So I just replaced the fuel tank actuator, it was stuck in open position and did not lock anymore. Part number 3T0810773A.

I soldered the wires due to Estate needs a interior dismantlement in contrast to the hatchback.

 

How should I treat the new actuator to make it last longer?

Grease it with silicone grease?

 

I just noticed the same on my dads Yeti...  Old cars have a lock inside instead. Is there a fuel cap for diesel that has a lock?

😞

Edited 23 September, 20196 yr by mbgar

I've found some WD40 or light machine oil pretty good. I tried PTFE grease the first time I fixed it and it ended up making the problem worse when the grease hardened. The problem comes down to the way the mechanism locks: it pushes a small pin into the rod that rotates to secure the filler flap (the bit sticking out when it's open). If the rod is stiff it can fail to move into the position needed for the pin to engage and lock it, or it can bind the pin in the locked position. This is why pushing on the filler flap when attempting to unlock works: it moves the rod enough that the pin can be withdrawn freely.

 

From my experience, completely removing and disassembling the lock mechanism is not needed. Just take it off the car, turn it so the rod sticks up, drop some oil along the rod, and then work it in and out a few times until the oil has gotten down into the mechanism.

 

You can probably buy an aftermarket lockable cap but it won't use the same key as the rest of the car, so it's more effort to use. Plus you risk scratching the side of your car if you have a bunch of other keys hanging off your keyring as most of us do.

Thank you,

 

I tried to disassemble the lock mechanism, but failed. It appears to be constructed in a one-time-close-only way.

There is a locking pin with a recess underneath that snaps in place after assembly.

 

Could VALEO 247519 fuel cap with key be a replacement?

It appears to be compatible with a lot of other VW/Audi/Seat cars but the Superb is not listed.

I can be disassembled but it's a bit fiddly and there are easy-to-lose springs that pop out and fly off when you open it. I spent half an hour searching my driveway for one of them when I opened mine.

 

 

1 hour ago, mbgar said:

Could VALEO 247519 fuel cap with key be a replacement?

Maybe? It's not something I've thought about doing since I know I can keep the stock setup working reliably. It doesn't look terribly expensive so it might be worth a shot anyway if you think you can live with it as a solution.

My beloved's Yeti (2013) cap wouldn't open, as of Sunday last. I tried WD40 and constant cycling, but after a few minutes it became clear that the actuator had died after some six years of service. The independent garage that fixed it (Brookroyd Garage, near Harrogate, tel 01423 561782) concluded the same this morning, and replaced the actuator by removing an internal panel in the boot and accessing the fuel filler assembly from the inside. It is a tight fit to get at the actuator, but it can be done. It now works.

any guide to replace, mine needs doing?

I bought the VALEO 247519.

It is a fuel cap with lock and 2 keys.

It does fit the fuel pipe, the windings do not bind up.

But in the fuel pipe there are some plastic things on the top.

When screwing in, I guess the fuel cap gets stopped by these.

Afterwards the key can be turned and the top of the fuel cap can be rotated loosely.

The cap top attaches again when turning the key opposite direction and can be unscrewed again.

The cap appears to have no clicker.

The cap has no cable so it can drop on the ground.

The cap has no slots to hang it on the fuel door.

 

Could this be an alternative solution?

 

What is the purpose of a fuel cap actually?

It should prevent access to the tank, it should not unscrew without key or lock, it should prevent someone from putting stuff not wanted in.

 

The only drawback I see are the plastic thingies behind the fuel pipe, where it gets stopped I guess.

 

Works on Superb 2 MJ12 and Yeti MJ15 both Diesel, I would guess on a whole bunch of VWAudiSeatSkoda cars too.

 

Edited 28 September, 20196 yr by mbgar