HELP!!! Gas tank won't open
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Portland/Hillsboro OR
HELP!!! Gas tank won't open
I have read through several threads and done a few things to no avail. I am hoping someone here can help.
Car: 2002 Convertible.
1. Fuse #32: Checked and OK.
2. Switch: Removed the waterfall, got to the switch, disconnected it. Shorted the two wires, sparks and some smoke but no movement in the gas tank door. no clicks or anything.
3. Manual release cable: That wire came off the first time I pulled it. so that is not an option (unless there is something I can do to put it back in or something).
4. Solenoid: I am thinking it is that but I have no clue what to do.
5. J-hook to release the door: Anyone know what I need to do here?
So, what are my options? The switch has had issues in the past but with a few extra clicks and maybe taps on the door, the door will open.
There is probably only a few ounces of fuel left in there so I may have to tow it somewhere if I can't fix it myself.
. Worst case, I just want to get some gas in this so I can drive it. It has been sitting for a long time with no action.
Thanks for your help folks.
Car: 2002 Convertible.
1. Fuse #32: Checked and OK.
2. Switch: Removed the waterfall, got to the switch, disconnected it. Shorted the two wires, sparks and some smoke but no movement in the gas tank door. no clicks or anything.
3. Manual release cable: That wire came off the first time I pulled it. so that is not an option (unless there is something I can do to put it back in or something).
4. Solenoid: I am thinking it is that but I have no clue what to do.
5. J-hook to release the door: Anyone know what I need to do here?
So, what are my options? The switch has had issues in the past but with a few extra clicks and maybe taps on the door, the door will open.
There is probably only a few ounces of fuel left in there so I may have to tow it somewhere if I can't fix it myself.
. Worst case, I just want to get some gas in this so I can drive it. It has been sitting for a long time with no action.Thanks for your help folks.
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crawl in the hatch and pull the release......remove the two screws that secure the door to the quarter panel....leave it off till you get it figured out
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Portland/Hillsboro OR
I am reading it as: Remove all the carpet (I have no clue where the release is), find some screws behind the fuel door area and remove the whole assembly? Will I be able to release the door to fill gas this way? Any links to pictures???
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Orlando Florida
Pretty sure it's in the owner's manual -- though mine is not close to hand. There is a plastic tag inside the hatch area in the vicinity of the door, on the left marked fuel door release:
https://www.diyauto.com/manufacturer...ir-by-logansar
https://www.diyauto.com/manufacturer...ir-by-logansar
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
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Pretty sure it's in the owner's manual -- though mine is not close to hand. There is a plastic tag inside the hatch area in the vicinity of the door, on the left marked fuel door release:
https://www.diyauto.com/manufacturer...ir-by-logansar
https://www.diyauto.com/manufacturer...ir-by-logansar
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Portland/Hillsboro OR
OP says he is past that stage. He located the release, but the cable is broken. OP-Unless you bought the car new, and know it's history, I'm guessing this problem has existed for awhile. That may be why the cable broke, because the PO, instead of actually fixing/replacing the switch/wiring, may have just used the release cable, a LOT!! Wish I could offer more help, but I've never had this issue. Best of luck to you, and when you do get it fixed, I'd also get the release cable fixed........
I was really hoping I will get some help here but looks like I may have to take it in. Hopefully a regular shop can take care of it or at the least put a funnel somewhere so I can gas up
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Portland/Hillsboro OR
UPDATE: I got it figured out !!!
So I ripped the carpet from the passenger side trunk area in the hope of figuring out what the cable must be pulling on. Found the little tab that was quite stuck but with some wiggle, I was able to pull towards me and POP the gas door opened. So basically the solenoid wasn't sliding well. Firstly, I got some gas And then I sprayed a bunch of WD40 on the release mechanism next to gas door and more importantly on the solenoid itself (left hand to locate the area and other to spray from around the frame). It became quite smooth to operate after a few minutes. Shorted the switch an POP !!!
Reassembled and ready to roll
Reminder: Don't leave the car not driven for more than a year, not a good idea. Now need to figure out why the windshield wiper doesn't go back to park.
Thanks all.
So I ripped the carpet from the passenger side trunk area in the hope of figuring out what the cable must be pulling on. Found the little tab that was quite stuck but with some wiggle, I was able to pull towards me and POP the gas door opened. So basically the solenoid wasn't sliding well. Firstly, I got some gas
And then I sprayed a bunch of WD40 on the release mechanism next to gas door and more importantly on the solenoid itself (left hand to locate the area and other to spray from around the frame). It became quite smooth to operate after a few minutes. Shorted the switch an POP !!!Reassembled and ready to roll
Reminder: Don't leave the car not driven for more than a year, not a good idea. Now need to figure out why the windshield wiper doesn't go back to park.
Thanks all.
