HDI fuel filler cap stuck shut.

[isisalar]

The car has started making a sort of raspberry noise when locking/unlocking and I've just discovered that the noise is coming from the filler flap mechanism and the flap is stuck shut.
Fortunately I'm not that low on fuel but I need to get it sorted pdq. I'm sure there was a recent thread on this subject but I can't find it, can anyone help with some instructions please?
Cheers
Paul

[Mandrake]

Hi Paul,

I would try spraying some penetrating lubricant into the locking pin solenoid, also wiggle the flap while you try to lock and unlock it a few times and hopefully it will free up, then you can remove the solenoid until you can repair or replace it.

See the picture I just posted in this thread:

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... =3&t=49655" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Hell Razor5543]

This may seem a silly question, but does the cap lock with a key, or from the central locking?

[isisalar]

Thanks Simon, I'll give it a wiggle then and try to get it open, I assume that to lubricate I'll have to get the trim off inside, or would loosening off that visible nut give access?

[addo]

I think like many of the Pugs, you can access the flap locking servomotor via removal of the boot side trim.

Has your tailgate lock been playing up too?

[isisalar]

Don't think there's been any problem with the tailgate, is there a connection?

[Mandrake]

Thanks Simon, I'll give it a wiggle then and try to get it open, I assume that to lubricate I'll have to get the trim off inside, or would loosening off that visible nut give access?

I was thinking more about spraying penetrating lubricant down the shaft of the pin - easiest to do with the flap already open of course! But spraying it in the gap between the flap and the body may get enough into it to free it enough to allow you to open the flap, once the flap is open you could then lubricate it further.

I wouldn't loosen the nut unless you already have the wheel arch plastic peeled back to get access to the back of it otherwise its likely to fall down into the cavity...