Annoying filler cap
Discussion
The DB9 has developed an annoying little problem with the filler cap cover. It won't stay closed! It shuts initially, but when you drive off it pops open again. It seems the little catch that the hook on the cover engages with on closing doesn't come out far enough any more, I assume there is a return spring of some sort that is now knackered? Anyone had a similar problem?
Russwhitehouse said:
The DB9 has developed an annoying little problem with the filler cap cover. It won't stay closed! It shuts initially, but when you drive off it pops open again. It seems the little catch that the hook on the cover engages with on closing doesn't come out far enough any more, I assume there is a return spring of some sort that is now knackered? Anyone had a similar problem?
Yes!Check the release cable (easily accessed by removing the left side boot trim). Remove and check the spring - on mine it had rusted into multiple pieces! You can either source a similar spring or (as I did) replace the whole cable assembly. I found a Vantage one on eBay for about £20. The vantage one is slightly different to the DB9 one but easily adaptable (obvious how once you have it).
The usual issue with these is difficulty in getting them open !!
Doesn't sound too serious and if you have a service coming up they will fix it as a freebie.
Always make sure you give them a freebie Snag List at service time - rusty windscreen wiper nut, lower front vents need painting etc !!!
Doesn't sound too serious and if you have a service coming up they will fix it as a freebie.
Always make sure you give them a freebie Snag List at service time - rusty windscreen wiper nut, lower front vents need painting etc !!!
Pulled out the boot lining today to get a squint at the offending part. The point at which the cable locates into the opening mechanism has broken away from what is a very flimsy and nasty little Jaguar item made in finest plastic. A few phone calls later and it looks like £130 is the cost of replacement! Not impressed!
Russwhitehouse said:
Pulled out the boot lining today to get a squint at the offending part. The point at which the cable locates into the opening mechanism has broken away from what is a very flimsy and nasty little Jaguar item made in finest plastic. A few phone calls later and it looks like £130 is the cost of replacement! Not impressed!
Sorry to hear that. I would drop astonmartinbits an email and see if they can help.The replacement part arrived today from British Parts in the UK, what an excellent service! Thirty six hours after phoning them, the part is in my grubby hands in SW France. The bad news although it has successfully replaced the broken bit, the problem itself still persists, leading me to suspect that the return spring that was the original suspect does indeed need replacing. I can't see how to get access to it though? From inside the boot with the left side lining removed, you can see where the release cable goes into the filler cap recess and it is well wrapped up in some kind of self amalgamating tape and clearly not intended to be disturbed ever. Looking in to the filler cap area from the outside, the spring loaded latch is retained in place by a sort of plastic washer affair with a couple of slots cut into it , but I can't see how to remove it to gain access to the spring behind. As it's only plastic I don't want to damage it by attacking it with the inappropriate tools or technique. Anyone done this before? Would really appreciate some advice.
Russwhitehouse said:
The replacement part arrived today from British Parts in the UK, what an excellent service! Thirty six hours after phoning them, the part is in my grubby hands in SW France. The bad news although it has successfully replaced the broken bit, the problem itself still persists, leading me to suspect that the return spring that was the original suspect does indeed need replacing. I can't see how to get access to it though? From inside the boot with the left side lining removed, you can see where the release cable goes into the filler cap recess and it is well wrapped up in some kind of self amalgamating tape and clearly not intended to be disturbed ever. Looking in to the filler cap area from the outside, the spring loaded latch is retained in place by a sort of plastic washer affair with a couple of slots cut into it , but I can't see how to remove it to gain access to the spring behind. As it's only plastic I don't want to damage it by attacking it with the inappropriate tools or technique. Anyone done this before? Would really appreciate some advice.
I dont quite understand which part you have replaced? Anyhow...To gain access to the spring you remove the cable from the back (boot) - even though, as you point out, it doesn't look like you should!
Could you elaborate further? As I say, from the inside the cable is wrapped in self amalgamating tape from where it enters the filler cap well .The part
I have replaced is the electrical switch assembly with the manual override which was also damaged ( well, fell apart due to being made of plastic). This has not cured the problem however as the spring loaded latch that engages with the hook on the filler cap lid does not spring out far enough to engage anymore, leading me to suspect some sort of return spring behind it is broken. Access to it is the problem.
I have replaced is the electrical switch assembly with the manual override which was also damaged ( well, fell apart due to being made of plastic). This has not cured the problem however as the spring loaded latch that engages with the hook on the filler cap lid does not spring out far enough to engage anymore, leading me to suspect some sort of return spring behind it is broken. Access to it is the problem.
Finally put the problem to bed! Dropped the car in at the dealer in Bordeuax who is right next to the airport before flying back to UK for the week. Picked it up this morning on my return to France all fettled and valeted to within an inch of its life and with a fully functioning filler cap lid. The return spring had completely rusted away and disintegrated so they replaced the whole cable. No charge as they said they were waiting to hear from the factory whether it was a warranty job, and in any case they considered it unacceptable that it had rusted away completely so we're not going to charge me either way! How about that! And they say customer service is a thing of the past.
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