Locked fuel cap - MY12 Tiguan

[Bambazonke]

My VCDS has picked up an intermittent fault with my tank flap solenoid which has the following code 00332. I have looked this number up on the listed faults web page with no luck, anybody have any ideas? I removed the solenoid by removing the fuel cap and the 1 torx screw just below the locking pin. The flap and rubber tank seal comes out as one unit fairly easy. The solenoid then slides out with the wires leading up into the top of the wheel arch.
If any one is stuck with a jammed lid the only way to unlock the solenoid without damaging the flap is either to disconnect the power to the solenoid by accessing it via the right interior flap in the boot and hope the pin unlocks. Alternatively remove the wheel and then the wheel arch liner. You then can access the solenoid and press a rubber button at the rear of the solenoid which unlocks the pin. Hope this will help someone in the future if this should ever arise

[ido09s]

Is it actually a pin?

I have a 2011 built 132TSI and i swear it has a rectangular piece that spins in the cap to lock it....

I will have to check it when i get home tonight and ensure that i keep it clean and lubed in the future

[AJTiguan]

This evening I had this same problem.
I was running late and put filling up aside until the tank got so low I thought I was starting to push my luck.
I pulled into a shell and the fuel flap wouldn't open after a few minutes of trying I ended up leaving.

I was closer to home and tried a second service station (I thought maybe the handbrake wasn't on) and again, no luck. I went home and decided to check forums to see if it was a common issue.

Anyway... Long story long, thanks to you crowd I've not only got it open, but I doused it in WD40 and it's working as it should again.
Thank you.

[tigger73]

My wife's Tiguan has the same problem. Filled up the other day and I had to open/close the car a couple of times to get the flap to open when pressed.

Then today when I went to refill it wouldn't release at all. I pressed on the flap while hitting the open close button on the key fob and got the fuel door to release.

It's still under warranty so I'm going to get the dealer to look at it on Friday.

[jets]

I also had trouble opening ours some time back but was able to open it with some fiddling. I lubricated mine with some gun lube that has Teflon in the composition. No problem since. I have never been a fan of WD40. It's good in an emergency but not for a long term solution.

[tigger73]

Took the car to the dealer this morning and wouldn't you know it the flap opened for them

And that's after testing it before I left home just to check.


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[NIC01Q]

Had the same problem. Got the fuel door flap actuator replaced under warranty.
If you are desperate to open it and in need of petrol press unlock and lock on your key fob until you are able to open it.


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[tigger73]

Well good thing is the dealer was (with some coaxing) able to replicate the fault so replaced the actuator.

Yes and pressing unlock/lock on you key fob can work. If that doesn't do it then unlock/lock while pushing gently on the fuel flap should do the trick!

If it does it again outside warranty I'll be getting out the grease gun, but given it's under warranty VW can replace it so that they (hopefully) get the message that this is a bad design and to fix it in next gen

[Trex]

I also had trouble opening ours some time back but was able to open it with some fiddling. I lubricated mine with some gun lube that has Teflon in the composition. No problem since. I have never been a fan of WD40. It's good in an emergency but not for a long term solution.

I have the same problem. At the servo and couldn't open the flap - tried operating the door switch a couple of times but no joy. Then called VW dealer and they suggested operating the remote a few times, that worked but not sure there is any difference.
They now suggest I have the actuator changed but my thinking is that it is a mechanical sticking problem and not an electrical fault so why change a perfectly good actuator at a cost of a couple of hundred for the job when what is called for is lubrication.

So the question is - where to apply the lubrication?
Do you just fire it into the catch by the flap and hope that does the job?

[Bydant]

I had this issue. The first few times I had it I used a combination of electronics part cleaner to clean the actuator and silicone spray. There was also a technique to getting it to actuate, which was pushing the door in just the right amount to take the load off the actuator when unlocking. This worked for myself but not my wife. Eventually I just disconnected the motor when in the open lock position and it opens and closes with a push. Although this is a potential fuel tank security issue, my only concern is people putting stuff in, not taking stuff out.