I have a 2009 Mini Cooper S hardtop with 48,000 miles. Gas meter got into the red today, so decided I'd get some gas even though it was Christmas. But for the first time, I had this issue:

Turned the car off as usual, but left the key in the ignition (though, ejected). Went to open the fuel door (the silver door/cap before the actual gas cap) but it was "stuck". I thought that was odd, because I could have swore I even filled up my car once while it was running. I wasn't ware that there was a locking mechanism on the fuel door. So I put the key fully into the ignition and took it back out with me this time. Still, the fuel door was stuck shut. So I somewhat forcefully opened the door, and sure enough a small plastic piece (about the size of a pen tip) broke off. It was apparently holding the fuel door shut.

For a second, I thought I was having a brain fart, and thought...maybe there is a lever inside the driver's area that I need to pull to open the fuel door? But I definitely didn't remember such a thing. So basically, I now broke whatever locking mechanism the fuel door had. Not a huge deal, because I know it's not going to just fling open around corners, but it's a bit annoying that it was locked shut in the first place -- but I guess it's good to know (for you guys now) that it's easy to "override" with minimal force.

Unfortunately I'm out of the warranty period (though I wonder if something like this is still covered)...and the nearest Mini dealer is about 2 hours away. Oh well. Not a huge deal. Just thought I'd share in case anyone else ever ran into this...or does in the future.

 

there is a manual opener inside the car just for this problem

Manually releasing the fuel filler flap
In the event of an electrical malfunction, you can
manually release the fuel filler flap:
1. Open cargo area trim panel, arrow 1.
2. Pull the green **** with the gas pump symbol,
arrow 2.
The fuel filler flap opens.


scott

 

Ah, yes. Forgot to look into that. Guess I never thought of that, as I usually associate that type of override with cars that use a lever to open the fuel door to begin with. Oh well. Guess I won't have to worry about that for a while.

 

I've had mine get stuck in the winter. Froze up and I had to force it open.

 

When I bought my Mini, the emergency release had already been pulled, and every since I can't get it back in to have it lock with the rest of the car, any suggestions on that?

 

I would get it fixed,
It may not open on it's own but I wouldn't want anyone to have access to my gas tank, be it a p..... off lover or low lifes stealing gas.

 

Ususally once you unlock your car it retracts, I always just press the unlock button once i'm out of my car to make sure.

@twintert - I don't know what to tell you, I pulled mine once cause I didn't know what it was...and then after a while it just seemed to retract on its own, the little stick thing always locked when I locked my car, so I never really had an issue.

 

Seems like I read somewhere there is a pull cord or something in the boot in the compartment on the driver side by the charger outlet. Yes just looked. Green button. Pull it!

 

i think this might be a cold weather-related issue. mine wouldn't open today until i pulled the cord, but seems to be working ok now. it's about 10 degrees F here.

 

Jan 3, 2014 "Hercules" Day...I've had my '02 Mini since April 2003...never a problem. Went to get gas today and can't open the silver fuel door. I, too, think it's a "cold" problem...it never happened in the Keys! Guess I'll have to wait a few degrees and try again. BTW, in my '02 model, I can't find the manual pull cord illustrated in the photo above ~ or anywhere else, for that matter.

 

'02Mini - See this thread for the Gen 1 MINIs. You are in Gen 2.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-question.html

There should be a pull tab or rod behind the rear panel in the trunk.

Here is the 2005 manual that shows it. Page 95 in the manual.


Click Here:

 

hah thats my thread! and just saw this one, lucky im not the only one who had this problem