Stuck Fuel Filler Door

[redwagon04]

Although I don't post often, I visit this website often, and I don't remember seeing anything about this problem.

My fuel filler door won't open. When the button is pushed, clicking can be heard at the door, and the message is that the door is unlocked, but the door won't open as it it is still latched at the top. If tried unsuccessfully to "slip" the latch and push pull etc. Of course there is little gas in it so it is a problem, (because the car is in the middle of nowhere too) and there is no obvious way of opening it from the inside. Has anybody else had this happen? Is this common? Any ideas on how to open this? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[DonWillson]

Although I don't post often, I visit this website often, and I don't remember seeing anything about this problem.

My fuel filler door won't open. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

My first impression is that the latch is just stuck. While someone presses the push in on the door and see if that loosens it enough to allow the latch to open. If not hit the door with your fist while someone pushes the button. That might just give it enough clearance for the latch to click open. Then put a very small amount of Door Eze (?) on the latch.

DonWillson

[BillAileo]

FWIW: On a trip one day my fuel door would not open. I repeatedly pushed the switch, etc. No luck. Finally, I started the car and turned it off, and then tried again and it functioned properly. This happened about a year ago and never happened again.

Bill

[philosophicaldreamer]

My first impression is that the latch is just stuck. While someone presses the push in on the door and see if that loosens it enough to allow the latch to open. If not hit the door with your fist while someone pushes the button. That might just give it enough clearance for the latch to click open. Then put a very small amount of Door Eze (?) on the latch.

I feel like an idiot: I did not know that XC70 had a push button to open the fuel latch. Where is it located? I know that my fuel latch locks and unlocks automatically.

Ta-ta, janusz

[BillAileo]

The button is on the left side of the dashboard near the side air vent.

Bill

[Soft]

This must be a USA thing, there cannot be a button I have missed ?? :-)
XC70 MY03 D5

[philosophicaldreamer]

The button is on the left side of the dashboard near the side air vent.

Bill

Thanks Bill. I will look for it Talk about being a nincompoop. I have driven my car for so long . . .

Thanks.
janusz

[redwagon04]

After trying everything, I finally gave up and got it to the nearest dealer.

The service guy had an interesting comment this morning...."that happens, but usually in the cold weather." It turns out that the actuator (piston) was broken and had to be replaced. I find it disappointing that there is no alternative to open this like a pull cable or something....although I understand this is an electric system rather than a mechanical one. This makes me want to grind the fuel door locking tab so it won't lock any more....Oh well.

Thanks to all for the suggestions.

[Pennhaven]

After trying everything, I finally gave up and got it to the nearest dealer... I find it disappointing that there is no alternative to open this like a pull cable or something...

Now IMO that really is not good engineering practice. I would have expected that all remote fuel door latches would have a secondary manual release in the cargo area. The solenoid fails or jams and if your fuel level is low you have to be towed to a Volvo dealer. All because of a poor quality part and/or poor design in a secondary (actually unnecessary) system which isn't even part of the drive train!

Does anyone know how the dealer tech gets it open? If there isn't an easy way I don't think it would be over-reacting to never let the fuel level get below 1/4 or 1/3!

[XC70Geo]

Pennhaven,
I see, we are in the middle of the ETM story. But this does not mean (thanks for God) that if any problem happens to any Volvo this will be a worldwide disease, and will involve you or me.
There were problems with the fuel door's hing (as I remember), so it has proved to be not a very good construction. I agree, we should not over react this.