V8 Vantage Roadster fuel flap

[Gio1210]

Happy new year guys!
Im sure this topic has been discussed before but i couldnt find a solution go my issue. Excuse me if i dont use the correct mechanical terms.

Initially the fuel flap didnt open so i had to manually release it from the boot. Eventually it didnt need any release as it was never locked (the plastic thing that keeps it locked didnt come out far enough to keep in locked).

Few days ago i bought a new strut including the spring this time. Upon installation it locked in placed and was released via the button in the car. Since then it does not lock.

Ive tried spraying wd 40 into the plastic thing that holds it locked, ive tried pulling the manual release a couple of time
(The plastic moves but still doesnt come out far enough to keep the flap locked). Ive even tried very gently to pull the plastic out with pliers but with no success.

Any suggestions?

Thanks a lot,
George

[TR-Spider]

Did you look at the instruction videos of redpants?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1eG44cBD34
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ziVr2nX9Mo

maybe the cable-pull (from 3:45 in first video) slipped at the solenoid, so the locking pin doesnt move out far enough?

BTW, IMO silicon spray is the better choice for plastic parts...

Edited by TR-Spider on Tuesday 17th January 15:22

[Gio1210]

Thanks a lot for your reply. Although mine is a roadster, slightly different, i'm having trouble removing the carpet to access the solenoid. Any guidance on that?

[TR-Spider]

2nd video is on the roadster. You can see in the end (03:14) how far the plastic arresting pin should protrude.
On my coupe I pulled the rubber seal locally upwards, which released the carpet.

Edited by TR-Spider on Tuesday 17th January 16:40

[Gio1210]

Which rubber seal exatly? I think i've got it , will give it a try tomorrow. Thank you guys

Edited by Gio1210 on Tuesday 17th January 16:55

[TR-Spider]

The rubber seal sits between body and bootlid. It has (on the coupe) a U-shape clamping the body and the carpet.

Edited by TR-Spider on Wednesday 18th January 08:44

[Greathey]

Gio1210 said:

Happy new year guys!
Im sure this topic has been discussed before but i couldnt find a solution go my issue. Excuse me if i dont use the correct mechanical terms.

Initially the fuel flap didnt open so i had to manually release it from the boot. Eventually it didnt need any release as it was never locked (the plastic thing that keeps it locked didnt come out far enough to keep in locked).

Few days ago i bought a new strut including the spring this time. Upon installation it locked in placed and was released via the button in the car. Since then it does not lock.

Ive tried spraying wd 40 into the plastic thing that holds it locked, ive tried pulling the manual release a couple of time
(The plastic moves but still doesnt come out far enough to keep the flap locked). Ive even tried very gently to pull the plastic out with pliers but with no success.

Any suggestions?

Thanks a lot,
George

I had a similar problem when I had the strut replaced in my roadster. It turned out the flap itself needed moving a little bit down when tightening the three screws that hold it. Try moving the flap clockwise and visually inspect the gaps and make sure they align perfectly.

[Sarah Bams]

Had this problem with mine too. The flap drops down somehow after a while and doesn't click in cleanly. Garage use to readjust but you can adjust screw yourself so lines up better.

[Gio1210]

Problem solved by lifting the rubber seal, then the carpet and moving the manual release a few times (further than it would allow with the carpet on).

Thank you guys!