to fill the tank with the nozzle, following standard fueling procedure.
- After fueling, reseal the filler (tighten the cap if applicable) and close the fuel door until it latches.
Tip: Always confirm you have fully latched the fuel door and tightened the gas cap (if equipped) before driving away.
Fuel-fill configurations and what to expect
Most Honda Pilot models continue to use a traditional threaded gas cap with a tether. Some later models may feature a capless filler system, which means there is no cap to twist off. In capless systems, you simply insert the fueling nozzle and remove it when finished; the system seals automatically.
- Traditional cap: unscrew the gas cap counterclockwise, refuel, then screw the cap back on until it clicks.
- Capless system: no cap to remove; insert the nozzle and fuel, then remove the nozzle when done.
If you encounter a stubborn fuel door, avoid forcing it. Check whether the interior release is engaged, or try unlocking and re-locking the doors and then attempting again. If the door still won’t open, consult your owner’s manual for the exact year/trim guidance or contact a Honda dealer.
Summary
Opening the Honda Pilot’s gas tank generally comes down to unlocking the vehicle and using either the interior fuel-door release or the exterior door mechanism. Most current Pilots place the interior release near the driver's left-side footwell or dash; if your model lacks that release, you can open the door from the outside after unlocking. Depending on the configuration, you’ll either remove a traditional gas cap or fuel capless filler. Always reseal the cap (or ensure the capless system is closed) after fueling and ensure the door latches shut.
