Panic attack while getting gas
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 397
Likes: 1
From: Bedford TX
Panic attack while getting gas
May not seem like much now but this was the first time I stopped for gas after tearing apart the console to repair my dim lights on the HVAC; which went very well by the way. Anyway I pulled in the station this morning since I was on reserve. Pushed the gas door switch and nothing happened. Ok, I'm almost out of gas; can't open the gas door; don't have enough to get to work or go home. Talk about feeling helpless! I knew there was a manual cable to open the door but didn't know where it was. After fumbling around in the hatch I finally found it and got it open. Tore into it just now and found the plug had come off. All is well now!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
a lousy connection anyway! I don't understand why they didn't design the connector so it would plug straight in rather than going in sideways. that's got to make assembly more difficult. one of these days I'm going to silicone the connector together so it won't come apart anymore and add my own small disconnect where its easy to get to. plugging that thing back in is such a pain! mine's been unplugged for several weeks now, I hooked it up to one of my alarm remote's buttons and found that I never use the stock button anymore. I never remember to hit it and always had to crawl back into the car. but that's no longer a problem!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 397
Likes: 1
From: Bedford TX
a lousy connection anyway! I don't understand why they didn't design the connector so it would plug straight in rather than going in sideways. that's got to make assembly more difficult. one of these days I'm going to silicone the connector together so it won't come apart anymore and add my own small disconnect where its easy to get to. plugging that thing back in is such a pain! mine's been unplugged for several weeks now, I hooked it up to one of my alarm remote's buttons and found that I never use the stock button anymore. I never remember to hit it and always had to crawl back into the car. but that's no longer a problem!
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
The button periodically won't work on mine, either. I've made numerous minute latch adjustments, lubed it and cussed it. I had it so sensitive at one point, just closing my drivers door would open the gas door. 
So I made a point of learning where the secondary release mechanism was. And I intentionally try to look "cool" if I have to open the trunk to access it. I may be in the minority, but since this was my first Corvette, I made a point to read the manual to learn where it was.
I also never allow my tank to get below 1/4 just to avoid running out of gas.
So I made a point of learning where the secondary release mechanism was. And I intentionally try to look "cool" if I have to open the trunk to access it. I may be in the minority, but since this was my first Corvette, I made a point to read the manual to learn where it was.
I also never allow my tank to get below 1/4 just to avoid running out of gas.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 397
Likes: 1
From: Bedford TX
The button periodically won't work on mine, either. I've made numerous minute latch adjustments, lubed it and cussed it. I had it so sensitive at one point, just closing my drivers door would open the gas door.
So I made a point of learning where the secondary release mechanism was. And I intentionally try to look "cool" if I have to open the trunk to access it. I may be in the minority, but since this was my first Corvette, I made a point to read the manual to learn where it was.
I also never allow my tank to get below 1/4 just to avoid running out of gas.
So I made a point of learning where the secondary release mechanism was. And I intentionally try to look "cool" if I have to open the trunk to access it. I may be in the minority, but since this was my first Corvette, I made a point to read the manual to learn where it was.
I also never allow my tank to get below 1/4 just to avoid running out of gas.
More incentive to not run your tank too low.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 1
From: You know your drunk when you swerve to miss the tree then you realize its your air freshener! Covington Ga
I've done it. The wife and I were going on a day trip after I put my short shifter in and I didnt plug it back up. Good thing we stopped before we got to far down the road.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
its an aftermarket security system with aux outputs. I used one of them for the fuel door. the two wires you see going to that connector, one is hot at all times, the other when given 12+ energizes the solenoid that opens the fuel door. I used one of my alarm's aux outputs to energize a normally open relay and tapped it into the two wires. when I push the lock and unlock buttons at the same time, it "pushes" the fuel door release button for about 1 second.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 397
Likes: 1
From: Bedford TX
its an aftermarket security system with aux outputs. I used one of them for the fuel door. the two wires you see going to that connector, one is hot at all times, the other when given 12+ energizes the solenoid that opens the fuel door. I used one of my alarm's aux outputs to energize a normally open relay and tapped it into the two wires. when I push the lock and unlock buttons at the same time, it "pushes" the fuel door release button for about 1 second.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
thanks! its come in very handy! once I installed it I suddenly stopped using the factory button, what a surprise. its been disconnected for a while because I just didn't want to mess with plugging it back in, its a tight fit! I haven't missed it.
a nice thing about it is the alarm outputs a ground for its signal, so I used the +12 wire right there at the door release harness to get power from, it made the install very easy! I used a single "ice cube" relay and double sided taped it to the right of the shifter under the radio trim bezel.
one time when I have it apart I'm still going to add another connector that's easier to get to. been meaning to for a while, but with the remote there's not much motivation to go do it.
a nice thing about it is the alarm outputs a ground for its signal, so I used the +12 wire right there at the door release harness to get power from, it made the install very easy! I used a single "ice cube" relay and double sided taped it to the right of the shifter under the radio trim bezel.
one time when I have it apart I'm still going to add another connector that's easier to get to. been meaning to for a while, but with the remote there's not much motivation to go do it.