Hello All,

I have a 1999 X70 AWD XC wagon with 220,000 miles. About a year ago, I noticed when I closed the gas tank flap, it no longer seated flush against the rear body panel. It "stuck out" slightly as the bottom of the flap from the surface area of the panel. The flap works properly by the way. I can "close it" , that is when I push it in, it will "lock" and it does release when I pull the release lever. It just esthetically bothers me when I look at it.

I am having the car go in soon to my local auto body shop to have unrelated issues addressed. I will mention it to them to see if it can be adjusted so the gas tank flap is once again flush with the rear body panel. I'm just wondering if anyone else out there has had this experience, and if so, how you addressed it? Thanks in advance to all who respond.

Hugh

Could be worse, Hugh.

The first time I took my '12 XC70 to the car wash, the door was blown off my car. I carry a small roll of duct tape to tape it shut when I go to the wash now.

BTW - I had seen a lawsuit on the peoples court - the wash floor is VERY slippery!

James,

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I'll keep this issue in perspective.

Hugh

Get a new hinge. Before the old hinge breaks.
--
Keeping it running is better than buying new

Klaus,

I don't think it is the hinge. It appears to be working correctly. It isn't loose, that is "swings up and down". However, I confirmed with my local Volvo dealer the hinge is still available (about $13). When I bring the XC to my auto body shop, I will share your suggestion with them. If required, I can hustle down to my local Volvo dealership and get it to them immediately. I'm thankful the hinge is still available and not a "Classic Part". Otherwise, I would be compelled to buy it now, just so if it is required, the auto body shop would have it available before the XC came into the shop. Personally, I hope you are right. Replacing a hinge would be a relatively "cheap fix" for an esthetic issue that has bothered me for almost a year. Like a speck of dust in my eye.

Hugh

This is a common problem. Easy to give the door a hit when refuelling a bit off the pump, or you give it a nudge with your body. If you have to have "attended service" where you are you won't know how it happened. New hinge and spring clip should fix it in a few minutes.

Derek,

Thank you for your reply. The hinge assembly if it has to be replaced, is still available from Volvo (approx. $13). I don't know if it includes the "spring" that Mike above mentioned, but I'll find out. Also, I plan to share your response with my auto body shop to serve as "guidance". I just hope I can get this flap fixed. It works, but just the appears of it not seating properly bothers me like a spec of dust in my eye. I just can't ignore it. I wish I could take a pill for it.

Stay save and well.

Hugh

Is the spring still there? I'll wager your spring is missing and the hinge is broken.

Mike,

I'll check. My XC is in at my private garage for another matter, but when it comes back, I'll look. Even if I don't find anything, I will save your suggestion and share it with the auto body shop that I will have look at it.

Thank you for your reply.

Hugh