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fuel door locked V70-XC70 1999

My fuel door doesn't open. I've searched but not found the answer. I think previous models had a manual release, but my '99 V70 does not.

I have read that the fuel door release is connected to the door locking system and switches sometimes hang up and mess up the fuel door release. But I have both front and the left rear door panels off the car to replace speakers.

I stopped for gas and realized that the switch to open the fuel door was on the panel at home. I went home and connected the switch and opened the fuel door. But, when I got to the gas station it wouldn't work. I unplugged the switch and jumped the wires but it still doesn't work. The rear hatch lock switch next to the fuel door release switch works fine.

I tried to remove the right rear trim panel, braking only two pieces of trim, but couldn't see anything to release the door.

If I have to pry the door open, what method does the least damage? I wouldn't mind disabling the fuel door locking mechanism, but I would want the door to open and close.

HELP! Any suggestions? TIA.








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Thanks to all for the advice. I removed the inner panel and felt around for the manual release but found none. I then went to the pick and pull to practice on their cars. No wagons but a couple of sedans. I found the plunger and was able to operate it with my finger. But when I got home, I found that the wagon is different. The solenoid is way less accessible. So I popped the door open with a padded screw driver, since I was told the little plastic piece that holds the door shut costs less than a dollar. If is does, I'll bet that's the only piece in inventory that cheap.

I plan to remove the solenoid and lubricate the plunger to see if I can get it working.

Thanks again for your help.



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I don't know if there is much wiring commonality between your 1999 and my 2003 V70, but I had the same problem, along with a myriad of rear door and tailgate lock issues, perpetual "Tailgate Unlocked" warning, and non-functioning center brake light. In my case the fuel door is powered through the same fuse as the rear door and tailgate locks. It would blow a fuse and I would have to insert a new fuse in order to pop the fuel door open - a real PITA at the gas station. In my case it turned out that ALL my electrical problems were caused by wires being pinched/shorted/severed in the LH tailgate hinge.



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The first time I took our '12 VC 70 to a touchless car wash, the washer spray blew the fuel door off the car.

There is a black inner door and a body color outer door.

It was easy to snap the outer door back on - I had to position the outer door near its location and push it in and toward the hinge.

If your car is like mine - try to push the outer door toward the rear of the car and pry SLIGHTLY out on the rear of the door.

OR - go to a touchless car wash and cross your fingers ;)

If you can get the outer door off - you MIGHT be able to jimmy the inner door.

Will a 1/4 of a tank get you to a dealer?

Perhaps someone with a model year closer to yours than mine could look at their mechanism.

From a Google search on - Unlock Volvo XC 70 Gas door -

- The XC70 MY2003 Manual says "NOTE: If the fuel filler door does not unlock after the button has been pressed, drive the car at a speed of at least 5 mph (8 km/h), stop the car, and press the button again."

- Had the same problem. Follow the instructions in the manual to the letter. Drive 5 miles per hour, no more, stop and then press the button. You will see Fuel Door unlocked in the left display and it will be unlocked. It does work. -Dick

I did npt read them all - there a LOT of threads to read.
--
'96 855R,'64 PV544 driver, '67 P1800 basket case, '72 Yamaha Rd400, '68 Honda 350-4, '12 XC70, the first 5 are mine, heh, heh, 525,000 miles put on 10 bricks James A Sousa



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Check the windoe switch DOOR lock actuator switches. If either side is not in the "center", the fuel door will not un lock. These switshes sometimes stick in the lock or unlock position, and this overrides the fuel door.



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I wonder because I had the fuel cover sieze on me. It was the same time as my main window switch was totally kaput. I ended up jimming the fuel door open and have magnets in there now for keeping it closed. I took the trim completely off and had my hand in there but ended up removing the motor itself.
I wonder if I should try and put it back in and test it. It was such a &^&$%$ to get at though ...



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I am puzzled as you are that the fuel door would not open when you got to the gas station after working at home.

Don't pry it open! It is a reach, but in the rear quarter panel you should be able to feel the actuator. Just a gentle pull should do it. Of course, it helps to carefully remove the entire panel away from the quarter panel and use a flashlight to see what you are doing.

The fuel door is designed to lock when the car is put in gear, or running... It has nothing to do with the door locks.
--
My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic



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Thanks, Klaus. I've got 1/4 tank so I can get by until the weekend. I'll try to remove the panel then.

Any idea what fuse controls this circuit? I can't find my manual. Maybe I can download one. Thanks again.



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Your owner's manual does not list a fuse for that function:

http://www.volvocars.com/us/top/yourvolvo/volvo-vehicle-information-library/pages/default.aspx

Check the two wires for the switch for power, any 12V test light will do.

--
My name is Klaus and I am a V♂lv♂holic



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