Embarrassing Fuel Door Pops Open!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 437
Likes: 182
From: Renton WA
Embarrassing Fuel Door Pops Open!
I'm starting to think the fuel door on the C5 was put there as I'm able to reach back and close it while driving...
What causes this thing to pop open? It fits flush and pops open with the button just fine, it just won't stay shut!
What causes this thing to pop open? It fits flush and pops open with the button just fine, it just won't stay shut!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 7,392
Likes: 216
From: Merritt Island, FL
I'd start by inspecting the latching mechanism -- is anything broken on the door or the rod that is moved by the release solenoid?
I'd probably shoot some lubricant at the rod and actuate the release solenoid several times to be sure it's got it's full range of travel.
If that doesn't solve it I'd troubleshoot the switch and wiring next - there may be a pinched wire that's intermittently completing the circuit as you drive.
I'd probably shoot some lubricant at the rod and actuate the release solenoid several times to be sure it's got it's full range of travel.
If that doesn't solve it I'd troubleshoot the switch and wiring next - there may be a pinched wire that's intermittently completing the circuit as you drive.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 437
Likes: 182
From: Renton WA
I'd start by inspecting the latching mechanism -- is anything broken on the door or the rod that is moved by the release solenoid?
I'd probably shoot some lubricant at the rod and actuate the release solenoid several times to be sure it's got it's full range of travel.
If that doesn't solve it I'd troubleshoot the switch and wiring next - there may be a pinched wire that's intermittently completing the circuit as you drive.
I'd probably shoot some lubricant at the rod and actuate the release solenoid several times to be sure it's got it's full range of travel.
If that doesn't solve it I'd troubleshoot the switch and wiring next - there may be a pinched wire that's intermittently completing the circuit as you drive.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,753
Likes: 3,688
From: The Sunshine State
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Anything in your center console bouncing around that may be hitting the fuel hatch release button?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 437
Likes: 182
From: Renton WA
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,753
Likes: 3,688
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 437
Likes: 182
From: Renton WA
OK, so everything seems to be in order but the door can be opened by hand past the catch without really any effort.
If the latch on the door was about 1/8" longer it'd be fine so I'm thinking jury rig. I'll extend the tab a bit or bend it with Vise-grips?
I'll happily take any better advice!
If the latch on the door was about 1/8" longer it'd be fine so I'm thinking jury rig. I'll extend the tab a bit or bend it with Vise-grips?
I'll happily take any better advice!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 828
Likes: 103
From: Olney MD
The problem I had with mine (2003 vert) was that once opened (by using the switch) it wouldn't latch. After driving a while, I could get it to latch by simply closing it normally. I discovered that by using the emergency release in the trunk, it would open and close perfectly. I eventually solved the problem by removing the solenoid assembly and cleaning it thoroughly and reinstalling. I believe that the issue was caused by a small amount of debris in the solenoid mechanism that kept the latching mechanism from immediately returning to its proper length. Good news: NO money was spent in the course of this repair!
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 437
Likes: 182
From: Renton WA
So, to follow up, I have not yet had time to get to the full fix, but I did wrap some electrical tape around the latch on the door side and it is holding just fine. Yeah, it is temporary but the sun was out in Seattle today and I'd rather drive the car!!
