Power Gas Door latch failure

[jgf110]

Has anyone had trouble with the spring loaded latch that releases the gas door upon pushing the interior button?

Mine sticks in the release position and that means my door will not close. I look like quite the baffoon driving around like this. Duct tape only sticks for so long...

I fixed this problem last year by tearing the system apart and out of my car, and thoroughly cleaning the cylindrical rod that holds the door in place.

I posted for two reasons:

1) To see if anyone else has experienced this, and if so to see how you alleviated the problem. I would like to know if it is worth my time to buy a few replacement parts.

2) To vent about how pathetic it is that this car manufacturer uses a double plastic (shaft and hole assembly) for this application! Why would you not use something that will not wear on itself and cause sticking. Welcome to the world of the competitive, penny-pinching, US automobile industry trying to save a 1/2 cent by using cheap plastic here.

[Intigue]

Yup, same problem here. Even though I've had a few problems here and there, still love this car.

Anyways, all I did was spray it with WD40 and pull it out with a knife, then spray it again and push in and let itself release. I agree with you, why use plastic???

[jgf110]

I actually removed the sub-assembly and drilled a larger bore through the steel through bolt. Mine was rusted beyond WD40 help. It was a bit of a pain in my a$$ but I don't forsee it being an issue again. Nothing a little duct tape, or a power drill can't fix.

[paulkramer]

White lithium grease works better, lasts longer than WD-40