Noise from fuel cap area when unlocking car

N77A

Active Member
Nov 8, 2019
87
4
I’ve noticed recently when unlocking my car there’s a weird noise that comes from the fuel cap area of my car? It’s sounds like the the cover to the fuel cap is unlocking. Does anyone know whats causing this?
 

N77A

Active Member
Nov 8, 2019
87
4
But it never used to make this noise before, I would of noticed it
 

Walone

Active Member
Feb 10, 2016
1,538
421
Near Heathrow
But it never used to make this noise before, I would of noticed it
If your car is more than a few years old the solenoid/motor assembly may be on the way out, it's fairly common. It can fail in the locked position so I would advise not letting your fuel level getting too low.
It happened to me on a Golf Mk6 went to fill up with an almost empty tank and it wouldn't open, was just about to call breakdown and it finally opened, phew!
 

BillyCool

Active Member
Jan 16, 2020
645
244
Leicestershire, UK
It's a common failure point with the fuel cap lock solenoid.

Some fail and lock shut (PITA to fix) and some fail unlocked (like mine).

Might be worth checking and replacing if it is that.
 
Oct 10, 2019
4
4
This has just happened to my on my 65 plate, still working but a really odd noise that is not normal. Would rather fix it before it breaks in the lock position! Is there a guide to how to replace anywhere, and does anyone know the part number for the actuator? Already had to replace the boot latch mechanism, so this is the next thing!
 

BillyCool

Active Member
Jan 16, 2020
645
244
Leicestershire, UK
This has just happened to my on my 65 plate, still working but a really odd noise that is not normal. Would rather fix it before it breaks in the lock position! Is there a guide to how to replace anywhere, and does anyone know the part number for the actuator? Already had to replace the boot latch mechanism, so this is the next thing!

This post seems to give the right info and some pics to help:

 
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bigbadjay

Active Member
Jul 16, 2011
1,670
26
North Manchester
My brother has an A6 with the same lock style. He said the same thing noticed a noise, stopped working eventually which kept the fuel flap closed. Once he opened it with the backup release we just blasted it with WD40. Worked fine afterwards
 
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