I was getting gas this evening on the way home and when I pushed the gas cap cover closed (I have the standard cover, not the chrome one) I noticed it didn't close all the way. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that on the inside lining on the right, where it would usually snap in, there was a thin pin-looking thing sticking out keeping it from closing. I wiggled it around for a bit and then pushed and it went back in.

Is this normal? Should I be worried about something? Why would it come out like that? This was the first time that's happened and I've had the car since Nov. 17.

I kept a close eye on my panels on the way home to make sure I didn't get an emissions light. Nada. I'll be going back to the dealership in the next couple of weeks, so I'm wondering if I need to add that to the list. Thanks for any info!

 

Two things... (I am assuming you are talking about the exterior cover)

A) The emmissions thing only relates to the interior cap, not the folding exterior cover.

B) If indeed you are talking about the exterior cover the pin is probably the locking mechanism sticking out. There is a lock on the Mini's gas lid that is coordinated with the door locks. Basically if your car doors are locked the cap can't be opened. When you unlock your doors it can. If the pin is always sticking out regardless the locking mechanism for the gas cover may have failed for some reason.

 

Aha! You're a life (or at least sanity) saver. I completely didn't even think about the fact that I locked my car upon getting out and opening the gas tank because it was a slightly...err..rough looking area and I was going inside after pumping gas. I'll go out and double check that it's still working, but I'm betting that's what it was. I honestly had no idea before now that the gas cap cover locked when the doors were locked, but I'm actually really glad it does! With the way gas prices are rising, I wouldn't doubt that siphoning will become a more common occurrence.

Thanks for the info! I swear, every time I turn around I learn something new about this car.