MetaChat - I have an emergency AskMe

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05 November 2007

I have an emergency AskMe As in, I won't be able to get to work tomorrow (only 2nd day on new job!) if I can't solve this problem. If no one can answer it here, will someone let me use their question?→[More:]Fiance is out of town, I am using his truck. He has a locking gas cap. I lost my key for said cap, and the low fuel light has been on for 20 miles (miraculously I made it home). Of course, he has the other key.

1. Is there any way to break into a locking gas cap?
2. Who should I call to resolve said issue? Locksmith? Mechanic? (We don't have AAA or other roadside assistance.)

We have no other car, relatives are miles away, and no public transportation. Please help.

post by: desjardins at: 19:17 | 12 comments

I have an askme question available. Do you want me to just cut, copy and paste your question as is?

posted by getoffmylawn 05 November | 19:26

I've always got questions available.

This is a dumb question, but is there any chance whatsoever that you could find the key?

posted by box 05 November | 19:33

This site says call a locksmith.

posted by mudpuppie 05 November | 19:38

I would call the dealer where I got the truck and ask for their advice.

posted by iconomy 05 November | 19:43

iconomy has it, I think, as long as the locking cap is OEM and not aftermarket. If you do decide to get desperate and smash the cap off, remember that you will make sparks and these are highly likely to set fire to your fuel tank, destroying your fiance's car (and you still won't have the cap off).

A locksmith is what you will probably end up with, but the dealer may have a simple solution for you, such as a hidden release that can be accessed from inside the car or some hint as to how to get the cap off.

posted by dg 05 November | 20:12

I have no questions or answers but hope something works out!!!

posted by youngergirl44 05 November | 20:21

Thanks all... I stupidly thought I could make it one mile to an auto parts store, and they'd have something I could use. Well, I ran out of gas on the way there, a police car showed up, and I had the truck towed home. The cop, the tow driver, and a friend who works at a body shop all shrugged their shoulders when I told them I didn't have the key, so I guess the only good solution is to wait for my fiance to get home with the key.

I'm borrowing fiance's mom's car for work tomorrow. I owe that lady... well, a LOT, by now.

I haven't worked in months and this was my first day at the new job! On top of that my pants zipper ripped!

posted by desjardins 05 November | 20:49

What an ordeal! I hope things get better for you, desjardins.

posted by jrossi4r 05 November | 20:59

Possibly stupid question: Are you sure it's not the same key that goes into the ignition?

posted by mudpuppie 05 November | 21:06

That would be altogether too convenient and sensible, wouldn't it?

That's the way it works on motorcycles, but I think that's more a case of safety regulations: engine to be turned off before dicking about with gasoline right above the exhaust manifold...

posted by Five Fresh Fish 05 November | 23:05

Unfortunately I know exactly what I'm looking for. It says "FUEL" in large letters on the key. I'm blaming the cat - he must have hidden it.

posted by desjardins 05 November | 23:39

Geez, what a day to have something like that happen. I'm glad it all worked out okay.

posted by deborah 05 November | 23:43

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