Closing fuel door/cap

[Slowpoke387]

So this seems like a no-brainer but...
just picked up a left over 16 F3L and closing the gas cap seems ridiculous. With the key still inserted in the cap and the little flip-up tab sticking up, how the HECK do people push down on the cap to click it closed? This seems like a ridiculous design to me so far. Is there a trick im unaware of?

 

[AppleSpyder]

Yes, the trick is to put some silicone on the mechanism. It will work very easy then. I had a real hard time closing mine until I found this little post-it-note of information. Cindy

 

[Slowpoke387]

Thanks. It just seems like its super hard to push down to get it to click. Are you actually pushing down on the key to close it? I cant see any other way. Just doesnt feel right pushing down on the key itself.

 

[Blue Star]

Thanks. It just seems like its super hard to push down to get it to click. Are you actually pushing down on the key to close it? I cant see any other way. Just doesnt feel right pushing down on the key itself.

Use the silicon spray on a rag, and wipe all over to let it slip closed.

What I do is using the index and middle finger of both hands on each side of the key. Push down, and then hold down with one hand while using the other to turn the key, Do not put too much force on the key, so it will not break.

 

[LateLifeCrisis]

Thanks. It just seems like its super hard to push down to get it to click. Are you actually pushing down on the key to close it? I cant see any other way. Just doesnt feel right pushing down on the key itself.

I've been told NEVER, EVER push on the key. And of course, I guess I worked the "newness" out of it BEFORE I heard of the "silicone trick." :banghead: The only way I could get it closed was to (while sitting) apply pressure on both sides of the cap/lid/whatever with my thumbs. In other words, both sides, near the front, in the area closest to your crotch. pps: After opening it, flapping it and shutting it numerous times, it finally eased up and now closes and secures easily. I hope this helps, but it is VERY frustrating. :gaah:

 

[Ron2andia]

I didn't know about this either. Thanks for the info I will try it.

 

[Marker]

Use the silicon spray on a rag, and wipe all over to let it slip closed.

What I do is using the index and middle finger of both hands on each side of the key. Push down, and then hold down with one hand while using the other to turn the key, Do not put too much force on the key, so it will not break.

I agree with Blue Star.
I wipe silicone over the rubber gasket and push on the cap with one hane while turning key with other never push on key.

 

[Slowpoke387]

Thanks for the tips, pushing on the key def feels wrong. The prob for me is that im slightly disabled and my fingers are kind of weak. Normally i would just push down with my palm but the awkward design of this cap doesnt allow for that. Between the key having to stay in the cap and the little tab that lifts up, theres no real estate left to push on.
I will put some silicone on the rubber seal and hope that makes it slip closed easier. I had a good long look last night and noticed that there is a carrier for that seal which is spring loaded. Maybe over time those springs will break in and cause less resistance.

 

[capt.jim]

After 20,000 miles mine wouldn't close one day.
After fiddling with it for a few minutes with no luck, I opened my right access panel and pulled out the dipstick and put a few drops of oil around the gasket mechanism.
Has worked great ever since and never even had to get off the seat to fix it.

 

[Highwayman2013]

Sprayed ours with some WD40 and press down with both thumbs.

 

[Bob Denman]

Just throw these four guys in a trailer, and keep them close by! :clap:

 

[jcthorne]

We have had several customers complain of this problem. Its actually the sliding portion of the latch mechanism that is stiff. Open the cap and spray the latch with some good teflon based lubricant like triflow. When closing, turn the key to the left like you are trying to remove it until it hits the stop. Now let go of the key and flip the cap down. Press on the cap on either side of the key. NOT ON THE KEY. When it latches you will see the key turn a bit to the left on its own and you can pull it out. The dealer really should have lubricated the latch as part of assembly but from your other posts its obvious the dealer prep was lacking on many fronts.

 

[Road-Kill]

Putting a bit of lithium or WD40 on the seal helps IMMENSLY. I did this a few months ago and enjoyed the pleasure of easy closing until a few days ago. Gonna add a tad of lube today and take the ryde back out. My thoughts