How a capless fuel filler works

There is no fuel filler cap to twist off. The 2026 Ram 1500 and Chrysler Pacifica manuals explain that the capless system is sealed by two flapper doors; the Pacifica manual specifies they are inside the filler pipe. When you insert the fuel nozzle fully, the nozzle opens and holds both flapper doors while you refuel.

On the 2026 Ram 1500 the capless fuel filler is on the left side of the vehicle. You open the fuel filler door by pushing its center-rear edge (the 3 o'clock position) and releasing it; the gas-model Pacifica uses the same push-to-open door.

From 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Mopar) and 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual (Mopar), Refueling The Vehicle, read November 9, 2026.

How to fill up a capless gas tank

Here are the refueling steps from the 2026 Ram 1500 and gas Chrysler Pacifica manuals:

1. Put the vehicle in PARK and switch the ignition off.
2. Push the center-rear edge of the fuel filler door (3 o'clock position) and release to open.
3. Insert the fuel nozzle fully into the filler pipe. The nozzle opens and holds both flapper doors while refueling.
4. When the nozzle clicks or shuts off, the tank is full.
5. Keep the nozzle in the filler for five seconds after it clicks to let fuel drain from the nozzle.
6. Remove the nozzle.
7. Close the fuel filler door by pushing its center-rear edge (3 o'clock position) and releasing; it latches closed.

From 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Mopar) and 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual (Mopar), Refueling The Vehicle, read November 9, 2026.

Filling from a gas can: use the funnel

This is the catch with capless systems. Both manuals say most gas cans will not open the flapper doors, so a funnel is provided (if equipped) to allow emergency refueling with a gas can. Using an approved gas can, insert the funnel fully into the filler pipe so it holds both flapper doors open, then pour the fuel into the funnel.

Where to find it: the Ram 1500 manual says the refueling funnel is under the passenger's seat along with the jack and tools, and the Pacifica manual says to retrieve it from the rear storage area. Afterward, remove the funnel, clean it off and store it again.

Safety reminders from both manuals: never add fuel with the engine running (it may also turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light), never have smoking materials lit near the vehicle while the fuel door is open, and always set a fuel container on the ground while filling it, because pumping fuel into a container inside a vehicle can start a fire.

From 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Mopar) and 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual (Mopar), Refueling In An Emergency and Refueling The Vehicle, read November 9, 2026.

Fuel door frozen shut?

The manuals say that in certain cold conditions ice may prevent the fuel filler door from opening. If it does, lightly push on the fuel filler door around its perimeter to break the ice buildup. Both manuals also warn not to pry on the door.

From 2026 Ram 1500 Owner's Manual (Mopar) and 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual (Mopar), read November 9, 2026.

Plug-in hybrids can be different

Not every capless filler opens the same way. On the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, the manual says you put the vehicle in PARK and push the fuel filler door release button in the driver's door (upper map pocket). That starts a sequence to depressurize the fuel system, and a message in the instrument cluster tells you when the vehicle is ready to be fueled. After pushing the button you have 20 minutes to refuel; after that you need to push it again.

The Pacifica Hybrid manual also says that if you hear a hissing sound when the nozzle is inserted, wait until it stops before fueling, and that the fuel door could take up to 15 seconds to open under normal circumstances. Always check your own owner's manual for your vehicle's steps.

From 2026 Chrysler Pacifica Owner's Manual (Mopar), Hybrid Refueling, read November 9, 2026.

Visit Elgin Auto Sales & Service Center

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Our service department at 1200 E. Chicago St. in Elgin is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Get directions.