Fuel door stuck

David in NC · Post by **David in NC** » 14 Mar 2013, 16:43

The fuel door on my '99 V70 doesn't open. I've searched but not found the answer. I think previous models had a manual release, but mine does not.

I have read that the fuel door release is connected to the door locking system and switches sometimes hang up and mess up the fuel door release. But I have both front and the left rear door panels off the car to replace speakers.

I stopped for gas and realized that the switch to open the fuel door was on the panel at home. I went home and connected the switch and opened the fuel door. But, when I got to the gas station it wouldn't work. I unplugged the switch and jumped the wires but it still doesn't work. The rear hatch lock switch next to the fuel door release switch works fine.

I tried to remove the right rear trim panel, braking only two pieces of trim, but couldn't see anything to release the door.

If I have to pry the door open, what method does the least damage? I wouldn't mind disabling the fuel door locking mechanism, but I would want the door to open and close.

HELP! Any suggestions? TIA.

mrwillie · Post by **mrwillie** » 14 Mar 2013, 16:50

Mine sticks on a regular basis now. I keep a long skinny flat screwdriver( or my knife ) in my car, and on the 1994 855 atleast you can just reach the arm that locks the door if you pop the door open slighty. Grab the little black bar( the locking bar ) and slide it towards the rear of the car.

Lithium grease worked for awhile, now its back to sticking again. I never found my release mechanism either.

You're not out of gas are you? Where do you live? I'm at work in Durham now, hoping to leave shortly. Shout if you're close and need help.

Will

Post by **JDS60R** » 14 Mar 2013, 16:59

Remove the rear seat belt bolt in the inside trim (for third seat if equipped), tilt the seat forward, lift the floor panel up and remove the passenger rear trim panel. Behind it you will find a layer of sound protection that fits into place in the rear. Pull it out to reveal the locking solenoid.
You can use your hand and pull back the locking solenoid black plastic pin and then unplug the solenoid. The door will be able to open and will not relock. If you wish you can use a piece of mechanics wire, to make your own manual release. Those little motors go bad and are made by Mabuchi and can be replace for about $5 if you can pull and reseat the gear. (easier said than done)

I am still looking for a source of these with the gear on as my customers get tired of the $100 cost (roughly) to replace the assembly. If someone knows of it please let me know. I have found the 10 tooth gear in the RC helicopter market and the motor is easily available but I have not yet found them together.

Post by **JRL** » 14 Mar 2013, 17:01

It's there, very far forward in the panel.
In the meantime until you figure it out, remove the clip that holds the gas flap,(upper left corner)
It may stay 1/2" open but it's better than the alternative until fixed

David in NC · Post by **David in NC** » 14 Mar 2013, 19:16

Thanks to all. I have 1/4 tank to get me to the weekend when I can work on it, if I can tear myself away from ACC basketball.

I'm going to start by trying to remove the panel to expose the solenoid. If that doesn't work, I'll try to jimmy the latch from the outside. Thanks again.

Post by **abscate** » 14 Mar 2013, 19:55

Replacement latch (after you jimmy) is about 2 USD at Volvo, so no big deal.

David in NC · Post by **David in NC** » 16 Mar 2013, 11:39

I removed the inner panel and felt around but couldn't find the manual release or feel the plunger on the solenoid. So I went to the pick and pull to practice. No wagons but I found a sedan. I found the solenoid and was able to pull the plunger back to open the door. But couldn't do it on my car. there is more sheet metal on my wagon.

Anyway, I popped the door open breaking the $2 piece that keeps it closed. Now I can get to the solenoid and try to fix it.

Thanks to All for your help, especially Will who offered to come by and help. Thanks, Will, but Wilmington is too far for a service call!

fkucera · Post by **fkucera** » 17 Mar 2013, 09:02

David in NC wrote:Thanks to all. I have 1/4 tank to get me to the weekend when I can work on it, if I can tear myself away from ACC basketball.

I'm going to start by trying to remove the panel to expose the solenoid. If that doesn't work, I'll try to jimmy the latch from the outside. Thanks again.

On our 1996 S70 we would push the fuel door release button in the driver door and could hear a noise at the fuel door. However, the fuel door would not open. Then i got my son to stand by the fuel door while I pushed the button. He pushed on the forward edge of the door and it popped open. So the latch was operating but the door would not spring open. Fix: I found an old spring about 3/4 IN. in length and 3/8 IN. in diameter. I then removed one of the screws holding the solenoid switch and wound a single coil of the spring around the head of the screw (between the washer and the screw). I then tightened the screw and used pliers to make sure that the spring was perpendicular to the door face and VIOLA! Spring operated door release. Now we push the fuel door release button and the fuel door "POPS" open. Wooo Hooo!