FUEL FILLER CAP STUCK SHUT ON C200
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2006 C200 Kompressor
FUEL FILLER CAP STUCK SHUT ON C200
Hi Everyone, my first post for my normally trustworthy 2006 C200 Kompressor Saloon. The fuel filler flap wouldn't open when I stopped for fuel today, so no alternative but to drive back home. I've been looking up the problem and seems it could be something called an actuator, that can be manually released when accessed from the boot. Therein lies my problem. I've tried to remove the panels, but they all seem to be interlocking with another panel, so I'm wondering if I'm missing something and there's an easier way to access the right hand side inside the boot, without unbolting everything it seems!
I've also tried locking and unlocking the car loads of times, squirting WD40 near the lock and applying a bit more pressure, in the hope of freeing it, but it hasn't worked.
I'd like to add I don't have many tools, as my husband always did any work needed on my car, but we've recently parted company. I just knew something would happen! I could take it to a garage, but I'd like to have a stab at fixing it myself if I possibly can, but seems I've fallen at the first hurdle!
Many thanks in anticipation!
I've also tried locking and unlocking the car loads of times, squirting WD40 near the lock and applying a bit more pressure, in the hope of freeing it, but it hasn't worked.
I'd like to add I don't have many tools, as my husband always did any work needed on my car, but we've recently parted company. I just knew something would happen! I could take it to a garage, but I'd like to have a stab at fixing it myself if I possibly can, but seems I've fallen at the first hurdle!
Many thanks in anticipation!
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
Not sure about the sedan (saloon?) but there should be some sort of access panel on the R side of the trunk (boot) area. For a coupe it's the same hatch that gives access to the tail light bulbs. Stick your arm inside the hole and feel around where the fuel door latch is. There's a metal tab (feels like a house key tab) that you can rotate to move the latch. It takes several full rotations.
The felt trim pieces for the trunk are made of soft felt and are held in place by a few push pins. If you're desperate, simply locate and remove all the push pins with a pair of sidecutters. Once the trim is removed, you can see the actuator in plain sight.
With that said, sounds like the actuator has failed. Won't be too difficult to replace from a DIY perspective.
Your manual will have diagrams for accessing the actuator. If you don't have the physical book, it is also accessible online.
The felt trim pieces for the trunk are made of soft felt and are held in place by a few push pins. If you're desperate, simply locate and remove all the push pins with a pair of sidecutters. Once the trim is removed, you can see the actuator in plain sight.
With that said, sounds like the actuator has failed. Won't be too difficult to replace from a DIY perspective.
Your manual will have diagrams for accessing the actuator. If you don't have the physical book, it is also accessible online.
Last edited by slammer111; Apr 10, 2025 at 09:33 AM.
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
M'lady nessed this up once by forcing the fuel door closed
when it was locked. Turned out all that was needed was to reconnect the
fuel door to the actuator. The selenoid wasn't broken.
So check for any wiring issues etc. If you still hear a clunk in there and
it's not opening it might be like the problem I had.
Just remove the side panel and it will be obvious.
I don't bother putting the push pins any morre.
Just push the felt pieces in place for easy access when
needed for whatever, ie tail lighjt bulbs etc.
when it was locked. Turned out all that was needed was to reconnect the
fuel door to the actuator. The selenoid wasn't broken.
So check for any wiring issues etc. If you still hear a clunk in there and
it's not opening it might be like the problem I had.
Just remove the side panel and it will be obvious.
I don't bother putting the push pins any morre.
Just push the felt pieces in place for easy access when
needed for whatever, ie tail lighjt bulbs etc.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Apr 10, 2025 at 02:15 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2025
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2006 C200 Kompressor
Thanks for your reply. I found a similar thread where the problem was a corroded relay switch, checked mine and it does have some corrosion, so I've order both that and a new actuator, both items under £20 and with my sons help will fit them when they arrive. Keep fingers crossed it works!
