Coding your GM locking gas cap DIY

[GVA 45TH 2SS]

Originally Posted by TCAT

So, I just set up this locking gas cap, and installed the cylinder into the plastic gas cap. I thought I did it correctly because the key moved smoothly and I am absolutely positive all the tumblers are perfect, but I'm second guessing if this is functioning correctly now. Maybe this is a crazy question, but when I insert the car key into the gas cap, when I turn it to the right, the lock refuses to let my car keys out of lock. It literally is stuck in there, but when I turn the key 90 degrees to the left to its starting position, the car key comes right out. Now, this can't possibly be normal for the gas cap to "lock" my keys into position when turned fully one of the directions, or is it?

What may I have done incorrectly, and is it reversible?

Yes you put key in and turn key clockwise, (key stays captive)
turn cap CCW to unscrew.
I usually start to unscrew cap then turn key back to start, then pull key out (before cap is fully released from filler neck.)

[TCAT]

Originally Posted by GVA 45TH 2SS

Yes you put key in and turn key clockwise, (key stays captive)
turn cap CCW to unscrew.
I usually start to unscrew cap then turn key back to start, then pull key out (before cap is fully released from filler neck.)

Thanks! That's good to know. This locking cap works like a charm. Your directions were simply and to the point. Thanks a ton, and have a happy holidays.

[Mr_Draco]

Originally Posted by chozn4service

32yrs of police work I've yet to see one popped off not saying it hasn't happened. Just like stealing without or without an alarm or wheels without locks. Thieves typically move on to something that requires less work and effort. Now if they go out and just damage the hell out of the car I would tend to say it was more of a personal thing or just plain stupidity!

Thieves don't care about your gas tank. Plus it's pretty common knowledge that gas tanks in cars for the past few years have anti-siphon tubes so they can't steal gas. The thing to worry about is someone adding something to your tank and the only ones that will mess with your tank is either a) juveniles who is out doing it for kicks, b) someone you pissed off and is doing it for spite or c) doing it out of jealousy. All three types will not be deterred by a locking gas door as they are targeting your car specifically and as such will cause further damage to your vehicle prying the door off.

[chozn4service]

Well my key was working within the lock perfectly and I pushed the lock into the cap and it still worked correctly. Then I did as the instructions said and that was to insert the key and function the lock 3 times which I did and the lock went all the way in into its final resting place. Key turns and all but the key won't come out. Did I fudge up?

Help!

[45th anniversary 2ss]

where are you guys buying your gas caps? i've looked on some gm parts sites and they sell for $14 and free shipping but have a $10 "handling" charge.

[MMC]

Turn the key back to the locked position and you can remove it.

[chozn4service]

Originally Posted by MMC

Turn the key back to the locked position and you can remove it.

I got mine at GMPartsDirect and price is not my issue right now.

Now that the the lock is seated, and the key is in the lock, its not turning any direction at all though it was working fine initially. Glad I didn't stick on the refill neck. If I don't get it working right I hope a locksmith can at least surgically get my key back out, damn the cap!

[TCAT]

Originally Posted by 45th anniversary 2ss

where are you guys buying your gas caps? i've looked on some gm parts sites and they sell for $14 and free shipping but have a $10 "handling" charge.

Rock Auto has it for $15.42, but they only charge a couple dollars for shipping. So, you'll likely only spend about $18 or less for the total price.

If this link doesn't take you straight to it, just search part number GT344.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

[GVA 45TH 2SS]

Originally Posted by chozn4service

I got mine at GMPartsDirect and price is not my issue right now.

Now that the the lock is seated, and the key is in the lock, its not turning any direction at all though it was working fine initially. Glad I didn't stick on the refill neck. If I don't get it working right I hope a locksmith can at least surgically get my key back out, damn the cap!

Try to wiggle the key up and down it sounds like a tumbler wasn't quite right.

or I don't know if its possible, but did you put the sleeve on backward?
Like I said I don't even know if its possible for it to go on backwards, but looking back through the pics there is a notch on one end and it may have locked onto the brass keeper...
I would try to turn the key CCW while tapping the cap on a table maybe that will jar the key/ tumbler/sleeve free.

If the tumblers are wrong or the sleeve is backwards you might as well count on the cap needing to be replaced
Sorry I was at work 14 hours today no time to respond to PM's

[chozn4service]

Believe it or not I just now got the whole thing to come back out, lock and all. Once I did that the key came came out of the lock. The brass locking tab is slight bent but that can put easily bent back into shape. Also the lock does work with the key now that it's out again. I don't know what's going on but I'm open.

[45th anniversary 2ss]

thanks TCAT, just bought it

[chozn4service]

Thanks all and got mine working! Don't know what was going on but I lucked out in being able to pull the lock back out and re-seating it. Works perfectly and now to put it in place of the original none locking cap.

[TCAT]

Originally Posted by 45th anniversary 2ss

thanks TCAT, just bought it

Absolutely! Enjoy!

[chozn4service]

Wish the tether wasn't so dang hard! The one on the car came off, how I don't know but there is something preventing me from using the new one.
Anyone get past this obstacle yet?