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GAS TANK DOOR RELEASE IN TRUNK???
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Jane010
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Feb 2, 2010, 6:04 PM
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GAS TANK DOOR RELEASE IN TRUNK???
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Okay So I'm really annoyed. I have a 1993 Toyota. It's been like under zero degrees a lot lately because it's winter. On a day when it was slightly warmer, I got my car washed. I don't get the luxery of parking in a garage, so the next day, duh! because it wasn't dry enough, the doors and fuel door froze shut. I got my doors open but the fuel door wouldn't release. I even tried a bit of oil and stuck my key on the side to pry it, but I broke the latch to keep it shut. I went to the dealership, the guy in parts took a look, he ordered me a new fuel door, then I booked an appointment to replace the fuel door with the service department, took about an hour. Before I left, I checked and double-checked to make sure my release button next to my drivers seat was working for the fuel door to open; it was fine, no prob. Now I need to fill up on gas again and the fuel door is stuck again! After paying nearly $200 at the dealership. I called the dealership again, a girl in the service department wants me to bring it in again to see if it's the cable. I told her well I washed my car so it was initially my fault, then you guys replaced it and i checked it and it was fine. So then get this, she wants me to come in again to see if it's the cable and I asked if she'd charge me to have a look, I said thanks anyways bye. I mean excuse me but they looked at, replaced it, and I checked to make sure it stayed closed, and now they want to charge me again. No thanks.
The fuel door is STUCK AGAIN, and some guy at an auto shop told me there might be an emergency fuel door release thing in the trunk but not all cars have it. I tried pulling back the fabric in my trunk but I can't get all of the fabric pulled back enough without tools or im not sure what you use to remove it...but in any case, I can't locate it in my trunk. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can get the fuel door open without having to put another hole in my wallet??? And I really don't know what im looking for in my trunk so maybe I managed to see it but wasn't sure it was the release valve/button (whatever it looks like). I can't pull the fabric enough to see. It's cold, it's winter, I really don't want to waste my time and money anymore without a definitive answer. HELP 
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re-tired
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Feb 2, 2010, 10:49 PM
Post #2 of 11
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Re: GAS TANK DOOR RELEASE IN TRUNK???
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You should be able to find info on a backup release in your owners manual.You certainly got a raw deal at the dealership , if you cannot get door open,go back and insist on speaking to the SERVICE MANAGER no one else. Be polite but firm . Explain the situation as you did here , you should get results.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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nickwarner
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Feb 2, 2010, 10:53 PM
Post #3 of 11
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Re: GAS TANK DOOR RELEASE IN TRUNK???
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We need to know what model you have. Toyota made more than one car in 1993. Let us know and maybe we can offer some insight and save your already dented wallet. As a way to save trouble down the road, I live in Wisconsin now and grew up in Alaska. Both get pretty cold this time of year. When I wash my car, which I try to do regularly in WI since they use salt on the roads, I bring a towel with me. I don't use the automatic carwashes, I do the manual. When I finish I open all the doors and trunk and wipe dry the surfaces that will freeze. Prior to the wash, I hit my locks with oil. I have yet to have a problem when I do so. But with some more info on what you have I'm sure someone has worked on that model and can tell you what needs to be done.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 3, 2010, 8:19 AM
Post #4 of 11
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Re: GAS TANK DOOR RELEASE IN TRUNK???
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Some other tricks for frozen items that I've had luck with when Winter washing:
Pledge (plain yellow can) furniture polish on rubber and painted areas the rubber will touch. Looks good too! WD-40 in locks and latches will both repel and if can is warm not hot can free up items you can get at - locks, latches.
You need to re-do either periodically. The furniture polish will allow freezing droplets but they don't stick well!
There should be an auxillary gas door release with yellow or red tag and marked - perhaps behind a plastic part that removes by hand or under trunk liner that may be just velcroed up in place,
T
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re-tired
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Feb 3, 2010, 9:51 AM
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Re: GAS TANK DOOR RELEASE IN TRUNK???
