Thread: How do I open my fuel latch?

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?

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Originally Posted by garrycol

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.

Originally Posted by 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

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

Originally Posted by 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.

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.


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.