Ok another newbie problem. I picked up my 2001 Octavia at week and the first thing I did was go fill it up with diesel. It took a while but I figured out the petrol flap release was a button on the dashboard. Went to put more diesel in tonight and the button isn't Working! I can't put diesel in my car until I sort this. Anyone experienced this??

this may not be helpful but...

The lever in the fabia mk 1 to open the fuel filler cap wasn't opening it for me a while back.

I removed the fuel filler cap and it's surroundings and found the springloaded mechanism had come loose.

Easily fixed just looking at it.

I'm sure there's an emergency release in the boot to get you by for now.

yes there is an emergency release its in the manual. but basically you remove the boot panel to the right of the boot easy enough on the estate not sure about hatch. The solenoid is behind this and basically you pull the rod( finar, finar) towards the rear I think and this opens the flap. Hope yoou get it sorted I'm sure the cause will be a simple fix i'e loose trim, loose rod, sticky rod needing lube or fuse blown due to the other stuff.

Phil