Fuel filler lock - fuel theft.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

I suspect that I am having fuel siphoned from my D4 while it is parked overnight. :mad:

It is an MY12 3.0 SDV6 SE, the fuel filler door seems to be able to be opened at any time merely by pushing on it.

Is this correct or are there any after-market locking fuel filler caps available?

[the_preacher1973]

I suspect that I am having fuel siphoned from my D4 while it is parked overnight. :mad:

It is an MY12 3.0 SDV6 SE, the fuel filler door seems to be able to be opened at any time merely by pushing on it.

Is this correct or are there any after-market locking fuel filler caps available?

The fuel filler flap should lock when you activate the central locking.

[vnx205]

It doesn't help with your question, but I am reminded of something I saw in a movie years ago.

Someone spent several months secretly adding fuel to the tank of his neighbour's VW Beetle. Apparently the neighbour was obsessed with the fuel consumption of his car and spent a few months boasting about the incredible fuel consumption of his VW.

Then over the next few months, he secretly drained the same amount that he had previously added and was amused by his neighbour's consternation at the dramatic deterioration in his fuel economy.

Maybe someone is messing with your mind. You haven't been boasting to any of your neighbours about how economical the Disco is have you? :p

[Lotz-A-Landies]

The fuel filler flap should lock when you activate the central locking.Thats the problem, it doesn't.

I'm wondering if the locking flap is only on the HSE and not the SE and poverty pack? :(

[the_preacher1973]

Thats the problem, it doesn't.

I'm wondering if the locking flap is only on the HSE and not the SE and poverty pack? :(

Mine locks. It's an SE. It's a 2005 though so they probably don't build 'em like they used to.:p

You don't have keyless entry or something do you?

[LRD414]

I'm wondering if the locking flap is only on the HSE and not the SE and poverty pack? :(

My standard MY14 TDV6 locks with the central locking.

Scott

[winaje]

Open the fuel filler with the car unlocked, observe the locking mechanism half way up on the left side of the opening, then lock the car. You should see the pin pop out to engage the locking hole in the flap support. If the pin does pop out, check that the corresponding hole in the flap support is not broken. If they are both correctly working and whole, check for alignment to make sure that they will engage together.

[letherm]

Open the fuel filler with the car unlocked, observe the locking mechanism half way up on the left side of the opening, then lock the car. You should see the pin pop out to engage the locking hole in the flap support. If the pin does pop out, check that the corresponding hole in the flap support is not broken. If they are both correctly working and whole, check for alignment to make sure that they will engage together.

Or maybe simply try and open the fuel flap after you lock the car :)

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Or maybe simply try and open the fuel flap after you lock the car :)
Do you really think I haven't tried that multipe times?

Single locking, double locking, even leaving the tag inside the house and coming out later.

[LandyAndy]

There have been posts on the accuator failing.From memory its a clean of the mechanism is all thats needed.
Andrew

[letherm]

Do you really think I haven't tried that multipe times?

Single locking, double locking, even leaving the tag inside the house and coming out later.

Sorry if I may have offended but I've spent too many years in IT solving problems and you get used to suggesting the bleeding obvious as a lot of times it has been overlooked.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Can someone take a look at the photos of my lock tongue? (sorry about quality, very bright sunshine and camera phone)

I watched while I locked and unlocked the car and could hear something happening but there doesn't seem to be anything for the lock to engage on.

[winaje]

I made a video, this shows what you should see. You can see the pin extending and retracting when locking and unlocking (excuse filthy filler area)
https://youtu.be/TG6MATXLxqo't=12s

[Nomad9]

Hi There,
Agree with everyone else I have the SE and I have the locking flap. The way winaje talks about checking is how I found the issue with mine. There is a clip that holds the little solenoid "thing" on top of the offside rear wheel arch, if that clip falls off or hasn't been put on properly the little pin won't come out because the solenoid isn't attached to something solid. Check first as mentioned by winajie. I got a second hand unit from TRS in Adelaide works fine now. You have to take all the trim out to get at the blasted thing. If you get a replacement unit make sure the pin is in the retracted position or the locating collet won't go through the bodywork, that was a trick for young players.........:)

[Lotz-A-Landies]

That explains it all. The mechanism is there but no pin!

A couple of weeks ago I noticed the door open when I went to work in the morning, thought it odd but put it down to my own negligence the night before at the fuel supply shop.

Now it was probably the start of the thefts. :nazilock:

I wonder if I can get a locking cap or put a gauze in the filler neck?

