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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: JP2021 on 24 May 2021, 22:31

Title: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: JP2021 on 24 May 2021, 22:31
I've read that to replace a faulty fuel flap actuator on a MK7 Golf GTi (a fuel flap that isn't locking), the only access to the connector is from inside the boot compartment that requires quite a bit of internal panel removal. I'm thinking of cutting the cable from the outside, and soldering the cables of the new actuator to the cables of the old, thus negating the need for the panel removal. Has anyone ever done this? Are there any issues disconnecting the battery for an hour or so whilst the work is carried out?
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: joe6 on 25 May 2021, 08:33
Soldering will not work as the cable is steel. When reconnecting the battery you will get the dash light up like Christmas. Should all settle down after a short run but might get some error codes if you do a scan.
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: Watts on 25 May 2021, 09:27
It's not that difficult to pull some of the interior panels and doesn't take that long. Far better and safer that way. I managed it and I'm rather clumsy and I didn't even need to swear!
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: JP2021 on 25 May 2021, 18:51
Are there any YouTube videos you'd recommend?
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: Watts on 25 May 2021, 19:25
Sorry, it's been a couple of years since I did mine. There's bound to be a good selection of videos though. As far as I remember there was one screw and the rest was clips. Once you get the filler cover off abd the actuator you'll see roughly where the cables are headed and therefore where to pull the trim back.
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: JP2021 on 28 May 2021, 21:35
Update... I ordered a used actuator from eBay and it arrived this morning. Didn't go the solder route but took the advise to tackle it from the boot. Took around 1.5hrs in total but hey presto, I now have a fuel flap that locks/opens with the central locking. Thanks again for all your help!
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: Watts on 28 May 2021, 22:04
Well done! Little better than the feeling of fixing something yourself :smiley:
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: Lordie on 29 May 2021, 14:30
Update... I ordered a used actuator from eBay and it arrived this morning. Didn't go the solder route but took the advise to tackle it from the boot. Took around 1.5hrs in total but hey presto, I now have a fuel flap that locks/opens with the central locking. Thanks again for all your help!

Could you share any information you used to help you do it :smiley:. Would be useful for future reference.
Thanks
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: rwleigh on 29 May 2021, 15:00
I've just had a similar problem but my actuator has failed locked not open, as I discovered at the Shell station!  :angry:
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: Watts on 29 May 2021, 17:37
I've just had a similar problem but my actuator has failed locked not open, as I discovered at the Shell station!  :angry:

Are you sure it's the actuator as wedging shut is quite common and it's a little bit of plastic that needs trimming. 1 minute job if it is.
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: Rob_benton on 29 May 2021, 18:30
I've just had a similar problem but my actuator has failed locked not open, as I discovered at the Shell station!  :angry:

Same happened to me. Just replace it for £30. Piece of mind it won’t happen again.
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: rwleigh on 29 May 2021, 20:11
Are you sure it's the actuator as wedging shut is quite common and it's a little bit of plastic that needs trimming. 1 minute job if it is.

Definitely not wedged shut, still moves the same as it always did when locked.
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: rwleigh on 29 May 2021, 20:12
Same happened to me. Just replace it for £30. Piece of mind it won’t happen again.

I think I just need one of these.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324017468013?fits=Plat_Gen%3AMK+VII&hash=item4b70f2326d:g:B5MAAOSwD9Jd-2nV (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324017468013?fits=Plat_Gen%3AMK+VII&hash=item4b70f2326d:g:B5MAAOSwD9Jd-2nV)
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: Rob_benton on 30 May 2021, 20:30
Same happened to me. Just replace it for £30. Piece of mind it won’t happen again.

I think I just need one of these.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324017468013?fits=Plat_Gen%3AMK+VII&hash=item4b70f2326d:g:B5MAAOSwD9Jd-2nV (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324017468013?fits=Plat_Gen%3AMK+VII&hash=item4b70f2326d:g:B5MAAOSwD9Jd-2nV)

Get a genuine one for roughly the same price so hopefully it’s reliable.
I don’t want to go through trying to unlock my flap again with 10 miles of fuel in the car.
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: rwleigh on 30 May 2021, 20:47
Get a genuine one for roughly the same price so hopefully it’s reliable.
I don’t want to go through trying to unlock my flap again with 10 miles of fuel in the car.

How did you open it, I have 75 miles range left and it's booked in at my preferred independent on Tuesday for an oil change anyway so will ask them. No doubt they've seen it before.
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: Rob_benton on 31 May 2021, 16:25
Get a genuine one for roughly the same price so hopefully it’s reliable.
I don’t want to go through trying to unlock my flap again with 10 miles of fuel in the car.

How did you open it, I have 75 miles range left and it's booked in at my preferred independent on Tuesday for an oil change anyway so will ask them. No doubt they've seen it before.
[/quote

Keep pushing the flap to open it while opening and locking the car on your keep fob a number of times.

Only other option I’ve heard is forcing the flap open and I don’t fancy that.
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: rwleigh on 31 May 2021, 18:33
Keep pushing the flap to open it while opening and locking the car on your keep fob a number of times.

I've tried that with no success, like you I don't fancy forcing it.

Hope to get it sorted tomorrow...
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: Rob_benton on 31 May 2021, 21:09
Keep pushing the flap to open it while opening and locking the car on your keep fob a number of times.

I've tried that with no success, like you I don't fancy forcing it.

Hope to get it sorted tomorrow...

I can’t remember if you can unlock the flap by simply just removing the actuator from inside the boot thinking about it.
Title: Re: Fuel Flap Actuator
Post by: rwleigh on 01 June 2021, 19:52
So finally today while in for an oil and filter at my local VW specialist the technician managed to get my fuel flap open. Actuator failed completely and a new one ordered. It was a major fight for him to get it open, no way I would have done it at the petrol station.

Remember folks, make sure you keep your flaps clean and lubricated!  :wink:

(https://i.postimg.cc/Bn977nbR/stuck.jpg)