What is a Fuel Door Lock?
Some vehicles are equipped with a fuel door that latches automatically when closed and opens with either an electric actuator and switch or a manual (cable-operated) release. The fuel door locks when it is pressed shut and it is opened by means of a button or lever inside the passenger compartment. Other vehicles may feature a manual lock on the fuel door that requires a key to open.
How do Fuel Door Locks work?
How a fuel door lock works depends on the type of lock used. If the lock is operated by a switch, the actuator will receive a signal (usually from the Body Control Module) telling it to unlock the fuel door. A cable operated lock opens when the driver pulls a lever inside the vehicle and the cable pulls the lock open. A keyed lock is located on the fuel door. The operator inserts a key in the lock to open the fuel door, the way one might open a locked cabinet.
What are the symptoms of a bad Fuel Door Lock?
Regardless of the type of fuel door lock used, a common symptom when the lock is bad is that the fuel door will refuse to open. With an electric actuated lock, the door might not work at all, might work intermittently, or might refuse to latch closed. In the case of a cable operated lock, the release lever could be difficult to pull, may not retract all the way after being pulled, or may be loose. And with a keyed lock, the key might not turn in the lock cylinder or might not go into the keyhole at all.
Can I drive with a bad Fuel Door Lock?
If a fuel door lock refuses to close, the issue is probably one of inconvenience, and maybe one of security. Since the fuel door lock is usually operated when a car, truck, or SUV is low on fuel, a lock that is stuck shut, on the other hand, can become an urgent problem. A vehicle can be driven with a bad fuel door lock. For a time. Running out of fuel - especially if the fuel door will not open - can be a safety concern as well as an inconvenience.