What could be the cause of a loose gas cap for a Honda Civic?

Answer by  Allstar (2071)

Some gas caps have a ratchet in them to prevent over-tightening; it'll turn and click when it's tight enough. Don't know if Honda's do that, though. If you want to check to see if your gas cap is broken, go to an auto parts store, buy a replacement, and see if it still does it.

Answer by  James916 (539)

You more than likely need to buy a new gas cap. The plastic threads that are on the gas cap are possibly stripped out, causing the gas cap to be loose, because it cannot be tightened all the way.

Answer by  redmaro42 (48)

Check the gas cap's rubber seal and see if it is ripped or damaged in any way. Also check the threads and make sure they are not stripped at all. Depending on the year civic there are different style caps. Also make sure when tightening cap that it is being tightened straight and not threading on crooked.

Answer by  Amber40 (24961)

Gas caps are not supposed to be air tight. This could cause too much pressure in the system. The cap has a special mechanism that allows the system to vent.

Answer by  beck (1099)

Either the threads have stripped on the cap or the devise in the head that makes it click has broken. I would check junkyards for one but all-in-all they are fairly cheap from a place like NAPA or Autozone, usually no more than 10 dollars.

Answer by  JRossi17 (788)

One problem could be the threading on the gas cap is bad. Another could be that the wrong gas cap was put on the car. If you go to a place like autozone you can get a new gas cap for under $10.