Fuel door release

[cybrslider]

Hi All,

Anyone have this problem? My wife's '99 Camry fuel door release will only release the fuel door now if the release lever is held up while the door is "pryed" open. I say, pryed, it only requires sticking a screw driver in and getting the door out far enough to get with the fingers. No forcing or anything. The "catch" won't let go if you lift the release and let it go back, the lever must be held up.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
David

[Mister_Perkins]

Originally Posted by cybrslider

Hi All,

Anyone have this problem? My wife's '99 Camry fuel door release will only release the fuel door now if the release lever is held up while the door is "pryed" open. I say, pryed, it only requires sticking a screw driver in and getting the door out far enough to get with the fingers. No forcing or anything. The "catch" won't let go if you lift the release and let it go back, the lever must be held up.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
David

Does the handle have pressure on it if you release the handle? (Slap back down)

Or do you have to physically push it down? Sounds like your cable is stuck (Pinched line or rusted).

Have you tried spraying some penetrating oil where the nipple sticks out inside where the gas cap is?

[cybrslider]

Hey there,

Well, that's a good question. The release goes back down by itself, don't have to push it down.

I will try some po on the nipple, see if that works. I will report back...

Thanks,
David

[Mister_Perkins]

Originally Posted by cybrslider

Hey there,

Well, that's a good question. The release goes back down by itself, don't have to push it down.

I will try some po on the nipple, see if that works. I will report back...

Thanks,
David

The gas tank cable is very similar to a bicycle brake cable (or throttle cable) As its a cable that runs inside of a braided steel line wrapped with rubber. Most likely its just rusted.

What you should do is get it open and have your wife pull the door release and see if the nipple inside pulls back. If it doesn't I would look into replacing your cable because its more than likely broken or stuck in place ( Pinched somewhere )

[Tech1984]

Just needs a new fuel door spring. It's located on the hinge and half of it is missing I'll bet.

[Mister_Perkins]

If that's working properly ;

Originally Posted by Tech1984

Just needs a new fuel door spring. It's located on the hinge and half of it is missing I'll bet.

[dave1811]

David:

Could just about bet a paycheck it is the fuel door spring also. Had to replace the same part on both of two 99 Camry's. Takes about 2-3 minutes to do so. The Toyota Part number is: #77360-33020. I got mine and an extra one for $3.32 each at DiscountToyotaparts.com. I ordered a bunch of little things that were broken on the car when I got it like hood clips, door handle, seat belt retractor cover, etc. They are based in Austin, TX I believe. I just held up the lever for the fuel door with a piece of cardboard when I needed the gas the first time. Anyway, Hope this helps,

Dave

[ghettosled]

as a temporary fix until you get a new spring (i suspect a bad spring as well) you can wedge a library card in the opening of the door then reach inside and pull the opener. the flexing of the card acts like a spring and will help pop open the fuel door.

[dave1811]

When I needed gas on both of my two 99's I just got a small piece of cardboard or anything flat, lifted the lever inside the car, stuck the piece of cardboard under the lever, then just went to the fuel door which was stuck open. It is a cheap fix though normally to do it right.

Good luck,

[TOYOPARTSMAN]

This is such a common problme, that I am going to agree with the rest that it is the spring #77360-33020. TN member price is $3.12

FYI: I offer TN members 30% off MSRP and I only charge actual shipping costs plus $1.00 - $2.00 for materials, etc.

[cybrslider]

Thank you all! Turns out it was the spring.

Thanks,
David

[Mister_Perkins]

Originally Posted by cybrslider

Thank you all! Turns out it was the spring.

Thanks,
David

Glad you figured it out

That's good that it was just the spring, because you would have had to remove most of the interior to change out the cable