I've a friend who has a 58 plate Polo which the fuel cap seems to be frozen on, it doesn't have central locking so I assume it's a simple mechanism that had frozen due to the drop in temperature over night.  I've read some advice to remove the interior trim to get access to a fuel cap release but can't find specific instructions for this model, does anyone have any tips they could give?  He's tried the usual spray of WD40 and similar but no luck so far.

 

Thanks,

John

Would imagine it's a similar setup to the Mk1 Fabia, given the shared platform. 

 

If you open the boot and pull back the boot carpet at the right-hand side. It will peel back from where it meets the tailgate rubber seal. You should then be able to see the cable the operates the release for the filler cap.

 

I had this happen once for one of my Fabias and it was a quick fix. In certain cases the cable might have been dislodged.

 

When it's freed up, it's a good idea to apply some silicone spray to the rubber around the filler cap. This will give the rubber a layer of protection and should help it stop sticking to the filler cap in the cold weather.

 

Example product: http://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-fluids/lubricating-penetrating-oil/3-in-one-professional-silicone-spray-lubricant-400ml

To get to it pouring warm water around the area works.

 

Then dry all H20 from the area. WD 40 is ok for that, then get rid, because it is not great.

&

use White Grease, Silicone Spray or the likes to lube what needs lubed.  Not WD40 or Water Dispersant.

That would loosen the filler cap, yes. But what often happens is because the cable is tensioned, when the mechanism around the fuel filler hasn't released because it's frozen, the cable will dislodge.

 

So even when the original root cause is solved, the filler cap still won't open.

Thanks, I've passed the information on.

 

John