Top tip. (Might save you some hassle.)

[Ooosh]

The spring loaded plunger that pops out when you press the fuel filler door is prone to sticking. The Mk 7 has reached that stage now.

It is possible to open the door but there’s a fair chance you will break the plastic clips on the door.

To pre-empt this problem please consider giving the plunger a little lubrication. I used WD40 when I eventually gained access and it now works properly.

Hope this helps avoid you having the issue I recently went through.

[madstaff]

You managed to get the filler cap open then??

[Ooosh]

You managed to get the filler cap open then??

Yes. I used a silicone spatula so as not to damage the paintwork.

Once the door was proud enough to wedge my fingers behind I tried to slide it forward. This was only partially successful. The leading edge fouled. However with a bit of of juggling I eventually removed the cover. Then used brute force on the door. Lubed it up and all works fine.

Glued one tab back on the door and refitted. Good as new.

[mcmaddy]

I've used lithium grease on my fuel filler cap since 2013 when I had my gtd and never had an issue. Just needs a little spray every now and again 👍

[Watts]

Good tip, thanks, I have replaced the plunger thingy once before, not difficult but I'd rather not so I'll spray it!

[Finglonga]

I've used lithium grease on my fuel filler cap since 2013 when I had my gtd and never had an issue. Just needs a little spray every now and again 👍

Ditto above apart from mine is 2014.

[JMS]

To pre-empt this problem please consider giving the plunger a little lubrication. I used WD40 when I eventually gained access and it now works properly.

Hope this helps avoid you having the issue I recently went through.

WD40 is not a lubricant- it is for Water Displacement (WD), get some proper lube in there. (Can be aerosol if want)

[Adam T7]

To pre-empt this problem please consider giving the plunger a little lubrication. I used WD40 when I eventually gained access and it now works properly.

Hope this helps avoid you having the issue I recently went through.

WD40 is not a lubricant- it is for Water Displacement (WD), get some proper lube in there. (Can be aerosol if want)

The European version contains c.25% petroleum based oils so it does have some lubricating properties but I agree with your comment. I use it for cleaning and displacement and the follow up with a lithium based aerosol lube.

[Rudedog]

How about GT85 that has PTFE in it.

[SRGTD]

To pre-empt this problem please consider giving the plunger a little lubrication. I used WD40 when I eventually gained access and it now works properly.

Hope this helps avoid you having the issue I recently went through.

WD40 is not a lubricant- it is for Water Displacement (WD), get some proper lube in there. (Can be aerosol if want)

The European version contains c.25% petroleum based oils so it does have some lubricating properties but I agree with your comment. I use it for cleaning and displacement and the follow up with a lithium based aerosol lube.

In addition to WD40’s traditional moisture displacement product, they also manufacture a white lithium grease which is a lubricant. Other brands are available - e.g. 3 in 1.

I think it’s white lithium grease that the motor trade use to lubricate such things as car door hinges. Forum member @mcmaddy has said earlier in this thread that he uses lithium grease on the fuel flap locking pin / plunger. It’s lubricating properties should minimise the risk of the locking pin getting stuck in the locked position in future.

The original VW warranty fix for the sticking flap issue on earlier mk7 Golfs was to shave off a small amount of plastic from the plastic loop on the back of the filler flap that the locking pin slides into, allowing more room for the pin to slide in / out of the loop freely without sticking. However, with age, the actuator that operates the locking pin has been known to fail, so replacement of the actuator is something to consider as a long term solution to this problem.