How do I open my fuel latch?

[rb30gtr]

Hi all,

I've had a few central locking and key fob issues, now I can't open my fuel latch,

I have tried the 5 presses of the unlock for the central locking, and even disconnected and re connected the battery, tried the emergency release pull inside the jack holder in the boot.

Should I just try and pry it open?

[TDV6]

When this happened to me, I locked and unlocked the car several times then went to the fuel latch and it worked ok.

Ryall

[rb30gtr]

Thanks Ryall,

Tried a very very large amount, hasn't helped, even had someone with their fingers trying to pry while I locked and unlocked multiple times from the button inside the car.

I cannot unlock or lock with the key fobs though.

And the emergency pull cord came straight out without any force and didn't open the fuel flap.

[Discophil]

This happened to me as well. Turned out it wasn't the locking mechanism, rather the latch had just got some dirt and dust inside and was a bit jammed. Once I eventually got it opened I gave it a good spray of WD40 and has been fine ever since.

[rb30gtr]

Thanks Phil,

How did you get it open, do I dare poke a screwdriver in and give it a pry? I am worried about damaging the paint.

Cheers,
Ben

[Discophil]

It started when I was at the servo in the morning, I stood there for 5 mins locking and unlocking the car. In the end had to give up and drive on (on empty). Rang my mechanic that morning to book in and get fixed. When I got in the car that afternoon I thought I would try again and it just opened without a problem. Being a Landrover owner, I kind of wasn't that surprised with this kind of a kwerk. So to answer your question, I didn't really do anything to get it open other than leave it for the day. I know this doesn't help you, but if it is just jammed, you could try some compressed air and a jiggle.

[101RRS]

Thanks Phil,

How did you get it open, do I dare poke a screwdriver in and give it a pry? I am worried about damaging the paint.

Cheers,
Ben

How is prying it going to open it without damage - there is an internal lock mechanism and unless you can get at it to manipulate it then prying it open will just cause damage.

Having said that I really don't have an answer other than to suggest that maybe latch is just sticking due to dust and dirt and squirting in there with WD 40 may help.

But then if you are having trouble locking and unlockimg your car then the issue is most likely related to that.

Garry

[Redback]

I'd give it a few taps with something, head of a screwdriver, even your hand, compressed air near the latch, WD40 and then try it, you might loosen whatever is holding it shut, of coarse I'm assuming it's the same as the D4 fuel latch and you just push on it to open it:angel:

Baz.

[Gords]

This has happened to me before, easy fix (for once!)... gointo where the jack is kept on the right hand rear inside pocket. Find the cable that comes up from the bottomof the car and loops around facing there the latch is. Pull the cable towardsthe rear of the car as if you are pulling away from the latch, this willrelease the actuator and allow the door to be opened easily. This seems to workand doesn’t require putting back to use later on- must just get jammed withdust and need a hand.

[rb30gtr]

It started when I was at the servo in the morning, I stood there for 5 mins locking and unlocking the car. In the end had to give up and drive on (on empty). Rang my mechanic that morning to book in and get fixed. When I got in the car that afternoon I thought I would try again and it just opened without a problem. Being a Landrover owner, I kind of wasn't that surprised with this kind of a kwerk. So to answer your question, I didn't really do anything to get it open other than leave it for the day. I know this doesn't help you, but if it is just jammed, you could try some compressed air and a jiggle.

I like the compressed air idea, ill give that a go tonight. Tried the karcher in and around to no luck.


How is prying it going to open it without damage - there is an internal lock mechanism and unless you can get at it to manipulate it then prying it open will just cause damage.

Having said that I really don't have an answer other than to suggest that maybe latch is just sticking due to dust and dirt and squirting in there with WD 40 may help.

But then if you are having trouble locking and unlockimg your car then the issue is most likely related to that.

Garry

Car locks and unlocks perfectly fine with the buttons on the dash, only issue is the key fob (buttons) do not work and haven't' for a while. It is a receiver issue.

Haven't gone at it with a screw driver just yet, it was suggested on the Disco3uk site by a few members.


I'd give it a few taps with something, head of a screwdriver, even your hand, compressed air near the latch, WD40 and then try it, you might loosen whatever is holding it shut, of coarse I'm assuming it's the same as the D4 fuel latch and you just push on it to open it:angel:

Baz.

