About fuel door problems:
The fuel door is often overlooked until it becomes an inconvenience. A stuck fuel door can be a frustrating issue, especially if you have already prepaid for your gas!
Behind the fuel door (or gas cap cover) is a cable system that reaches all the way to the side of your car’s front seat. This petrol flap / diesel flap system allows for the door to be opened from inside the vehicle. If any of the system’s components fail, you may not be able to open the cover and fill your car up.
Causes of a jammed/stuck fuel door:
Damaged/loose fuel door lever – The fuel door lever is what you use to open the gas / fuel cap cover from inside the vehicle. Often, if the lever is pulled hard enough, it can snap away from the rest of the assembly.
Damaged release cable – In most vehicles, a cable runs from your fuel door lever to the fuel cap door. If this cable snaps or becomes loose, there will be no connection and the fuel door will not open. It will need to be replaced in order to open your fuel door.
Faulty hinge or spring – In most fuel doors / petrol flaps, there is a spring that helps the petrol flap door to pop open. Sometimes this spring or hinge will need lubrication to function properly. In other cases, the spring can become physically damaged, snap, or become loose.
Blown fuse – In electrically-controlled fuel doors, there is a fuse that is attached to the locking solenoid, a component that keeps the fuel door shut. In the fuse that control it, you will need a fuse replacement.
Damaged wiring – A damaged wire can cause the fuel door system to not work. This is due to electricity not being able to reach the door. The wiring will need to be replaced before the fuel door will open again.
How to troubleshoot a faulty fuel door >
Find the manual release button
Some vehicles have a manual release button which allows you to open the fuel door if the primary system fails. In many cases, this button will be in the boot of your vehicle.
We suggest that you search your vehicle manual / handbook to see if it has a manual release button.
Other tips for fixing a stuck fuel door:
- Check for obstructions: Inspect the fuel door area for any obstructions that might be preventing it from opening. Sometimes dirt, debris, or ice can accumulate around the fuel door, hindering its movement. If you notice any obstructions, carefully remove them and attempt to open the fuel door again.
- Try unlocking from the outside: If your vehicle has a separate keyhole for the fuel door, try using the key to unlock it. Insert the key into the fuel door lock and turn it counterclockwise to unlock the fuel door. If it opens, you may have a problem with the electronic locking mechanism that needs further investigation.
- Check the fuse: If none of the above steps work, there might be an issue with the electronic locking system or the fuel door actuator. Check the vehicle’s fuse box for any blown fuses related to the fuel door or central locking system. If you find a blown fuse, replace it with a new one of the same rating. However, keep in mind that this step requires basic knowledge of your vehicle’s fuse box and electrical systems.
Fuel Door/Gas Cap Door Inspection in Hamilton
Is your fuel door / petrol flap stuck shut? If so, we can easily get it open for you, allowing you to add fuel to your vehicle again.
Our team of skilled mechanics can replace various components such as your fuel door lever, cable, spring, fuses and more. For reliable fuel door / petrol / diesel flap fixes in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!