[RapidLotus]

Post a picture of what you are working on. OEM gas caps do not have keys! Take a picture of any names or P/Ns on the cap too.

 

[RapidLotus]

Do you have a locking fuel door or a locking gas cap. It is not clear...

 

[RapidLotus]

I would not read the instructions on the cap and would turn it right as hard as you can

Why would you say that...
Our caps, either locking or without locks, turn counterclockwise to remove (as it says on the cap)

So:
1) spray inside the lock with a good penetrating spray, preferably something that has silicon. Wait a while
2) inset your key and turn 1/4 turn counter clockwise. Hold key in this position. Make sure it turns 1/4 turn!
3) turn cap counterclockwise while holding the key 1/4 turn.
4) replace the cap with a non-locking cap. None of us leave these cars on the curb overnight and are afraid of someone stealing our gas! This cap is showing that it does not want you to get access to the fuel tank. It might strand you in the future. Time to send it to the trash.

 

[RapidLotus]

You can buy an OEM gas cap at the Toyota dealer. No need to buy one from Lotus at triple the price.

True statement! Available from local auto parts stores as well. I know Stant makes a non-locking version as these are used on a number of other cars. Jaguar is one of them. I'll see if I can find the cross reference but I know you can find it by using the "Good" search method for this forum site:lotustalk.com <your search term>
RL

 

[RapidLotus]

I found my cross reference, Stant 10851 for the non-locking type and Stant 10521 for the locking type. Available lots of places!
Good luck and enjoy your drive today now that you can add petrol!
RL

 

[RapidLotus]

I think I'm all good now. It's just a real finicky piece and not easy with having to put the key in first, turn it, and then turn the gas cap itself (harder in execution than sounds in words here). I'll end up buying the OEM cap at some point soon once the roads clear up.

Thanks again to all for your help. Now to tackle why my interior light doesn't turn on no matter what position I set it in...

My interior light only comes on when the key is in the ignition and turned but will not light, no matter what position I put the light in when the key is not turned. That is not the way it is supposed to work according to the wiring diagram (and common sense) but it is the case. I suspect the harness was slightly miss wired since they are hand made. Try putting your key in and see if the light works.

Start a new thread for the continuation of this troubleshooting!

RL