Taping, hitting, and a little more - check
WD - check
I even fiddled in and around with a piece plastic parcel wrap to see it I would flick what ever is holding it place to no avail



This has happened to me before, easy fix (for once!)... gointo where the jack is kept on the right hand rear inside pocket. Find the cable that comes up from the bottomof the car and loops around facing there the latch is. Pull the cable towardsthe rear of the car as if you are pulling away from the latch, this willrelease the actuator and allow the door to be opened easily. This seems to workand doesn’t require putting back to use later on- must just get jammed withdust and need a hand.


Yep, tried that, the whole cable pulled straight out of the mechanism, and I can't seem to get it back in. I think a lug or holding clip that holds it in place is broken. I barely put any force on it.

*next step, 9inch grinder.
:wasntme:

I have a mechanic mate coming around tonight to have a look. Will try the compressed air, and ill see if I can get into it from behind through the boot.

It seems to be quite common, and with a bit of cleaning and maintenance it will be ok, I just need to get it open so I can fix it.

Karcraft sell the bits to repair the plastic clips, and pretty cheaply so I will get that sorted once I can open it.

[101RRS]

tried the emergency release pull inside the jack holder in the boot.



Find the cable that comes up from the bottomof the car and loops around facing there the latch is. Pull the cable towardsthe rear of the car as if you are pulling away from the latch, this willrelease the actuator and allow the door to be opened easily. This seems to workand doesn’t require putting back to use later on- must just get jammed withdust and need a hand.


I thought he had already tried that and it did not work.

[Gords]

my mistake, just reread that!

[rb30gtr]

Thanks everyone I appreciate the hints and tips.

Still no luck with the fuel flap. Buggered if I know.

[Redback]

Thanks everyone I appreciate the hints and tips.

Still no luck with the fuel flap. Buggered if I know.

Time to force the issue maybe, you can't let it beat you and miss this weekend;)

Baz.

[rb30gtr]

Pressure will be on this afternoon!

Screwdriver carefully wrapped in cloth will be the weapon of choice.

[sheerluck]

According to the LR Workshop manual, you need to pull the interlock mechanism and solenoid off from the back. Land Rover Workshop Manuals-LR3/Disco 3-Fuel Filler Interlock Catch Removal (http://landrover.workshop-manuals.com/lr3/index.php?id=2728)

Looks like it's boot trim off time. ;)

[rb30gtr]

According to the LR Workshop manual, you need to pull the interlock mechanism and solenoid off from the back. Land Rover Workshop Manuals-LR3/Disco 3-Fuel Filler Interlock Catch Removal (http://landrover.workshop-manuals.com/lr3/index.php?id=2728)

Looks like it's boot trim off time. ;)


If I make it Saturday morning, I will be easily recognised as the Disco3 with no fuel flap or rear interior :)

[Yorkie]

just avoid using oxy in these situations, angle grinder should be sufficient. :D

[rb30gtr]

just avoid using oxy in these situations, angle grinder should be sufficient. :D

It has certainly crossed my mind!:D

[jonesy63]

just avoid using oxy in these situations, angle grinder should be sufficient. :D

Or Ben - just let Liam drive your D3 for a short while... he is sure to break it off! :wasntme::D

[Yorkie]

Or Ben - just let Liam drive your D3 for a short while... he is sure to break it off! :wasntme::D

oi, i have never broken the fuel latch off mine, few other things but not that!.
:D

[rb30gtr]

Fixed.

My solution:

Folded cardboard jammed into the fuel latch, then ten minutes of locking and unlocking. Then hey presto.

Also replacement parts are dirt cheap and easy to do.

[Redback]

Fixed.

My solution:

Folded cardboard jammed into the fuel latch, then ten minutes of locking and unlocking. Then hey presto.

Also replacement parts are dirt cheap and easy to do.

Finnally, what a buggar it stopped you coming to Lake Lyell, it was a great weekend, oh and as to your wittness of an accident you posted, we had one of our own on the road to the Lake, a young P Plater rolled his parents new Commodore, luckly he was OK, he got a hug from his mother, the Father wasn't very ammused though:D

Kerry and Ness stayed with him until his parents arrived.

Baz.

[rb30gtr]

Finnally, what a buggar it stopped you coming to Lake Lyell, it was a great weekend, oh and as to your wittness of an accident you posted, we had one of our own on the road to the Lake, a young P Plater rolled his parents new Commodore, luckly he was OK, he got a hug from his mother, the Father wasn't very ammused though:D

Kerry and Ness stayed with him until his parents arrived.