[sniegy]

If your arm is long enough you can reach in from the load space area (Remove Jack & Tools) & feel to see if the solenoid has just been dislodged & or supply wire has been disconnected.
Worst case scenario is remove the trim the solenoid can be easily seen & you can then see the issue.
Cheers

Sent from Sniegy's iPhone using Forum Runner

[LandyAndy]

Trigger the anti ULP device;);););)
Surprised a fuel thief didnt trigger it putting a syphon hose in.
Andrew

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Went and did that as soon as I saw the video. Had to pull out the jack and all the trailer adaptors to get at the mechanism, but unfortunately the actuator is firmly in place, just no pin.

[LandyAndy]

Went and did that as soon as I saw the video. Had to pull out the jack and all the trailer adaptors to get at the mechanism, but unfortunately the actuator is firmly in place, just no pin.

I would blow it with compressed air then put graphite powder in,blow it again,powder it again.Then try a series on lock/unlocks,it may free it up if its stuck in the withdrawn position.
Andrew

[Fred Nerk]

Someone spent several months secretly adding fuel to the tank of his neighbour's VW Beetle. Apparently the neighbour was obsessed with the fuel consumption of his car and spent a few months boasting about the incredible fuel consumption of his VW.

Then over the next few months, he secretly drained the same amount that he had previously added and was amused by his neighbour's consternation at the dramatic deterioration in his fuel economy.



I remember that movie, but not the name. Walter Matthau was the prankster messing with the fuel in his neighbour's car.


Solving the fuel catch issue is part of the problem. It may be that the person stealing the fuel is responsible for disabling the fuel door latch. Seems to me that they know their stuff as they are not tripping the diesel mis-fueling protection flap. Perhaps they have a resetting tool. May need to catch them first.


The other possibility is "un-authorised" use of your car. Any children? Do you drive in your sleep? :eek: Wife going out at night? :twisted: You might check your odometer before and after parking. Sorry if I opened a can of worms. :angel:

[vnx205]

I remember that movie, but not the name. Walter Matthau was the prankster messing with the fuel in his neighbour's car.
... .... ..

I had forgotten the actor, but you're right. It was Walther Matthau.

[Fred Nerk]

It has been driving me mad all day.... Until now,


The movie is called "Pete 'n' Tillie". Walter Matthau and Carol Burnett.


(Sorry to hijack the thread, but it was sort of, slightly, related to your fuel problem)

[Lotz-A-Landies]

More investigation today, attempted to insert a garden hose into the filler neck, but it tripped the shutoff. Then the problems began, :( checked the owners manual page 172 describes the shutoff and how to reset it. The tool is located in the luggage area.

Very descriptive I thought so checked the quick start guide which told me to go to the manual. :BigCry: pulled out both tool compartments, no. Took out the rear mat and puled open the 3rd row seats no tool, have never seen such a thing. Rang LR Assist who informed me it looks a bit like an unwound snail and its in the luggage area. Dealer only had salesmen on duty.

So eventually I made a tool out of fencing wire and reset the filler neck.

If someone is stealing fuel, they are using a very fine hose and are very skilled.

I did however find that the outer cable had come adrift of the actuator so forced it back in and now have a pin. :) Lets see how long it lasts?

[LandyAndy]

My tool was packed with the jack tools.It looks nothing like a snail,unwound squashed or anything like.Its a plastic probe,semi circle shaped(dia of filler neck) Good to here fence wire works.I think others have said thers is cliped in the glove box,or the little cubby box above it.
Great to hear you fixed the problem.
Andrew

[sniegy]

Its also "Yellow" & at one end it has two prongs. :)

[LRD414]

And in my MY14 it has a place to clip in to on the inside of the upper glovebox door. Don't know if that's true for MY12.

Scott

[Fred Nerk]

When I took delivery of my D4 3+ years ago, the salesmen emphasised and demonstrated the use of the tool for resetting the mis-fuel device. I decided to keep the tool in the cubby hole near the fuel filler ie the one next to the driver's side third row seat. I have used it a few times when using a fuel can with a small hose which trips the device.


Everyone should be familiar with this gadget.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/06/787.jpg (http://s823.photobucket.com/user/dswatkin/media/DSC_0120.jpg.html)


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/06/788.jpg (http://s823.photobucket.com/user/dswatkin/media/DSC_0121.jpg.html)

[scarry]

I made sure mine was there when i picked up the vehicle.

Once tripped it can still be filled with fuel, but very slowly.