Warning - Fuel Flap Spring

[nlee]

I was carrying out the rare task of filling the PHEV with liquid fuel a couple of weeks ago and heard something drop on the floor. Fortunately I spotted a small spring clip and picked it up, realised it was the hinge spring for the fuel flap and kept it safe for later. 
If this should happen to you, don’t lose the spring but also, don’t think “oh, I’ll fix that when I get around to it”. Next time you get to the fuel station, it becomes a two person job to open the flap, one to hold the release button in the car, the other to pry open the flap with a credit card or similar! I learnt the hard way and had to ask a complete stranger to help, to my embarrassment. On another note, it’s only held in place with the smallest of plastic tabs. I’ve tried to “fix it” it a couple of times now but still trying to find a suitable adhesive that hold it securely.

 

[TifaTifaUK]

I’ve had exactly the same issue with my 2019 HEV RAV4. On examination it’s an incredibly flimsy plastic retaining clip that holds the metal spring in.

It’s hard to believe it got through even basic testing as it’s not up to the job of repeated opening of the filler cap. 

I’ve done a repair with Araldite, but then filling up last week knocked it off again. I intend to pick it up with the dealer when it’s in for service. 

[Nick72]

8 hours ago, TifaTifaUK said:

I’ve had exactly the same issue with my 2019 HEV RAV4. On examination it’s an incredibly flimsy plastic retaining clip that holds the metal spring in.

It’s hard to believe it got through even basic testing as it’s not up to the job of repeated opening of the filler cap. 

I’ve done a repair with Araldite, but then filling up last week knocked it off again. I intend to pick it up with the dealer when it’s in for service. 

It's weird that so many things are incredibly well engineered, brilliant even, but some things look like they're straight from Temu.