For some reason the gas cap on my 83 280ZX won't come off. The cap is not locked, it just turns but can not be removed

Although you might be able to remove the cap with a screwdriver and prying, there is a great risk you will damage the components (and yourself, for that matter). You can try "locking the cap", then applying pressure and slowly rotating it. If that does not work, you need to reconcile yourself to having a professional mechanic remove it. You can only wish there was a simple fix. While I can provide a link that discusses the possible causes, you are highly unlikely to remedy the situation without causing considerable damage to the vehicle. Mechanics have special tools for this. You don't.


How to Troubleshoot Gas Cap That Won Come Off

OK keep in mind child proof caps. Push down on gas cap and turn. If this doesn't work grab the outer rim of the cap tightly squeezing hard and turning. Now if this fails, you would have to pry off the top of the cap and then you will be able to remove the lower end of the cap with a pair of pliers or similar tool. GOOD LUCK FRIEND.

Grab a pair of channel locks to get a good grip on the cap and twist counter clockwise. The back pressure created in the tank from the gas depleting can make the cap seem impossible to remove.

1. Unlock the gas cap. Slip the key into the slot on the center of the cap with the teeth toward the outer circle. 2. Turn the key clockwise. The lock cylinder gives and allows the key to move. 3. Turn the gas cap counterclockwise. Unscrew the cap...------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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I doubt the problems are connected.
The check engine light could be anything including the loose gas cap.
But if that was the only problem it would not keep the truck from moving.
If it starts and runs, but won't go into gear, something has happened to the transmission or axle.
You may have to get it towed to a shop to find out what the trouble codes are in the computer.

Run the motor until it's a little bit warmed up. Put a big rag around your hand and remove the radiator cap while the engine in idling. Don't take the cap off completely all at once. Just loosen it first. After the steam and a small amount of coolant escape,

remove the cap completely and slowly pour water into the radiator and let the vapor circulate out. Don't get burnt. The rag around the hand is of utmost importance to avoid steam burns.

If the radiator won't take more water, there's a drain **** on the bottom of the radiator. Open it with a pliers if need be. They're usually too tight for just finger strength.

Let about 1/2 liter of coolant drain out onto the pavement. Close the drain **** snugly, but be reasonable.

The vehicle is idling all this time. Now, remove the radiator cap as described above, slowly add water (about one liter per three minutes, so you don't crack the engine block) and let the gas circulate out.

Take a look at the distributor cap. remove the cap and look inside for moisture. a wet cap will cause a no start.

The starp is there so the gas cap isn't lost, should be able to remove it from the cap side, unless your buying a fuel cap from the dealer you won't need the strap, after market cap has no where to attach it to.

it comes apart from the bottom

take it to a lock smith to remove the broken part or you could jam the broken part down to where the ignition will turn with the broken key. I advise taking it to a lock smith to remove the broken part