What are the reasons why the car's fuel tank cap cannot be opened?

[StJonathan]

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.

[Chavez]

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.

[LeRuby]

I've been driving for over 20 years, and there are several common reasons why a fuel tank cap won't open: mechanical lock wear, misaligned keys, or electronic system failures such as a blown fuse. Spring failure or rusted door latches can also cause jamming, and applying some lubricant can solve some of these issues. Last winter, my old car had the same problem—it was frozen shut, and I had to warm the keyhole with a hot water bottle for a while before it worked. For newer models with sensor locks, interference sources like nearby electromagnetic fields may cause malfunctions. Preventive measures include having a mechanic check it during every maintenance session to avoid breakdowns on the road. Simple fixes can often be handled yourself, so don’t rush to the repair shop and waste money. Remember to keep your keys clean to avoid dust and dirt clogging them.

[SanCali]

Last time I went out to refuel, the fuel tank cap just wouldn't open. I thought it was an operation error and tried repeatedly. Most of the time, the reasons are small details at play: the key wasn't inserted properly, the latch was loose, or the weather caused it to freeze. Kids playing around might also pull hard and deform it. Usually, I make sure to open and close it gently and regularly clean surface dirt to prevent sticking. It's advisable to keep a small brush in the car to clean off dust when encountered. In winter, warm up the car a few minutes in advance to allow plastic parts to soften. These small things add up over time, and developing good habits saves trouble and effort. If it really won't open, don't panic—check the manual instructions before taking action.