Baz.

Wow Baz, I could just imagine the thoughts from a parents eyes a bit more now! Speed/drifting a factor or just unlucky circumstances?

I have not felt comfortable driving since I saw what I did on Friday morning. So to be honest I could have driven perfectly fine, and would have made the day as I had pre-voted. But driving again was really not on the top of my list of things to do. Even today I left Dorothy in the driveway and caught the train to work.

I jumped in with a mate in his Jeep as they went up to Zig Zag on Saturday, nearing the end of their day we saw one of the LR Groups at Moon Rock, we watched one of the D3's do it with absolute ease, kind of ruins the lure of the rock, maybe Land Rovers should be banned from off-roading and just used in the city?:wasntme:
Seriously though even as passenger I was not enjoying the driving much.

[Redback]

Wow Baz, I could just imagine the thoughts from a parents eyes a bit more now! Speed/drifting a factor or just unlucky circumstances?

I have not felt comfortable driving since I saw what I did on Friday morning. So to be honest I could have driven perfectly fine, and would have made the day as I had pre-voted. But driving again was really not on the top of my list of things to do. Even today I left Dorothy in the driveway and caught the train to work.

I jumped in with a mate in his Jeep as they went up to Zig Zag on Saturday, nearing the end of their day we saw one of the LR Groups at Moon Rock, we watched one of the D3's do it with absolute ease, kind of ruins the lure of the rock, maybe Land Rovers should be banned from off-roading and just used in the city?:wasntme:
Seriously though even as passenger I was not enjoying the driving much.

Speed mate, he was doing 130kph and lost it on the bend, with any luck it might teach him to take it a bit easier next time behind the wheel.

You were in that group on the rock, I was the trip leader on the day, I was the Grey D4 that lead the group down the track, if I'd known you were there I would have come and said hi.

Try not to dwell too much on that day, from what I read you did everything you could, I used to be a Motorcycle first aider at Race meeting, I've seen trauma first hand myself, diggers message was spot on, have a talk with someone and also as they say "get straight back on the horse"

Baz.

[rb30gtr]

Speed mate, he was doing 130kph and lost it on the bend, with any luck it might teach him to take it a bit easier next time behind the wheel.

You were in that group on the rock, I was the trip leader on the day, I was the Grey D4 that lead the group down the track, if I'd known you were there I would have come and said hi.

Try not to dwell too much on that day, from what I read you did everything you could, I used to be a Motorcycle first aider at Race meeting, I've seen trauma first hand myself, diggers message was spot on, have a talk with someone and also as they say "get straight back on the horse"

Baz.

I have ridden bikes for 25 years now! Love every aspect of them, and have seen a lot of damaged bodies and prides, including my own. But the crushed guy in the car was different, something about the helplessness. Dunno.

Ahh damn, the guys didn't stick around for long, we were worried about getting in the LR's way.

I was busy eyeing off all the modifications! Literally every Disco had some serious gear hanging off them, bar a couple.

The one that we watched do the rock, who's was that? Awesome rack and light bar on the roof!

[Redback]

I have ridden bikes for 25 years now! Love every aspect of them, and have seen a lot of damaged bodies and prides, including my own. But the crushed guy in the car was different, something about the helplessness. Dunno.

Ahh damn, the guys didn't stick around for long, we were worried about getting in the LR's way.

I was busy eyeing off all the modifications! Literally every Disco had some serious gear hanging off them, bar a couple.

The one that we watched do the rock, who's was that? Awesome rack and light bar on the roof!

Which one, there were 3 that had a go, RRS of Jamie, a Grey D4, that was Ducks Guts(almost Identical too mine) and Steve23, in a Silver D3, that would have been the one you saw.

Baz.

[rb30gtr]

Which one, there were 3 that had a go, RRS of Jamie, a Grey D4, that was Ducks Guts(almost Identical too mine) and Steve23, in a Silver D3, that would have been the one you saw.

Baz.

Spewing I missed the Miss Adventure RRS!

Must have been Steve23, he just jumped at moon rock like a pro, very impressed! And made it look so easy.

I'll be giving it a crack in good time. No e-diff though, not sure if that will make a big difference or not.