What to Do When the Fuel Tank Door Won't Open?

[DelGenevieve]

The reasons and solutions for a fuel tank door that won't open are as follows: 1. The fuel tank door is stuck or rusted. In this case, you can ask the gas station staff for help. A slight pry or tap, while pressing the fuel tank door switch, should open it. 2. Motor damage. Some vehicles are equipped with an emergency fuel tank door release, located under the cover on the side of the fuel tank door in the trunk. Pull the emergency handle firmly while pressing the fuel tank door to open it. After refueling, promptly check the control circuit of the fuel tank door. 3. The fuel tank door spring has lost its elasticity. Owners can handle this themselves by adding a small spring to the protruding rubber pad of the fuel tank to increase the elasticity between the fuel tank door and the locking mechanism. 4. The fuel tank door is frozen due to cold weather. In this situation, you can use hot water to thaw it or force it open. It's advisable to regularly clean the fuel tank door. There is usually a drainage hole beneath the fuel tank door. If this hole is blocked, or during car washes or snow/rain, water can easily accumulate and freeze, causing the fuel tank door to freeze shut.