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I yield the floor to the experts from the tundra states . What was I thinking ....a lifelong FLORIDIAN answering a guestion on freezing.
LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 3, 2010, 10:36 AM
Post #6 of 11
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I'll say this RT - when you go out and find your car like this.........
You need more than your average tricks!
T
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Jane010
Novice
Feb 3, 2010, 7:58 PM
Post #7 of 11
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Re: GAS TANK DOOR RELEASE IN TRUNK???
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Yea, thats what I was thinking if nothing else works. I like to practice a positive attitude in life so If a place has dis-satisfied me, I just don't go back and I don't refer people there. If I still have an issue, I have no trouble asserting myself. I've enough issues with people trying to rip me off. Toyota is getting a lot of bad rep from the new models being recalled anyways... when i buy new, it won't be a toyota but I thought it'd be reliable used car for a few years.
Thanks for the tip
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Jane010
Novice
Feb 3, 2010, 8:00 PM
Post #8 of 11
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I was stupid that way, I usually hand wash everything, but I thought I'd take a short cut one day and get it done at a place where other people do it for you...except they skip out on the drying part, because theres a "dryer" that does it. Those automatic drying things are a waste, they dont get into the seals/grooves in the door. Never again.
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Jane010
Novice
Feb 3, 2010, 8:07 PM
Post #9 of 11
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Thanks Tom... but im not sure I'm comfortable putting pledge on my car. A co-worker has some special stuff that stops the freezing/moisture. I actually ended up parking my car in a bay at work for an hour to warm up.... behold! I got the door to release! I'm guessing it is because we had some snowfall last week and of course it gets into the grooves of everything. although my door wasn't freezing shut last year, but then again, I didn't get it wet last winter I don't think and maybe my car is just wearing down... it is a '93. Winter will be over in a couple months, hopefully my fuel door won't freeze shut again.
btw, That pic looks bad. LOL.
Thanks for the advice all of you!
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nickwarner
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Feb 3, 2010, 10:21 PM
Post #10 of 11
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If you're hesitant about the Pledge damaging paint, don't be. I use the stuff to get CDs to quit scratching, and they are quite a delicate finish. There is nothing in Pledge that can damage car paint. Glad to hear your car is on the mend. Never heard of using pledge but Tom has plenty of tricks and I think I'm going to throw a can of the stuff in my toolbox now.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
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Feb 4, 2010, 2:54 AM
Post #11 of 11
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Jane: Don't be so hard on the repair right up front or you'll make yourself look bad and treatment may change. Start with sugar - they know the repair didn't work but if it's just excuses then up the ante.
As far as Pledge (trademarked product) it won't hurt a thing! I use it on 17th century antiques (English item oldest) worth more than most cars and would own them (Pledge) if it hurt. I haven't found anything it hurts yet!
It also makes the jagged door jams and rubber look like you spent hours waxing them.
Another neat thing is the tire sprays to make them wet looking black. Gotta test those one by one as there are many. Awesome for easy and safe black engine area stuff to make it look great and repels water as well - all just really for looks. Don't get this or anything on hot parts or douse alternator especially.
The gas door is it's own issue and it could be prevented if you start with cable that works properly.
Other: Hard if you can get at it but try hard not to let gas go below about 1/4 tank. It cools the fuel pump and if too low is a big cause of their failures and usually not cheap. Running out is wicked hard on fuel pumps!
Hey - my sign off says "Metro-West" Boston. I'm inland away from moderated ocean influence so it can get much colder here than Boston Proper. I spray the door locks before going to wash cars and if forecast is for both cold and windy that car (I own way too many) stays in heated garage for the night.
Off topic somewhat: I'm not a fan of those locking gas doors. The gas isn't worth the repair and any long screwdriver would pry one open and the jerks who do crumby things like that don't care to start with so to me they seem pointless. I've heard of the jerks just cutting fuel lines and catching the gas under the cars too. It stinks, theft not an issue (knock on wood) right where I am and park but I understand there are places that are vulnerable.
Good luck with just getting it fixed right. Can't say as to what got damaged that may need other than a standard repair to yours,
T
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