How to open the fuel cap on a Ford Ranger?
Open the fuel cap by releasing the fuel door from inside the cab or, on capless systems, by pressing the door itself. The exact method depends on the Ranger’s generation and whether it uses a traditional tethered cap or a capless filler.
Where to find the fuel door release
On most Ford Rangers, the fuel door is located on the driver’s side rear quarter panel. If your model uses a dedicated interior release lever, it’s typically found on the lower left side of the dash or the kick panel near the driver’s seat. Some newer Rangers use a capless filler with no interior lever; in those cases you simply press on the outer edge of the door to pop it open.
Fuel cap types you might encounter
There are two common configurations for Ranger models today: a traditional cap with a tether and a capless fuel filler. In the conventional system, you open the fuel door, unscrew and remove the cap, then fuel and replace the cap. In a capless system, there is no cap to remove; you open the door and insert the fueling nozzle directly, then close the door after fueling.
Step-by-step instructions
Use the following steps for both configurations, noting where the process diverges for capless versus traditional caps.
- Park safely, set the parking brake, and turn off the engine.
- Release the fuel door: if your Ranger has an interior release lever, pull it. If your model is capless, proceed to the next step.
- Open the fuel door: for a traditional cap, the door will swing open; for capless systems, press on the outer edge of the door to pop it open.
- Access the filler:
- Traditional cap: unscrew the fuel cap counterclockwise, set it on the tether, and prepare to fill.
- Capless: there is no cap to remove; just align the fueling nozzle with the filler opening.
- Fill the tank: insert the nozzle and fill to the desired level. If you removed a traditional cap, replace and tighten it before closing the door.
- Close the fuel door: push it shut until it latches and sits flush against the body.
With either system, the fuel door should close securely and sit flush after fueling.
Summary
Whether your Ford Ranger uses a traditional tethered cap or a capless filler, fueling is straightforward. Find the interior release if your model uses one, or simply press the capless door to open. For traditional caps, unscrew and replace the cap; for capless systems, just insert the nozzle and close the door when finished. When in doubt, consult the owner's manual for model-specific instructions.
