325is Gas Cap Doesnt Lock

[1SickEuro]

so today I noticed when I was at the station refilling when I tried to close my gas cap, it wouldn't close. It's the little pin that doesnt come out and hold it in place. What to do now? thanks

[flyfishvt]

The pin from the lock actuator for the gas filler door is well known for getting stuck. It happens when the car is unlocked and the pin gets pulled back into the lock actuator. When this happens it can get cockeyed behind that hole it pokes out of. Check that first.

it may be time for a new actuator. They get weak over time. Even if you hear it trying to move it may still be just getting old.

[JDStrickland]

so today I noticed when I was at the station refilling when I tried to close my gas cap, it wouldn't close. It's the little pin that doesnt come out and hold it in place. What to do now? thanks


That little pin only comes out when you rub it. Sorry. That is only out when the doors are locked. If the doors are not locked, then why lock the gas tank? If the doors are locked, then we secure the gas tank too.

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The door is held closed by a spring on the hinge side of the door. That pin has nothing at all to do with holding the door closed, it only holds it LOCKED.

[Eric93se]

Is the pin stuck in the extended position preventing the door from closing? Try pushing it back in by hand, but like what fly said you might need a new actuator.

[gchutes]

Leave the gas door open, then lock the car with the key. Does the pin come out then? If your gas door keeps opening while driving try wd-40'ing the hinge, that's what fixed mine.

[JDStrickland]

WD40? Really?

You can buy a new spring for $0.38.

Item 5, http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BW33&mospid=47706&btnr=41_1345&hg=41&fg=25

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/e/r/90.png

[Luikens]

This thread needs some clarification for proper analysis. Usually a gas cap goes on the fuel filler neck. The fuel door covers the gas cap and is part of the body.

If the fuel door is not staying closed or open then the spring needs to be replaced. If the fuel door is not locking once closed (and with the car doors locked), then the actuator needs to be checked.

[UnderCoverGuy11]

Everyone read this as the gas door, I was reading it as the actual cap wouldn't twist and lock in place, dunno what the hell going on here

[flyfishvt]

Everyone read this as the gas door, I was reading it as the actual cap wouldn't twist and lock in place, dunno what the hell going on here


Because OP's grammar leaves a lot to be desired. He mentions the pin that won't hold it closed. That's the door not the cap

What do you bet he never comes back to clarify

[JE BMW]

If the pin is messed up, take it out, re=install upside down. that did it for me..

[1SickEuro]

If the pin is messed up, take it out, re=install upside down. that did it for me..

Never screwed with it before. Would I just pull it out with pliers?

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Its my locking mechanism that isnt working

[JE BMW]

Yea..with just pliers, try it , if it doesnt work, just put it back the way it was. that worked foe me. my gas door didnt shut all the way.

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on the above pic, spring is the # 5

[Luikens]

So is it the locking actuator or the spring? Or is it both? You don't actually need the lock actuator since the spring is what holds the door shut.