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 RAV4 for nearly a year, I still occasionally have trouble finding the release switch (you’ll see why).
This article will give clear, concise steps with photos demonstrating how to release the gas tank door on your Toyota RAV4.
2019-2024 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 of these switches look identical!
Here are the steps to open the gas tank door on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4:
1. 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
Locate the fuel door on the left rear side of the vehicle, above the wheel. The door is now released and popped open slightly. Continue to open it fully with your hand.
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.
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
Locate the fuel door on the left rear side of the vehicle, above the wheel. The door is now released and popped open slightly. Continue to open it fully with your hand.
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.
Recap
There you have it! Just a few simple steps to follow and you’re finished with fueling.
On 2019-2024 RAV4s, the location of the gas tank release switch is most confusing, since it looks identical to the hood release door. It’s important to remember that the fuel door release switch is the left-side switch.
The fuel door release switch on the 1994-2018 RAV4 is not easily confused with any other switches, however, it may be difficult to notice on the floor to the left of the driver’s seat.
Once you’ve located the switch, you can exit the vehicle, open the fuel door, remove the gas, and begin fueling.
Let us know any comments or questions below!