Fuel Filler Door - Inoperative
File In Section: 10 - BodyBulletin No.: 53-15-01
Date: February, 1995
Subject:
Fuel Filler Door Inoperative (Replace Solenoid or Reset/Replace Spring)
Models:
1995 Buick Riviera
1995 Oldsmobile Aurora
CONDITION
This bulletin references three separate conditions that fuel filler doors may experience.
Some owners may comment on one of the following conditions:
1. Some vehicles may exhibit intermittent operation of the fuel filler door release. Refer to Cause "A".
2. Some fuel filler doors may not spring open enough when actuated. Refer to Cause "B".
3. Some Aurora fuel filler doors may open too far and enter the swing path of the rear door. Refer to Cause "C".
CAUSE
Cause "A"
The intermittent operation of the fuel filler door release may be caused by one or both of the following conditions:
1. Solenoid inoperative.
2. The solenoid plunger may fail to retract due to excessive side load applied by the fuel filler door hinge spring (Figure 1). Refer to Correction
Cause "B"
Some fuel filler doors may not open enough to comfortably grasp the door and open it because adjustments made to the door occasionally change the shape of the spring and reduces the opening force of the hinge spring. Refer to Correction "B".
Cause "C"
Some Aurora fuel filler doors open too far due to adjustments made to center the door in the quarter panel opening occasionally, changing the shape of the fuel filler door hinge. Refer to Correction "C".
CORRECTION
Correction "A"
1. With the fuel filler door in the open position, press the release button and observe the operation of the plunger. If the plunger is inoperative:
a. Allow the vehicle to warm to room temperature. If plunger is frozen in position, this will enable the plunger to move. Apply 3M 0846 Silicone Paste, or equivalent, to plunger. Operate solenoid to ensure that the plunger doesn't bind.
b. If the solenoid is still inoperative, refer to Section 8A-136 of the Service Manual for diagnosis of the power and ground for the solenoid.
2. If the fuel filler door is operable then, with the fuel filler door in the opened position, compress the hinge spring such that it is permanently deformed and has a gap of approximately 9.5 mm -10.5 mm (0.37 in. - 0.41 in.) (Figure 2)
Important:
Care must be taken to avoid setting the spring gap below 9.5 mm which could result in the fuel filler door not popping open.
a. Close the fuel filler door and operate solenoid to ensure plunger does not bind.
b. If the fuel filler door is inoperative, replace the solenoid.
Correction "B"
Fuel filler doors not opening enough can be corrected by resetting the hinge spring gap to 9.5 mm - 10.5 mm (0.37 in. - 0.41 in.) (Figure 2).
1. Open fuel filler door.
2. Reset the hinge spring gap to approximately 9.5 mm - 10.5 mm to achieve the proper opening force.
Important:
Care must be taken to avoid setting the spring gap above 10.5 mm which could result in the fuel filler door not popping open due to high side loads on the solenoid plunger.
3. Verify fuel filler door operation.
Correction "C"
A fuel filler door opening too far can be corrected by installing a modified version of the spring.
1. Remove fuel filler door. Refer to Section 10, Group 9 of the Service Manual.
2. Modify spring, P/N 25607681, as shown in Figure 3.
3. Install modified spring, P/N 25607681, onto fuel filler door hinge as shown in Figure 4.
4. Install fuel filler door and verify for proper operation.
5. Open fuel filler door and, using touch up paint of the appropriate color, cover any bare metal exposed due to fuel filler door removal.
PARTS INFORMATION
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation Labor Time
B6000 0.2 hr
Add 0.1 hr (For Correction "C" only)