artc

Went to top up the gas at the weekend and that little flap in the fuel filler neck just won't move! Can't get the pump nozzle into the tank.

Does anybody know how these spring loaded things work? There seems to be a tab at the top and bottom of the flap, but pushing them doesn't seem to do anything. If I can't fix it myself I'll have to book in to a dealer before I run dry!

limey1

I suggest you go to the dealer. I haven't come across this problem. I wouldn't force it. Act in haste ... repent at leasure.

slickrick

Try turning the car off and opening and closing the door locks with the key fob. I know the gas door cap locks when you lock the doors to the car.

artc

Hey slickrick.... I can open the door & get the cap off no problem. It is the small flap inside the neck of the tank that won't move. Normally inserting the filler nozzle pushes it aside, but it won't budge!

pennetta

Since you have a diesel, are they using the urea injection by you yet. It needs to be refilled or the car won't run, maybe the fuel nozzel lockout has something to do with this?

Edited: I did find this article-

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...1024/LATESTNEWS

"The EPA is considering rules that will require the vehicle to eventually stop running if drivers don't keep the tank filled.

Karl Simon, the EPA's assistant director for the office of transportation and air quality, said the agency is focusing on an early-warning system that notifies drivers when the urea tank is low.

The agency also is considering an inducement that forces drivers to refill the urea tank - for example, preventing the engine from starting if the tank is empty or automatically locking the fuel filler door until the urea supply is replenished.

The agency says automakers will have to make it easy for drivers and technicians to identify the urea tank and refill it."

By the way, urea is somehow a nice word for urine. If you are in a pinch, get a six pack, drink it, and refill the urea injection tank.

artc

We don't use Urea injection here (yet) - that is being pioneered for you guys in the US! Based on what I have read, they must be planning to install one hell of a tank as they claim it will be refilled by the dealer at oil change intervals - that's some amount of pee to carry around with you!

I went to a different gas station last night to see if the pump nozzle could be at fault, and guess what, it worked! A little bit of resistance and then it sprang open.
Problem solved

PN. Arun

Hi, Just had the fuel nozzle problem in my Bimmer X1. Called roadside assistance and they took only 2 min to fix this up. It is pretty cool. Try to slide the flap in the upward direction with a screwdriver. Once it goes up you need to slide in the metal part in it. It goes and sits comfortably there.

Best

Arun