How to open fuel flap with no cable?

[CalMac]

Just got my car back from respray, went to get petrol and the fuel door wouldn't open. I've checked it's connected to the release lever in the footwear, which means something as up at the fuel flap end. How do I access it?

I have no petrol so can't get the bodyshop to fix it. No idea how they've managed to willy it up

[rev2rich]

The filler cap leads to a rubber flexible hose that is behind the fire wall so you can fill up in via the engine bay... not a good idea but it can be done in a pinch



hope this helps

[jimGTS]

There is a large rubber grommet in bay, pull this back and you should be able to get your hand in thereby the cap, maybe to figure out why the cable isn't attached.

Will be a pita though having been in that area to thread my harness through there.

FYI, the cable runs behind the storage box to the passenger rear speaker.

[Al-sw20]

They might have just attached the spring incorrectly. Get someone to pry the fuel door while you pull the lever. Use something that won't scratch the paint, like a napkin around a flathead screwdriver.

[CalMac]

I'll try the levering thing first, sound like an idea. It's unlikely they've snapped the cable - I'm thinking either the spring is fitted incorrectly or the cable isn't connected to the fuel flap catch

Instead of levering I'm going to try and find a suction cup though

[thomp1983]

if you remove the rear vent above the sill and then the big rubber thing that goes up into the engine bay you will see where the cable runs into the fuel flap you may be able to manipulate it from there or make a small hole in the sheath and work the cable with some pliers then fix the whole with a small piece of split conduit

[CalMac]

Right, it's open! Luckily they'd aligned the plastic pin which holds the flap shut so that the sloped side was facing inwards, allowing me to wedge a bit of cardboard down the side and pop it open.

The cable still isn't doing anything though so I'm going to have to get my ARC box and the inspection panel off tomorrow to investigate.

The paint job is great, just a shame they've let themselves down on stupid little bits like this. So far I've found that the interior lights and stereo don't work - hoping it's just a blown fuse, and the drivers mirror glass fell out on the way home because they'd stuck it back on with silicone they also haven't fixed my rattling from the rad fan which was included in their written quote..

Anyway, thanks for the help everyone

[2mad]

Guess you had a full strip and paint ... the tare downs easy putting it back togethers the pita lol ... hope you sort your niggles out soon ... and pics , pics, pics buddy , im sure everyone would love a look at the new paint

[androo007]

WHERE ARE THE PICTURES? THIS THREAD IS USELESS WITHOUT PICTURES GOD DAMMIT

[androo007]

CAN WE HAVE SOME PICTURES NOW?

[androo007]

please?

[CalMac]

Soon!

Getting my wheels sprayed too, pictures will come then

[2mad]

Soon!

Getting my wheels sprayed too, pictures will come then

sweet!!

[CalMac]

Found the issue.

Cable is disconnected at fuel flap end as the plastic retaining clip which goes onto the bracket and holds the ball in the slot has snapped, which means I'm going to have to fit a new cable

Really not looking forward to it - it's nearly impossible to get at and I'll have to gut the interior


That is unless anybody has an idea about fixing the plastic clip or otherwise fixing the cable onto the bracket..?

[Martin F]

It's not a big job dude, In fact it will be a good DIY job for you one afternoon, it's what owning these cars is all about

[CalMac]

Yeah I guess it's not so bad.. I just get fed up of fixing cars, perks of having too many haha

Also rather p*ssed off that it worked fine before the bodyshop had it and now they're denying all knowledge