Fuel filler door central locking

Knightrider

Active Member
Sep 28, 2016
3
0
My MK3 Leon FR has developed an annoying fault a few months out of warranty (typical!).

The central locking actuator on the fuel filler flap doesn't always fire, so sometimes the filler remains locked even when the rest of the car is unlocked. If I push the flap (as you would to open it) and then lock/unlock the car again, it usually pops open.

Obviously I am concerned that if it fails completely I will have no way to open the fuel door which might be a problem. I was looking at replacing the actuator, but I can't for the life of me find out how to get at it. I have tried removing the boot trim, wheel arch trim and even the rear light cluster, but I just can't seem to get access.

Has anyone successfully got at it to replace, and if so how? Also, does anyone know the part number for the actuator?

Thanks!
 

chrisRibiza

Active Member
Sep 27, 2007
1,194
51
This seems to be a common fault across the Leon / Golf range.

The most up to date part number is 7P0810773D I think. There are ones with A,B and C at the end of the part number but D is the newest one.
 
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Knightrider

Active Member
Sep 28, 2016
3
0
Thanks for the info - the part looks correct to me.

I had the boot trim out last weekend and couldn't see a way up into the area with the filler cap - there appeared to be metal in the way. But maybe I wasn't looking the the right place - I'll try again.

Would be great to hear from anyone that has done it. The part is only £10 or so on ebay so seems a shame to have to go to the dealer!
 

Knightrider

Active Member
Sep 28, 2016
3
0
Just in case anyone else has this problem...

Having re-removed all of the boot trim and carpet, it became clear that you definitely cannot access the actuator from inside the boot - the wire to the actuator disappears into a hold in the bodywork.

It turns out that you can remove the plastic fuel filler surround from outside the car (carefully using a plastic trim-removal tool). It is held with 2 clips top and bottom. It won't come all of the way out easily, but you can get it far enough to slide the actuator out of it's slot and replace.

I have links to pics but can't add them yet as I only have a few posts.

Part ordered from EBay for £10 (7P0810773D). Once you know how to get at it, a pretty straightforward fix that shouldn't take more than 10 mins.

Until the part arrives, I have left it unplugged to prevent it getting stuck in the locked position.
 

chrisRibiza

Active Member
Sep 27, 2007
1,194
51
Did you get the part replaced on yours? I have the part on the way for mine to get it changed too.
 

chrisRibiza

Active Member
Sep 27, 2007
1,194
51
Part arrived today and I have it fitted and working.

Hardest part was undoing the bottom clips on the black filler surround, brute force seemed to work best in the end!

Once you get the 4 clips undone then it's a 1min job swapping the parts over then just push the filler surround back in place and replace the screw.
 
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leon2017

Active Member
Jul 18, 2017
3
0
Northern Ireland
Hi guys, sorry for replying to an old thread but this seems to be the exact same problem I am currently having with my 2013 Leon.

However in my case the locking on the fuel flap has completely failed and I can't open the flap to replace the part mentioned above. Like previously mentioned in this thread I have also removed the boot trims etc to try and get access to the locking actuator but i can't seem to find it.

Does anyone know if it is similar to this video about a 2014 golf?
youtube.com/watch?v=hw9cJ0C_gdw (can't post the full url)

If so could anyone shed any light how i can get my fuel flap door to open as i can't seem to find any way to manually open it.

Cheers
 
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chrisRibiza

Active Member
Sep 27, 2007
1,194
51
Only way to get to the actuator is by getting the fuel flap opened then taking off the black surround inside.

There is no access from inside the boot.
 

EFF11

Active Member
Jun 16, 2016
138
38
There is an interesting You Tube video showing someone opening a jammed fuel filler cap on a 2012 Passat using a 'special stick' given to him by his VW dealer.

Search for: 2012 VW Passat TDI fuel door release.
 

leon2017

Active Member
Jul 18, 2017
3
0
Northern Ireland
Thanks for the responses, any suggestions how i can get the fuel flap opened so i can get to the actuator?

I've seen the "special stick" in the video above and i've tried messing around to do something similar but no luck.
 

chrisRibiza

Active Member
Sep 27, 2007
1,194
51
There's no cable on the Leon actuator, it's fully electronic.

Only way to open it is going to be lift and prize it open. I'd imagine a dealer will have a special tool for getting it open without causing damage.
If mine was locked closed I think I'd let the dealer do it to prevent damaging the car.
 

leon2017

Active Member
Jul 18, 2017
3
0
Northern Ireland
Alright cheers, strange that it has no manual way to release the fuel flap in the event that the acuator fails.

Looks like i'll have to take it to a dealers then.
 
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EddieP

Active Member
Nov 8, 2016
124
0
Coatbridge
Would anyone happen to have a diagram or picture showing roughly where the clips are ?
trying to reduce the chance of me breaking something else when i go to change this at the weekend
 

chrisRibiza

Active Member
Sep 27, 2007
1,194
51
They are at the corners basically.

It's pretty hard to get it off so I'd recommend a trim tool or something blunt so you don't do any damage.



 
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EddieP

Active Member
Nov 8, 2016
124
0
Coatbridge
Cheers mate

I have trim tools from when i done another mod to the car a while ago was just wary in case i broke a clip and had to order more parts
 

chrisRibiza

Active Member
Sep 27, 2007
1,194
51
The clips are part of that surround then clip onto the bodywork so you shouldn't break them :)
 
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