How to Open the Gas Tank on a Toyota RAV4

So, you’re having trouble opening the gas tank on a Toyota RAV4.

Perhaps it’s a rental vehicle, you borrowed it from a friend, or you are simply having trouble finding the release switch for the fuel door.

I don’t blame you. After owning my 2021 RAV4 for nearly a year, I still occasionally have trouble finding the release switch. On newer RAV4s, it is very easy to confuse the fuel door release with the hood release!

Toyota has used two different locations for the gas tank release lever since the RAV4 was released.

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Opening the Gas Tank CAP on a 2019-2023 Toyota RAV4

Finding the gas tank door release switch on a newer RAV4 can be particularly challenging. The release switch is difficult to see and is located right next to the engine hood release switch (both switches look identical!).

Here are the steps to open the gas tank door on a 2019-2023 Toyota RAV4:

1. Pull the Gas Cap Release Switch

Pull the gas cap release switch.

The Toyota RAV4’s gas cap release switch is located on the bottom section of the dashboard below the left side of the steering wheel. There are two switches look identical. The gas tank cap release is the switch on the left.

2. Remove the Gas Cap

Twist the gas cap to the left to remove it, then place it on the gas cap holder located on the inside of the fuel door.

At this point, you can proceed with fueling your RAV4.

3. Replace the Gas Cap and Close the Fuel Door

Once you’re done fueling, replace the gas cap and turn it to the right until you hear a click.

Once you’ve confirmed the gas cap is properly replaced, close the fuel door.

Opening the Gas Tank Door on a 1994-2018 Toyota RAV4

For older RAV4 models, Toyota chose a very common location to place the gas tank release switch. Follow the instructions below for locating and using it.

1. Pull the Fuel Door Release Switch

The fuel door release switch can be found on the floor to the left of the driver’s seat. Pull up to release the fuel door.

2. Remove the Gas Cap

Twist the gas cap to the left to remove it, then place it on the gas cap holder located on the inside of the fuel door.

At this point, you can proceed with fueling your RAV4.

3. Replace the Gas Cap and Close the Fuel Door

Once you’re done fueling, replace the gas cap and turn it to the right until you hear a click.

Once you’ve confirmed the gas cap is properly replaced, close the fuel door.