Volvo XC90 Fuel Flap Not Unlocking – How To Fix

By Max Anthony •  Updated: 02/21/22 •  6 min read

Volvo is one of the most successful and recognized car manufacturers in the world. Its lineup of vehicles has seen improvements over the years and is known for its efficiency, quality, and design.

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Recently, Volvo introduced a new model in its lineup of vehicles – the XC90. The vehicle is a midsize SUV that offers some innovative features, including a three-row seating plan that lets up to 7 passengers be in the car. This model is designed to meet the needs of many consumers by providing comfort, utility, safety, and a classy look. It’s perfect for car owners who want a roomier vehicle with a lot of cargo space.

 

However, like all other cars, Volvo has had its share of problems. One of the most common issues is a fuel flap that will not unlock. The fuel flap is the component responsible for opening and closing the gas cap when you press the unlock button on your key fob. This will allow you to drive off with a full tank of gas. The fuel flap can become stuck or damaged and prevent it from working properly.

 

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If you are experiencing this issue, it is best to have your car serviced as soon as possible. Many times, the problem can be repaired without having to replace the entire unit, but if that is not an option, there are several things you can do yourself to repair it yourself at home.

How to Open and Close the Fuel Filler Flap

To open the fuel filler flap, press a button on the instrument panel to unlock it. In the fuel tank, when the pressure is equalized, there is a delay when the flap is opened.

 

You should see “Fuel tank Fuel lid is opening” on the driver center display, followed afterwards by “Fuel tank Ready for refueling”. When the fuel filler flap is opened, refueling must occur within seven minutes. After that, the pump nozzle cuts out.

 

This means the valve that was opened by pressing the button to open the fuel filler cap will be closed, and there will no longer be a way to refuel unless you repeat the unlocking process. When the valve is shut before refueling is complete, push the button again and wait until the display on the driver’s dashboard shows “Fuel Tank ready for refueling” once more.

Issues With the Volvo XC90 Fuel Flap Not Opening

The fuel flap can become stuck or damaged in a number of ways. It can become stuck because it has a defect or because the release mechanism is worn out. It can also become damaged because of excessive heat, corrosion, or debris that has built up in the area where it is located.

 

Here are some possibilities for a fuel flap not opening:

 

1) A fuel door lever is loose or damaged

One possible cause of a fuel door lever being loose or damaged is from a defective fuel door handle. This can happen if the locking mechanism has become worn out or if it has been damaged from rough handling. If this proves true and you do find a loose or damaged fuel door level, then the locking mechanism will need to be replaced promptly to get it working fine once more.

 

2) A release cable is damaged

In most vehicles, you will have a cable that runs from your fuel door lever to the fuel cap door. If the cable snaps or becomes loose, it will not be possible to make a connection and the fuel door will not open.

 

A release cable is responsible for pulling the fuel flap up and down. Your fuel flap may refuse to open if the cable has become damaged from excessive heat or friction. Make sure to have the cables repaired if you would like your fuel door to open and close properly.

 

3) A fuse has blown

If your fuel flap does not open, there is a possibility that a fuse has blown. A fuse is important in a fuel flap, because it helps the flap close firmly a correctly. A blown fuse can happen if there is too much resistance in the circuit or if the fuse is broken. If this is the case, you will need to replace the fuse to fix the problem.

 

4) There’s a faulty spring or hinge

A faulty spring or hinge can cause a fuel flap to not open. Generally, this spring or hinge requires lubrication to work properly. When that is not fulfilled, the spring can become loose, snap, or become physically damaged.

 

This is common in older vehicles, because the springs and hinges used to open the fuel flap may have become worn out over time. In this case, the spring or hinge will need to be replaced to fix the problem.

 

5) There is damaged wiring

Another common cause of a fuel flap not opening is damaged wiring. Wiring can become damaged in many ways, such as from moisture and corrosion.

 

If the wiring becomes damaged, it will be impossible for the fuel flap to open, because you need proper wiring for the electricity to reach the door. Therefore, you will need to have the wiring repaired if you would like your fuel flap to work properly again.

 

6) There’s debris or dirt in the tank

In most vehicles, there is a fuel filler flap on the tank, which opens and closes when you press the unlock button on your key fob. This component is located on the driver’s side of the vehicle. If there is debris or dirt in the tank, it will be impossible for the fuel flap to open and close properly.

 

If you are experiencing this issue, you will need to remove the fuel flap from the fuel tank to see if there is any debris or corrosion that could be preventing it from opening and closing properly. Try cleaning out your tank thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that may be stuck in the bottom of your tank.

 

Hopefully, this will allow any dirt or debris that may have been left behind in your tank to be cleaned out. If this does not work, you can contact a mechanic or dealer to get a replacement fuel flap unit for your vehicle so that you can have a working fuel flap once more.

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Max Anthony

Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.

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