Pulled into a highway service station yesterday about 50kms from home with the fuel gauge crying out for a refill and discovered the fuel filler door would not open.  Pushed, patted, thumped and banged without success.  Several other drivers clustered around and gave unhelpful advice. Eventually got it open with the blade of the ignition key and re-fueled. Visited my Skoda dealer this morning who advised that they had replaced around six of the little gizmo gadgets  inside that allows the door to open and shut. The gizmo rotates one half turn as it opens and shuts.  One of the mechanics poked around the inside of the boot with a small digital fibre optic camera looking for an emergency  release catch (like Audi) but there is none!

 

I'm now standing y (with a full tank thank goodness) as they order the part.  Being Skoda (Aust), no stock of parts held!!

UPDATE>  Called into my Skoda man today to discover still no part to fix my knackered fuel door actuator.   Seven days and they cannot get a part!!  Its no wonder Skoda struggles in Australia.  Once you buy the car they just kiss you off!!

Could you post the part number - so we can see if it is available in the UK and get one posted out to you ?

 

Chris

Could you post the part number - so we can see if it is available in the UK and get one posted out to you ?

 

Chris

 

 

That's a very kind offer (particularly in light of the cricket!!). I'll show your comment to my Skoda man and see if it has the good grace to be embarrassed. I sourced a bottle of touch up paint from the UK year ago as Skoda Aust just shrugged.  Cost me $10 delivered!! 

AH sod cricket - we win sometimes, you win others - no big deal ?

Chris

Let me know quickly - A family member has a friend over from Oz at the moment !

 

Chris

Edited 24 December, 201312 yr by L200man

Let me know quickly - A family member has a friend over from Oz at the moment !

 

Chris

 

Thanks again for the kind offer Chris.    My Skoda service man leapt into action yesterday and promised (that's a car dealer type of promise of course) that he would stay on the phone til Skoda got the part onto the mail truck.

 

My fuel is down to half and staying close to home over Christmas to save scratching the lid any further!   Will report back later!   Merry Christmas...hope the storms are gone by now.

Thanks again for the kind offer Chris.    My Skoda service man leapt into action yesterday and promised (that's a car dealer type of promise of course) that he would stay on the phone til Skoda got the part onto the mail truck.

 

My fuel is down to half and staying close to home over Christmas to save scratching the lid any further!   Will report back later!   Merry Christmas...hope the storms are gone by now.

hi

i have this intermittant problem as well

 

lock and unlock car whilst pressing release.

 

needs to push down a bit further for some reason, i'm going to add a bit of felt to the tip at some point.

 

use palm of hand on side of fuel release door closest to boot

 

hope that helps

No problem - the offer still stand, should you need assistance in the future

 

Chris

hi

i have this intermittant problem as well

 

lock and unlock car whilst pressing release.

 

needs to push down a bit further for some reason, i'm going to add a bit of felt to the tip at some point.

 

use palm of hand on side of fuel release door closest to boot

 

hope that helps

 

Lifesaver! Thanks. In my case, I had to push up on the bottom edge while unlocking. Put some dry lube on the actuator and seems to be working fine now.

Lifesaver! Thanks. In my case, I had to push up on the bottom edge while unlocking. Put some dry lube on the actuator and seems to be working fine now.

Whats dry lube and can you recommend something

Whats dry lube and can you recommend something

 

Silicone spray - available at all good diy shops. And Halfords: http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_214714_langId_-1_categoryId_255223

Edited 4 January, 201412 yr by Devon Wanderer

Ok thanks. Don't have the problem yet but it's just in case

Some weeks ago I foolishly declined an offer from contributor L200man on this thread who said he could obtain and despatch to me the particular part that controls the fuel door.  I think it is an attenuator but that is a guess. Anyhoo.....I made my third "surprise" visit to my Skoda Dealer yesterday and watched as the service staff searched through job sheets frantically. The service manager then excused himself from my sight and disappeared for ten minutes to only report that the part had not arrived (since December 16 mind you) and he would re-order now!.  He promised to call me the next morning with an update!!  Next morning (today) Indeed called with a sad story that there was no such part in Australia and had now been ordered from SINGAPORE!!!!!! Why Singapore you might well ask!! He then said normally parts would be sent here by ship (hello....about the size of my thumbnail) and it would take a month but he had requested airmail.. Clever eh?

 

I'm not a brain surgeon but do know when I am being snowed and find it infuriating that car dealers all try to blow smoke up your shirt when a little honesty on day one would satisfy most owners.   

 

I have been thinking about updating to a new car but the continued sloppy service from Skoda makes me look over the road for ideas. 

The offer still stands !

Chris

UPDATE> Visited my dealer AGAIN this morning and eureka!!, "the replacement part came in this morning". According to my dealer (and they wouldn't lie!!) it was sourced from Singapore. Quite surprising really given the number of VAG vehicles suffering the same issue.  Poor old Skoda Australia apparently cannot afford to hold parts in stock.  Very happy with my Skoda but already scanning other dealers for my upcoming changeover. After sales service is equally important to me with car ownership. By the way, the replacement was installed as I waited and noticed they dissembled  most of the cargo area lining to get it done. 

 

Standby Chris in Yorkshire (L200man) in case I need a new engine etc!!.