How to Open the Fuel Tank Cap on a Buick?
3 Answers
Methods to open the fuel tank cap on a Buick: 1. Press the fuel tank cap when the vehicle is unlocked to pop it open; 2. Locate the internal button and twist the knob to open the fuel tank cap. Buick vehicles have both an inner and outer fuel tank cap. The outer cap is typically opened via an electronic control or cable mechanism, rarely requiring a key. The electronic button or cable lever is usually located on either side of the driver's seat. Pressing the fuel tank button will automatically open the fuel tank door. The inner cap, made of rubber, can only be accessed after opening the outer cap. Turning it right tightens the cap, while turning it left opens it. Note that the fuel tank cap cannot be opened when the vehicle is locked. Buick is a brand under General Motors in the United States, featuring numerous well-known models such as Excelle, Regal, Verano, Envision, LaCrosse, Encore, Encore GX, Enclave, GL6, GL8 Business Class, GL8 ES Luxury, the all-electric VELITE 6, and the premium sub-brand Avenir.
As a Buick owner, I used to bend down to pull the fuel tank cover release lever under the driver's seat every time I refueled. The newly purchased Enclave is much more convenient—just press the fuel tank cover directly to pop it open, but remember the car must be unlocked. Last time I drove my friend's older Regal, I searched for the switch for a long time before realizing there's a small button below the left side of the steering wheel. If you encounter a situation where it won't open, try repeatedly pressing the key unlock button or restarting the vehicle—it's mostly a signal synchronization issue. Don't forget to turn off the engine when refueling, and make sure you hear a 'click' sound after closing the fuel tank cover to confirm it's locked properly. Last time, I got a scare when the warning light came on because I didn't close it tightly enough.
That day, I helped my boss drive the Buick GL8 to refuel, but couldn't open the fuel tank after pressing the button for a long time. Only after calling the 4S store did I learn that this business van has a special design—the unlock button needs to be pressed twice to release the fuel tank lock. Many owners aren't aware that Buick models have quite different ways to open the fuel cap: the old Excelle requires using a key to poke the lock hole, the new LaCrosse comes with a press-sensing function, while MPVs rely on a physical switch on the driver's door panel. For models with mechanical locks, pouring some warm water can solve the issue if it's frozen; for electronic lock failures, check if the 10-amp fuse labeled 'Fuel Door' in the fuse box has blown.
