How to Open the Fuel Tank Cap of an Old Jetta?
4 Answers
To open the fuel tank cap of an old Jetta, follow these steps: 1. Pry open the metal cover on the outside of the fuel tank cap; 2. Insert the car key into the keyhole of the fuel tank cap; 3. Turn it counterclockwise, then rotate the fuel tank cap counterclockwise to open it. Taking the Jetta 2019 model as an example, it is a 5-door, 5-seat compact SUV with body dimensions of 4419mm in length, 1841mm in width, and 1616mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2630mm. The Jetta 2019 model is equipped with a 1.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, using direct fuel injection, and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Opening the fuel tank cap on an old Jetta is actually quite simple. Having driven an old car for over a decade, I know this best. If you're in the driver's seat, first look down near your left foot. To the left of the accelerator pedal, there's a small plastic pull handle (the kind that turns yellowish with age). Give it a firm upward tug, and you'll hear a 'click' as the fuel tank cap pops open. If you can't find the pull handle, it might be an even older model where you need to use the spare key. On the right side of the fuel tank cap, there's a small keyhole—insert the key and turn it clockwise half a turn to pop the cap open. Remember to press the cap firmly shut after refueling, otherwise poor sealing may cause gasoline odors. When washing the car, take a moment to wipe dust around the fuel tank cap to prevent sand particles from jamming the hinge.
Last time I helped my neighbor with the fuel tank cap on his old 2003 Jetta. He thought it required a key to open. Actually, most older Jettas use a cable release switch located near the driver's footwell, positioned to the left of the clutch pedal—it's a black plastic lever. You'll need to bend down completely to see it, and you have to pull upwards with some force since the springs on older cars tend to get stuck. Once opened, the cap is attached to a thin metal chain—don't yank it hard. If the cable breaks, there's a spare fuel cap key hidden in the spare tire well in the trunk, or you can temporarily use a flathead screwdriver to carefully pry open the cap by inserting it into the gap. By the way, a quick reminder: in cold weather, the fuel cap might freeze—just pour some warm water to thaw it.
There are two ways to open the fuel tank cap on the old Jetta: If equipped with an interior release handle, simply pull the lever in the square slot near the driver's left foot. For base models without the handle, locate the keyhole next to the fuel cap and use the small original key to unlock it. When opening, check the diagram inside the cap—the arrow pointing right indicates the opening direction. During routine maintenance, remember to apply a few drops of engine oil to the lock cylinder to prevent rust. The rubber seal on older cars tends to crack; replace it if you smell gasoline while refueling. The fuel cap spring may loosen over time—adjust the base screws if the cap doesn't close tightly.
