Missing Oil Cap

Took my 23 off-road for its 3rd oil change and the service tech wanted to charge me for an oil cap because it was missing. At this point all oil changes have been done by Toyota with the free two year service. The service tech initiated the conversation with “you have the dreaded Tacoma curse”. Then he said some of the other staff already knew the vehicle was a Tacoma, without knowing, when the tech said “missing oil cap”

a. I’ve seen other posts and you aren’t crazy if your cap is missing, this is an obvious known issue
b. Any DIY fixes?
c. Considering this is a known issue, any lawsuits or ideas to get a manufacturer recall and fix going?

Extra frustrating cause I live in a dusty environment, so don’t know how long it’s been missing and don’t know if any sand got in there.

 

First I've heard of an oil cap on anything going MIA on it's own

 

More like the previous dipshit didn't put it back on.

 

With as many reports of this happening, I'm starting to wonder?
It seems a lot of the cases, it was on a 3 Gen or 2GR engine,

Just google " Tacoma missing oil cap" LOTS of post on it.
I've seen it here on TW many times too.

Surely techs aren't aren't the causes this can't happen that many times?

https://www.google.com/search?q=tac...OfDSYQrQIoBHoECBwQBQ&biw=1707&bih=898&dpr=1.5

 

Idk how an oil cap can just come off, most oil caps are on there pretty tight.

Wouldn't surprise me, quick lubes (even dealer ones) are terrible about forgetting things. They don't exactly pay those guys alot and they are pushed to get it done quick.

Kind of like how the 4th air filter screw is missing on 99% of 14-18 GM trucks and SUVs because they don't know/can't be bothered to change the air filter the right way or how if there's something to be taken off to change oil on something 75% of the fasteners disappear in the first 2 oil changes.

I still say all the quick lubes have a 55 gal drum of forgotten fasteners stashed somewhere.

 

I guess it's possible. Maybe try placing the cap next to the key.
That way you can't start the engine with out seeing the cap?

 

Put some kind of tether on it, like the gas cap.

 

i guess someone will start making oil-holes like the gassholes

 

My vote is it went missing, or rather wasn't put back on during the second oil change at the dealer.

Moral of the story: Never, EVER let the dealer do ANYTHING to your vehicle.

Just had my oil changed 3 days ago at my trusted local independent shop.
Still, after driving 50 yards or so I pulled into a gas station, popped the hood, checked the oil level etc.

 

This is utter hogwash. Oil fill caps are left off, they don't just pop off.

 

I agree

 

I always trained my lube techs to put the cap on top of the hood latch.
When you cannot close the hood you find your screw up before it becomes a screw up.

 

This is a problem I see at our dealership..we have 2 lube techs ,and some days they might do between 40 and 60 oil changes , tire rotations..and are expected to do a check list on all vehicles with a Battery test..sooner or later something is going to happen.

 

Do you have an upgraded battery or dual-battery setup? Those could knock the entire oil filler neck off due to proximity. Won't happen with a stock-size battery (which means the last lube tech forgot it).

Replacement cap is cheap on Rock Auto, or take the opportunity and get one of those blingy aluminum caps from TRD, HKS, etc.

 

Yup. Being a service manager for 16 years this was a huge frustration.
They want to pay 10 bucks an hour and make profit on oil changes. I’ve got news for you, oil changes are not profitable. Repairs are, and if you cannot repair things under warranty, or perform simple tasks accurately people will not hand over their hard earned money once the warranty is up.

 

Whether you change your own oil or have it done somewhere, always check the oil cap to make sure it is snugged. Also, check the oil cap each time you check your oil level. I have never had an oil cap come loose. If you don’t change your own oil, I would be more worried about is there a filter element in the filter housing?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/no-oil-filter.748693/