Fuel Flap Sticking-help Needed

[Manxrav]

The last two times I,ve been for derv I,ve had a problem with the fuel tank flap. I,ve tried to release it from inside ( lever at side of drivers seat) but to no evale, ended up having to use a screwdriver very gingerly to open it. What do I need to do to make it work properly again?

Clare

[chatman]

The last two times I,ve been for derv I,ve had a problem with the fuel tank flap. I,ve tried to release it from inside ( lever at side of drivers seat) but to no evale, ended up having to use a screwdriver very gingerly to open it. What do I need to do to make it work properly again?

Clare

Can you not access it from behind the rear arch inside...not much help at a petrol station, then having to scramble around in the boot to open the filler flap.....

Anchorman may have some pdf doc or explanation on what to look for, failing this, could always use a piece of fishing line inside the flap just enough to open it...but not be seen...until the flap is fixed..... :lol:

Must also admit if it was not for the little arrow and the words Fuel Door on the fuel gauge...I would always park the wrong side of the pump...having two cars always confusing when coming to fill up time.....and being a petrol and Diesel..... ;) ;)

[Wudzy]

Hi Clare,

Same problem and one that I will try to address when time permits.

The work round that I use is :

Prop up the lever at the side of the seat, I use a pencil broken down just long enough to wedge the leaver in the open posistion then you can open the filler flap with the tips of your fingers but. you must take the prop off before you can shut the flap properly.

A pain in the a**e but works OK, will stop you breaking the flap or scratching the paint work. :(

I am sure that this must be a common problem, we will just have to hope someone knows how to fix it.

Cheers

John

[Boro Sera]

not sure if this helps, but we get the same problem on the Sera.

The cure is an easy one though. The flap is spring loaded, so that it opens slightly when you pull the release lever. The spring bends so that it hasn't got enough welly to move the flap.

The cure is to firstly open the flap - either jam the lever in the open position or get someone else to lift the lever while you open the flap. Then look for the spring steel part on the hinge and bend it away from the flap. Keeping the lever pulled, you can test it out by shutting the flap and seeing if it pops open again.

Like I said, it might not be the same on the Rav as it is on the Sera - but it's worth a look .

[Wudzy]

Thanks for that, worth a try and will give it a go tomorrow..

Cheers

John

[bothwell_buyer]

Oil or grease the mech. You can ease off the filler shroud to get to it - just a footer but worth doing.

[anchorman]

I did post a warning to 4.3 owners some time ago but can I find it!

The solution is easy - as bothy says its just lubrication. When you close the door you push it onto a spring loaded catch and when you release it the door needs to be free in order for the weak spring to just flirt the door open far enough to just get your fingers behind it.

Clare

As somebody has said, you need to get the catch propped open then carefully coax the door open with a screwdriver as you have been doing.

In this photo the spring that pushes the door open is indicated by the yellow arrow, the catch by the green arrow and the points you need to lubricate by the blue arrow.

Get some kitchen roll to stop the WD40 running down the body and apply a small amount to the top of the hinge;

Then the bottom;

Then just work the door back and too - it will quickly free up. It should be absolutely free with no resistance.

For anyone else with a 4.3 can I suggest you do the same before it causes a problem. You can guarantee it will stick when it is howling a gale, the garage is queuing up with impatient customers and you are in a huge rush!

[Wudzy]

Thanks all,

After lubricating the hinge as per Anchorman photo I can now use the flap as an aero-brake.....

Will it also let me fill the tank faster...save money...

Great site...thanks.

Cheers

John

[Manxrav]

Star-man Don!!!!!!! Just been out and done aforementioned and low and behold A-OK. Thanks very much

Clare

Should we not keep this great bit of advice for other members of the Forum to refer to!!!

[anchorman]

She means anchorman everybody! Don't know who that Don fella is but I suspect he's a decent sort!

It seems a little maintenance tip but I could do it if you think its worth it?

[bothwell_buyer]

She means anchorman everybody! Don't know who that Don fella is but I suspect he's a decent sort!

It seems a little maintenance tip but I could do it if you think its worth it?

Add in that if you put some bricks in the tank, it'll hold less. :)

[Boro Sera]

She means anchorman everybody! Don't know who that Don fella is but I suspect he's a decent sort!

It seems a little maintenance tip but I could do it if you think its worth it?

Add in that if you put some bricks in the tank, it'll hold less. :)

Have you seen the price of bricks nowadays???? :P

[dave.m]

She means anchorman everybody! Don't know who that Don fella is but I suspect he's a decent sort!

She means the Rav forum Don, as in not to be messed with or it will be horses heads in the bed and all that

[bothwell_buyer]

She means anchorman everybody! Don't know who that Don fella is but I suspect he's a decent sort!

It seems a little maintenance tip but I could do it if you think its worth it?

Add in that if you put some bricks in the tank, it'll hold less. :)

Have you seen the price of bricks nowadays???? :P

No so bad if ye use rubble frae a crunched up building - jist wash it furst

[dudu]

Simple answer to a non working petrol door flap on RAV 4. In my case, the latch mechanism works - but the 'spring' bit that flirts the door open is no longer there - must have rusted away or broken off.

All you need is a small bulldog paper clip - and clip it to the lower section of the door to replace the spring. Works like a dream & cheap fiX.

If there was a way to post a pic here direct from my computer I would do it.