Fuelpipe inner flap frozen

[Db533]

I have an 2018 XC60. For the second time, I can’t get the petrol pistol into the fuel pipe to fill the car with petrol. The flap opens but the pistol cannot get pushed in far enough.

A few weeks back I had the same issue. Hobbled to the service. They said they heated the pipe with a fan and it opened.

Anyone seen this before? It was -4 degrees C here yesterday, nothing excessive. Any tips for how to prevent? Feels like something is defective...

[MaDProFF]

Well if a garage said they heated it with a fan and it opened clearly they did not solve the problem, so I would have said keep the car until you can prove it is not going to happen again.

it might be just seizing up because of faulty components that make the problem appear only in very cold weather.

Or you could just fill up in warmer weather

Be interesting if others have this problem now the weather is turning colder, but I assume yours is a one off, as no one mentioned it last year?????

[Lexman8]

I'm pretty sure this problem has never been mentioned anytime in the last 3 years.

[Quacker]

Since diesel does not freeze at anything like temperatures we get in the UK [waxing is a separate issue] then it must be assumed that water is somehow getting past the first flap. That should not be the case. Are you in the habit of aggressively power washing the filler flap area? Have you had the 'water in fuel' warning lamp lit at all? Perhaps rain gets in while you are refuelling?

[I Feel Old]

Originally Posted by Quacker

Since diesel does not freeze at anything like temperatures we get in the UK [waxing is a separate issue] then it must be assumed that water is somehow getting past the first flap.

Since it is a petrol car a fuel related problem is even less likely.

The story from the garage is not overly convincing, however if it is freezing it can only be due water ingress.

[Boatie]

Originally Posted by Lexman8

I'm pretty sure this problem has never been mentioned anytime in the last 3 years.

My 2017 MY V90 suffers it. In my case it’s snow dropping down when the outer flap is opened. Unless you clear it away carefully before starting to fuel water can enter the inner flap mechanism. Struck me it is something Volvo should have addressed given theirs country of origin.

Note where I live, hardly the artic.



Frank

[Haldex]

Def not a common/known issue- lots of Canadian/northern US owners on swedespeed- I have never heard of anyone complaining about this.. Mine has been in below -20C last winter and in -17C just last week- never had an issue with this. What Quacker said- I’d say it must be water (or condensation?..) related..

[Milky74]

So here i am this morning, went to fill up and i cannot push past the inner flap -5 overnight now -1 and stuck solid shut. Xc60 2018 D4 .
Waiting to see if it will defrost.

So after trying to warm up with a hair dryer on low heat,and using the filler tube this didn't appear to work. called out volvo assist who arrived 1 1/2 later and inserted the filling funnel with no issue.

Mech said likely to be ice in the mechanism, which kind of fits as i couldn't open it @ 10.30am but ok @ 12.30pm.

Just an update if anyone else has this problem.

[Wizzpop]

Originally Posted by Milky74

So here i am this morning, went to fill up and i cannot push past the inner flap -5 overnight now -1 and stuck solid shut. Xc60 2018 D4 .
Waiting to see if i will defrost.

As fuel doesn't freeze at those temps, there must be water somewhere. Is the water drain blocked? Mine was, so water gathered under the filler. If there is enough some will bet into the filler when you are on the move.

[Boatie]

Originally Posted by Lexman8

I'm pretty sure this problem has never been mentioned anytime in the last 3 years.

It has! Don't ask me the topic title but I remember posting on it a couple of years ago. In my case when I opened the outer flap snow fell onto the inner cap. Even if you brushed the snow away moisture remained which could subsequently freeze thereby causing the mechanism to seize.

As I type this I realise that I've had more issues with my Volvos freezing up doors, windows ,mirrors etc (and I'm in the 'soft' south) than any other make in my 57 years of driving. Strange when you consider where they were designed

Just noticed that someone has posted my original comments.