A Door No One Can Step Through (Fuel Door Repair and Maintenance)
October 18, 2020
Your vehicle has lots of doors including that one usually near the back on the vehicle's side. That's the fuel door, something you use every time you gas up. These endure hundreds of open-and-close cycles, usually without any problems. But when they act up, it can be a major inconvenience for you.
When they stick in the "open" position, it can present real dilemma. You can still pump your gas, but do you just drive around with that flap sticking out the side? What happens if someone steals the gas cap or it gets damaged? What happens if it rains? Yep, it's decision time.
A fuel door that sticks open can be due to a number of factors. The hinge on the door may have broken, possibly from corrosion or it may have been hit sometime. Some vehicles have a cable that operates the door and it could be loose. The latch that holds the door shut could have broken or it, too, could be bent from something hitting it.
You probably want to take care of this sometime soon since your gas cap is wide open and unprotected when the door doesn't shut. Plus, it's possible that the door could be torn off completely. Often a stuck open fuel door can be fixed fairly inexpensively and quickly depending on the type of mechanism your vehicle has. Looks like it's an open and shut case.
Gary Knurek GoodYear
1973 Livernois
Troy, Michigan 48083
248-362-0350
Need Service?
More articles from Gary Knurek, Authorized GoodYear Dealer
Let’s Clear the Air
July 26, 2026
In an effort to keep the air we breathe clean, modern vehicles with internal combustion engines are designed to reduce the emissions by recirculating exhaust gas into the engine. It has a part that controls how much of that gas to put back into the engine, and thats known as the EGR valve. EGR s... More
Control Arms: Small Part, Big Impact
July 19, 2026
Heres one part of your vehicle you may never have heard of: the control arm. Its the part that connects the wheel hub and steering knuckle to your vehicles frame. What it does is lets your wheel move up and down while keeping it aligned with your vehicle. Most control arms have things called ... More
No Shake, Just Smooth
July 12, 2026
When your vehicles wheels are out of balance, theyll likely give you some clues. Your steering wheel might shake, the floor or seat vibrates and you might find your vehicle pulling to one side. Other signs? Your tires might wear unevenly and may make odd noises. Plus, fuel economy might not be ... More