Fuel flap not unlocking

[Meccles]

Well my left hand rear door actuator stopped working the other day. A new actuator has been ordered.
Then - the fuel flap didn't unlock when car was unlocked. I got it to work once by locking/unlocking and it unlocked/opened. Filled car up.
But now it refuses to unlock. How can I get the fuel flap open and how to replace the actuator? I see there's a cable going into something when looking in from the opening inside the car near the fuel filler.
Appreciate any advice.
Jan 2013 L320 RRS

[DieselLSE]

If there's a pull cable heading towards the fuel flap then that will be the emergency release. There's nothing else it could possibly be. If you have a user manual in the glovebox it will cover it.

[Meccles]

Thanks Yes I figured that and yes I have original handbook. i've owned the car since new. But nothing in the handbook about how to release. I'm figuring just pull cable until it comes out which would unlock the flap - I think. Cars full of fuel so no need to pull this atm until someone can confirm that how I think it works - is

[RANDLOVER]

Try pushing on the flap lightly while pressing the unlock button to remove some of the friction component if the solenoid is on it's last legs.

[Meccles]

Well- the actuator is working. I could feel it moving when lightly pressing fuel flap. But flap still wouldn't open. I've pulled that cable out of the grommet - its like a long rod. And it goes in/out with lock/unlock. But with cable removed - fuel flap still wont open. What now? Has the flap latch mechanism failed and if so how to open the flap? I see kits of new mechanisms available just not sure how to get access with flap stuck closed

[Meccles]

Fixed! I had SWMBO out to show her the problem. She pushes the flap hard and it opened.🤣Scared of her I suspect. WD[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]] into the latch open/close numerous times re fit actuator cable - everything working🤣

[Meccles]

WD[emoji[emoji62][emoji62]]

[Meccles]

Mmm trying to type WD forty it posts as emjois

[Ferret]

It does not open because the fuel cap retention cord fouls with the door flap preventing it from springing open when the door actuator functions.

More than likely there is nothing wrong with the door actuator.

In the future make sure the fuel cap retention cord is rotated well out of the way.

[Meccles]

Well I checked my fuel cap retention cord is quite short, doesn't go past [emoji6] o'clock on cap so a long way from the latch. But thanks[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]worth checking.