Fuel filler flap release is stuck! ARGH!

[Tomoose85]

Hi

Went to fill up with petrol this morning, and the release for the filler flap feels jammed solid and doesn't move at all, and the flap doesn't pop up. My car has the release in the arm rest. I managed to get into it by prising it up with a key protected by a rag, but this isn't a long term solution!

Any ideas?

Many thanks, Tom.

[molineux1980]

Can it not be released from inside the boot?

[maser_spyder]

molineux1980 said:

Can it not be released from inside the boot?

Yup, that's where the cable is, just give it a gentle tug on the cable inside the boot.

If this doesn't work, the hinge or something is stuck, rather than the cable.

[Alex lindsay]

This happened to me, simple solution when its open sqirt some WD40 on the little bit that slids in an out, give it a few jabs till its back to normal an hopefully it'll go back to normal. Worked for me "D

[jammy_basturd]

If it's just a case of lubrication, use a proper lubrication oil. Better than using WD40 as it will just attract dirt and you'll probably have the same problem in a few months.

[maser_spyder]

jammy_basturd said:

If it's just a case of lubrication, use a proper lubrication oil. Better than using WD40 as it will just attract dirt and you'll probably have the same problem in a few months.

Yup, WD40 is a penetrating oil, that dries out.

It'll do for freeing something off, but will dry out after a relatively short time, meaning you have to do the job again.

A silicon oil (which might be easier as you can get it in a spray can), or good old 3 in 1 will last a lot longer.

Use WD40 to free it off, but a decent lubricant to prevent the same happening again.

[Tomoose85]

I tackled this last night, and the whole mechanism is dead simple. Unscrew the 14mm nut in the filler flap housing, and remove the mechanism from the boot area. It consists of a plunger with the cable mount, and a small spring. In my case the plunger lip had slipped out of the guide. Whilst I was there I removed the small spring, removed the plunger, cleaned both items with brake cleaner and a cotton bud, used some teflon lube (designed for bike chains), and reassembled. Took no more than 20mins from start to finish.

When reassembling, make sure the cable is in slotted on to the holder and not just dangling in free space.

Job done!

Thanks everyone for your help.