petrol cap door won't open! argh!

Thanks for the offer Tom. and the info. When I get chance I will investigate it furthur, as suggested earlier in this thread it could just be an earthing problem.

Just a thought, Does the key have to be in the ignition and turned on ? When I had a go last night I just opened the drivers side door and tested it


Best.

John.
 
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after investigation it turned out to be the switch itself, flicked it out and gave it a dose of lekkey spray and it works fine now.
 
I've got sticky flap syndrome! I put a meter on the switch - appears to have power and to operate OK. Door microswitch is OK and the flap button still doesn't work if I press the central locking at the same time as the flap button.

So beginning to think it may be the flap solenoid and was wanting to check power/switching at the electrical connector on the solenoid. It is out of reach due to limited access through the panel. Is the only way to access this to remove all the trim bits detailed here? http://www.a2oc.net/forum/showthread.php?3270-Fitting-Audi-6-disk-CD-changer or is there some easier way to get to the connector?

Thanks.
 
So I've been using the handy manual release method (thanks for that) but would really like to fix my faulty fuel flap release.

I'm fairly certain it is a faulty solenoid. So, is it any easy job to swap out the part and are there any instructions or pictures available anywhere?

Many thanks....
 
VA04 said:
So I've been using the handy manual release method (thanks for that) but would really like to fix my faulty fuel flap release.

I'm fairly certain it is a faulty solenoid. So, is it any easy job to swap out the part and are there any instructions or pictures available anywhere?

Many thanks....
Click to expand...


What makes you feel confident that it is the solenoid? The switch is likely to be a problem as well.

Does the switch illuminate? Does the interior light come on when you open the door?

When the flap is open and you press the button in the door pillar does it show any signs of operating the solenoid?

Do you a multimeter, or access to one? If so, you should check that the solenoid is receiving current when the button is pressed.

It is just that buying and replacing the solenoid, only to find out it was the switch is annoying for you and costly.

Steve B
 
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VA04 said:
So I've been using the handy manual release method (thanks for that) but would really like to fix my faulty fuel flap release.

I'm fairly certain it is a faulty solenoid. So, is it any easy job to swap out the part and are there any instructions or pictures available anywhere?

Many thanks....
Click to expand...

My memory is letting me down. I removed one from my breaker before it went but I can't remember whether you would be able to access it through the taillight access panel. In any event I have one here if needed.

Edit - I think you could probably gain access to it from the taillight access panel but the job would be made a lot easier by removing the inner trim panel as the ope one would then be made a lot larger for access.
 
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Yes the button on the door pillar is illuminated.
Yes the interior light comes on when you open the door.
No, pressing the door pillar button with the flap open does not prompt any life from the solenoid.
I do not have a multimeter.

Does this sound like the solenoid is at fault (I guess it means the switch is ok?)

Incidentally the fuel flap pillar button is worn and the boot pillar button is missing although it still lights up.
Are these easily sourced and replaced parts?
 
Thanks Steve - I can certainly see the solenoid clearly with the rear lamp access cover removed.
Looks like a small white electrical part with a small piston on the top.
Access looks tricky, a screw is visible attaching it to the body but this would probably need undoing with pliers as the head is not readily accessable, not sure if there are any other fixings...
 
VA04 said:
Thanks Steve - I can certainly see the solenoid clearly with the rear lamp access cover removed.
Looks like a small white electrical part with a small piston on the top.
Access looks tricky, a screw is visible attaching it to the body but this would probably need undoing with pliers as the head is not readily accessable, not sure if there are any other fixings...
Click to expand...

Sorry I can't be more specific in helping but it's been months since I removed it. I think I managed to undo it with a ratchet ring spanner. Just one fixing and an electrical connector from memory but I'll try to have a look at the one I've got in the garage later to describe where the mounting is or more helpfully take a picture.
 
Are you sure that you are using the right button on the door pillar? (sorry to ask)

You mention a "Boot button" missing, there is no boot button.
There is one button for the fuel flap and the other button is to disable the interior alarm monitoring.

I would still bet on it being the button and not the solenoid. (the lights wil still come on in the buttons even if they don't work)

Both buttons are still available from the dealer and they are just under £20 each.

Steve B
 
Yes I've been happily using the correct button for a year and a half!

Apologies, I guessed the missing button was a remote boot release but assume it is the alarm disable function as you say.

I'm away for a couple of weeks so will look into it further on my return but may well need your spare part Steve so keep a hold if it please! Ta
 
I've had the fuel flap go wrong twice - the first time it was an earth connection on that circuit which had gone bad, and the second time the 'elbow'(?) which connects the solenoid to the actual flap had come apart.
 
Back in the UK now so guess I should sort this really.

Steve any joy finding the part and/or a picture of it and the fixings?
 
VA04 said:
Back in the UK now so guess I should sort this really.

Steve any joy finding the part and/or a picture of it and the fixings?
Click to expand...

Hi, yes I have the part there. I'll try to take a picture of it tomorrow for you and post it here. it will be £10 delivered if thats any use to you. Thanks
 
A2Steve said:
Hi, yes I have the part there. I'll try to take a picture of it tomorrow for you and post it here. it will be £10 delivered if thats any use to you. Thanks
Click to expand...
veqhpl.jpg


Here you go.
 
So the saga continues.....
Steve many thanks for the filler flap solonoid, received with thanks.
It was fitted during the recent MOT (flew through yet again!) but still the filler flap didn't work and garage mentioned something about an 'electronic comfort unit?' which would be an expensive fix.

Anyway this morning I found the door pillar fuel button in bits in the driver footwell - 3 parts, black button shell, white plastic bit and a small spring.
I slotted the white plastic and spring in place, pressed it and could clearly here the flap trying to release!!!!!

It still doesn't work as the solonoid appears to be loosely bolted in and slipping in its mounting.
Also the button doesn't work after replacing the black button cover....

Am I missing a button part?
Does anyone have a spare button (just the inner bit with the picture of the fuel flap is needed) as mine has 2 snapped retaining lugs and lots of peeling black.
Whilst I'm at it does anyone have the alarm button too (inner bit) as this has been absent since I got the car.

As usual any advice very gratefully received.....
 
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