Suliman

Here's an odd question. On most cars I've owned/driven (US Models), when you removced the fuel cap, there is a "flap" type of object (brass or something) that is spring loaded and pushed up when you insert the pump nozzel.

My P5 doesn't have this, does anyone elses, or does Mazda just not put this safety feature on?

nate0123

Nope, no flap.

Sir Nuke

NOPEa, we gotta no flappa!

Suliman

Damn, what's up with that!!!!

Hawkeye

I went through the same thing. I thought I had a flap and that maybe it fell off. I eventually came to the conclusion that it never had one, and honestly that doesn't worry me.

cjb200

There was a long discussion on this before, where someone posted thinking maybe their flap fell off. Most people said they didn't have one, but a few said they did. I think the conclusion was that there are two different suppliers for the fuel filler, one with the flap and one without it. Anyway, mine doesn't have it either.

For some reason, that thread seems to have been deleted.

nate0123

I wanna see one of these flapped freaks

I won't believe they exist until I see a pic

Suliman

Just check any car on any lot (except for apparently Mazda P5). I bet the 6 has one.

Hmmmmmm

nate0123

I meant 3rd gen protege flapped freak . . .

nevermind

Suliman

Ah, I see what you're getting at......

IMHO, I think a flap would be benneficial, but then again, what do I know.

Mach 1

beneficial for what?

I thought my pro had one, never really cared enough to look closely, and my car isnt with me now, so who knows.....

Suliman

Well, for those that live in COLD climates, like in Minnesota, Canada, etc, you may know why.
When I lived back in MN, sometimes a big chunk of ice would slide of the rear window of my probe and into my fuel filler spout, which I could quickly get out with the "flap" being there.

It's just a nice precaution to have something there covering the hole until you put the pump nozzle in. You'd be surprised what could fall in!

KpaBap

But in the end, does it even matter?



Out of our 4 cars, only the Cadillac has said flap.
2 Proteges, Maxima and 1988 Caddy....

Mach 1

a chunk of ice small enough to fit in the filler neck would have no affect on your car whatsoever

AlexB2

Uh-uh..and my Canadian model has no flap....AND no harness on which the filler cap is suspended.

See, a few years ago, all Ontario gas stations were mandated to remove the ratchets that held the fuel pistols in running position, so you'd have to stand and hold untill you fill the tank. Well...try using a filler screw-cap to prop the pistol open.... ...unless you feel like standing outside in -30C filling up.

This worked for me for two years, only failed once, where the gun did not auto-stop...