Description
Fuel door won’t close Inspection
How this system works:
The fuel door is a door on the side of your vehicle that leads to the gas cap. The gas cap unscrews and leads to the gas tank. The gas tank is where you refill your car with gas, which the car needs in order to function. The fuel door serves to protect and insulate the gas cap and gas tank, and also to complete the exterior of your vehicle. Most fuel doors have a taut cable that releases to allow the door to open, and tightens to close the door.
Common reasons for this to happen:
There are three reasons why a fuel door might get stuck open:
- Loose fuel door cable: The taut fuel door cable allows the fuel door to open and close. It runs along with the side panelling of the vehicle and serves as a release when you open the fuel door, and a lock when you close it. When the fuel door cable becomes loose, it is no longer able to do its job. An open fuel door won’t be able to close in this scenario.
- Broken fuel door latch: Many fuel doors have latches where they close, to hold the door in place. If this latch breaks, it may be stuck in the open position. And when you try and close the fuel door, nothing will hold it in place.
- Broken fuel door hinge: Like almost all doors, your fuel door likely has a hinge. This hinge allows the fuel door to swing open and swing closed. If the hinge becomes bent or damaged, or the hinge pin and bushings become too loose or too stiff, the hinge won’t be able to open and close, and your fuel door will be stuck.
What to expect:
A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the cause of the fuel door that is stuck open, and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.
How it’s done:
A mechanic will assess the fuel door and determine why it will not close. Loose fuel door cables, busted fuel door latches, and broken fuel door hinges can all be replaced quickly and with relative affordability.
How important is this service?
Having a fuel door that is stuck open isn’t much of a safety hazard, but it certainly doesn’t look good. It also leaves the door susceptible to further damage or being torn off completely, and it makes your gas cap vulnerable to damage. You should have a stuck fuel door fixed before the issue becomes any worse.
