If your fuel door doesn’t open or lock properly, it may be due to a broken fuel door cover mechanism. Your vehicle’s fuel door is usually triggered by either a cable and lever or an electric solenoid and switch.
If you’re having trouble opening or locking your fuel door, follow these steps to troubleshoot the problem. If the problem persists, have a professional mechanic inspect the mechanism to determine what’s causing it.
Cable Lever
The cable lever of the 2002 hyundai santa fe fuel door cover mechanism is a small, round metal device that operates a fuel door release. The lever is attached to a cable that extends from the lever and along the door sill all the way through the quarter panel to an actuator behind the fuel door that is controlled by either an electric switch or solenoid.
When a manual fuel door release lever is not opening or closing properly, the first thing to check is the cable connection. It is not uncommon for the cable to snap or become loose due to mechanical damage. A technician will actuate the lever and feel for a good connection with the cable. Alternatively, they may use a tool to probe the lever and trace the wire to the door. This will indicate if the problem is with the lever or the cable itself. If it is the cable, they may need to replace the lever.
Cable Connection
If you are unable to open your fuel door cover, it may be because of a broken cable connection. The cable is what connects the lever to the release mechanism behind the gas / fuel cap door. If the connection breaks, the lever will not be able to pull the cable and your vehicle will not work properly.
The best way to test the cable connection is to physically examine it and see if the wire can be pulled. First, remove the cover of the fuel door lever and inspect the connection from the lever to the wire. If the connection is not working, you will need to replace it in order to make the door function again. You can do this yourself or you may need to call a professional mechanic for this service. The most common problems with this system are loose and damaged release cables and faulty levers. RepairPal Certified shops will be able to help you with this service.
Electric Solenoid
Using electricity, solenoids open or close valves to control the flow of gasses and liquids. They are essential components of modern cars, and they’re also found in many home appliances and other automated devices.
Solenoids consist of a coil of wire, a housing, and a plunger (or armature). When an electrical current is applied, a strong magnetic field forms around the coil that pulls in the plunger.
There are two types of solenoid coils: wrapped and encapsulated. Wrapped solenoids have the magnetic wires wrapped in paper or insulated tape.
These are the most common types of solenoids, but there are many other variations as well. The type of application determines which type of solenoid is used.
Pop-Open Spring
The fuel door is designed to prevent unauthorized access to the gasoline or diesel fuel inside your vehicle. It is typically operated by a lever and a cable that connects to a spring-operated locking mechanism behind the fuel door.
If the fuel door does not open when you push the lever, there is an issue with one of the components involved in this system. The first step is to examine the lever and connection to the wire.
This can be done physically by pulling on the lever and watching it move back and forth. If it moves freely, this indicates that the problem is not with the connection.
If the lever is stuck, you will need to replace it with a new model from an auto parts store or dealership. It’s best to have a professional mechanic complete this inspection and make repairs as needed.