Fuel tank lid won't stay shut

eharriett · Post by **eharriett** » 01 Aug 2011, 10:12

Have a 2001 S80 with 235,000 miles. I filled the car up and heard a light creak when I went to open the lid for the fuel tank, and now the lid won't stay shut. It swings freely and will no longer lock when the doors lock. This has happened once before while the car was under warranty and the dealer replaced a part, but that was 8 years and over 175k miles ago. I believe he said it would be a $100+ repair, and for something that keeps happening, I'd really like to avoid an expense like that again. Does anyone have any ideas what broke and is it something I can fix for less?

Thanks

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 03 Aug 2011, 16:18

More then likely it is the electronic latch inside the fuel door. Going 175K miles without it breaking is very good I might add.

didmkrmra · Post by **didmkrmra** » 04 Aug 2011, 15:40

My daughter recently brought the same issue to my attention on my 2001 S80. It sounds like the spring on the fuel door hinge is no longer connected to the black hinge (plastic tabs broke off). I found a replacement hinge locally,( and aslo on ipdusa.com) less than $10. (pic attached) It sounds like a simple procedure to remove the old hinge and replace it. There are specific directions for S80's available at ipdusa's site when viewing the part. (on the S80 you have to connect the door and spring to the new hinge BEFORE attaching it to the car)
The lock engaging the fuel door is a separate issue. There is a ~$98 solenoid that engages the door when the car is locked, mine doesn't engage instantly when the car is locked... not sure when it happens, I haven't waited long enough to find out.
I think the replacement hinge will solve your problem.

Post by **yuckuJackD** » 05 Aug 2011, 00:08

yeap, i thiknk i't's the hinge, too.
I've made a manual, but it's wrote in Bulgarian...
I'll post you just the photos, hope this will help:

Good luck

pcjjjr · Post by **pcjjjr** » 08 Sep 2011, 21:16

2001 S80 288,886 miles. Mine has done the same. I purchased a kit similar to the above and it worked great for another 75,000+ miles or so. Then the spring portion broke again. Every time I took a left hand turn, the door flew open. When I start again, or go right, the door closes.

I resolved the problem by purchasing some small magnets from the Home Depot. I stacked two on the top side and two on the bottom side. The door no longer swings open as I drive or stop.

Very inexpensive fix to this problem. No, it doesn't fix it properly - but now nobody tells me that my fuel door is open.

Volvo Family · Post by **Volvo Family** » 11 May 2012, 19:28

Thank you yuckojack for the detailed pictures. I was able to identify the source of my problem. I still have one question. How did you remove the fuel door? Your pictures begin after the door has been removed.

Thank you again

Post by **yuckuJackD** » 12 May 2012, 02:43

In these two pictures I show how I press UP (isdie to me) with tha screwdriver. This way I just brake the old clips which actualy are not needed anymore, so it's OK.
Good Luck

p.s. myne door was totaly down when broke, but it's not matter - the procedure is the same.