Fuelpipe inner flap frozen

[VaTir]

Originally Posted by 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...

Approx the same situation only with -6' C at night and heavy rain day before. As weather forecast showed even lower temperatures down to -17...-20' C at nights, I have no chance to wait.

Behind the flap is plastic detail with 1mm approx opening where I saw frozen water, I carefully crashed ice with very small and sharp screwdriver till 1st level entry was possible, When I went to station for fill up, pistol was not possible to push deep enough, I just tried harder with force and than postel went in.

Somebody have to inform engineers to dril small 1mm opening in the lower part of plastic inlet. I will ask service guys to check, maybe possible to improve construction with small hole.

[Paul Dyer]

I just ran into this same issue, Where I live we have swings of snow then rain then deep freeze for a week. When a little moisture gets in the second filler flap freezes solid. This is such a disastrous issue when it freezes because if your in in minus 10 degree celsius weather theflap just cant be jammed open.

What I have found works the best for an at home in the driveway repair.
1/2" or 3/4" inch all metal ratchet, heat gun, and a microfibre cloth.

1. Place handle of ratchet in past the plastic flap, leaving the sock side out of the car (i use the ratchet because it can't fall down the filler neck like a wrench or socket extension.

2. Use heat gun or a hair dryer to heat the end of the ratchet thats sticking out blowing the heat perpendicular to the car

3.Apply pressure with microfibre to the end of the ratchet. It usually un-freezes really fast so you don't need to get the ratchet molten hot. you'll feel it pop.

4. Take the ratchet out wrap the microfibre around it and press it back in through the second door to dry up the water that just melted.

I know its crude but works when you need it to. BTW I have a 2018 XC90 T8 With 184,000 km as a reference point.

[OldEngineer]

Really!

Heat near petrol

[IDL]

Just adding my experience to confirm that the fuel filler inner flap problem is a a genuine fault. Happened to me last week.

It couldn't say if it was frozen or just stuck but it the nozzle wouldn't go all the way in. In the end I used the little funnel from the tools under the boot floor to force it open. After that it was OK.