What are the reasons why the car's fuel tank cap cannot be opened?
2 Answers
Here are the specific reasons why the car's fuel tank cap cannot be opened: 1. The fuel tank cap is stuck or rusted: You can insert a wooden piece into the gap of the fuel tank cap to pry it open, while simultaneously pulling the fuel tank cap's latch switch. 2. The pull cable is too long: The pull cable may be too long or stretched after prolonged use, preventing it from fully engaging when the handle is pulled, resulting in the fuel tank cap not opening; this could also be caused by issues with the handle or the locking mechanism of the fuel tank cap. 3. The fuel tank cap spring has lost its elasticity: You can install a small spring on the protruding rubber pad of the fuel tank to increase the elasticity between the fuel tank cap and the locking device.
A couple of days ago, the fuel tank cap of my car just wouldn't open, leaving me unable to refuel. It turned out the lock cylinder was rusted and stuck. In winter, low temperatures can cause metal parts to freeze, and accumulated dust can also make the switch malfunction. The technician at the 4S shop mentioned during maintenance that regularly spraying lubricant can prevent this. There was also a time when the keyhole was too worn out and had to be replaced with a new part. These issues are quite annoying, especially when they suddenly happen during long trips. It's advisable to carry a simple toolkit with small items like screwdrivers as backup. Also, in hot weather, plastic expansion might cause jamming—sometimes a few gentle taps can help. For safety, avoid forcing it open to prevent damaging the fuel tank seal.
