My guess is that remote fuel doors aren’t all that popular on pick-ups because the filler is normally located on the bedside which is separate body panel from the cab that is often removed for other applications such as a tool-box bed, chassis-cab, or box van. Pick-ups make a lot of profit when sold to consumers, but they must be designed for commercial standards.

Better have a door over it, though, to keep snow, sugar, and prying little digits out.

Fortunately, I have a scan tool and was able to figure that out and clear the codes. A little research on the GTO forums shows that GM had a similar problem with LS2 powered GTOs, and eventually sent owners a certificate for a free redesigned gas cap.

But that’s not me – so rather than spend 2 hours at the local dealer getting another gas cap (that would surely fail), I used the forum’s best suggestion – head to the local auto parts store for a $14 aftermarket cap that’s made properly.

So actually, kudos to Ford for doing this.

iDrive and other super-complicated electronic gadgets are answers to things know body was asking (How can I make changing the radio more complicated?) Ford just answered the question know body was asking by providing a convenience.

Party on.

In addition to the convenience factor, the capless system also has environmental benefits, O’Leary said, by limiting the escape of gasoline vapors. And it ends a common problem that occurs when a cap isn’t screwed on tightly enough — a check engine light that appears on the dashboard due to a break in the fuel system’s vacuum.

Is this an earth-shattering innovation? No. But, if executed properly, it can’t hurt. If anything, it reminds of those little “surprise and delight” features that made my first Honda (a 1977 Civic CVCC hatchback) a pleasure to own even after the car was no longer new.

As for FoMoCo, spend the $$$ you’ll waste on this rediculous option on something meaningful; your gas caps aren’t the source of declining Taurus and Focus sales.

The legitimate test of any small feature is, “Once you’re used to it, would you miss it if it were gone?”

Given the number of gas caps that have left stinking fuel on my fingers, I’d vote Yes to this one.

Feel free to rid all cars of “gizmos” ABS brakes, ride control, stability control, rear window defrost, Imput for your Ipod, power windows, cruise control, self aiming-automatic headlights, heated seats, and see how happy you are with your new vehicle or you could just buy a 71′ Vega or a 1962 mercedes….I’ll take mine with gizmos thanks!

It’s in the pipeline – here are the first photos:
http://www.old-trucks.net/35%20Ford%20FD.htm

Note the caveat: WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT ANY GIVEN TANK WILL NOT LEAK.

Also, it has run-flat tires, too, apparently.

Maybe this is being done to attract the stock car crowd?

New from Ford! Refill your car the way the pros do.