HELP! Locking fuel cap problems

[tnlappwi]

I have a locking fuel cap on my 98 Z3. I recently locked it and now am unable to get it unlocked. This is the first time I've ever locked it (I've only had the car six months). Anybody help me???!!!

[e30m3]

Hi !

What are the problems that you are having ? Is the cap spinning freely when you put the key in ?

[dmichael]

Hi ,

I dont know if this is a common problem but I also sometimes have difficulties . Sometimes it will spin freely , and other times it is very stiff . Also trying to lock it back on can be a problem . I dont let the ptrol pump attendant do it as once she didnt bother putting it on properly and I only noticed after a few miles driving and parked the car and smelt some petrol.

Originally Posted by e30m3

Hi !

What are the problems that you are having ? Is the cap spinning freely when you put the key in ?

[e30m3]

Hi,

I don't know if there is a problem with your fuel cap or not. They are a little tricky though so I will describe how MY fuel cap works. I don't know if this is the same for all.

When the cap is locked, it is allowed to spin freely. You can sit there anf try to spin the thing out bit it doesn't work, its like it just doesn't catch.

To unlock it. I hold the cap with one hand and turn the key in the keyhole with the other. The key rotates over 180 degrees and now the cap engages and is able to be turned clockwise, and lifted off.

To lock it again, I replace the cap, turn it anti-clockwise until it goes no more. Then I hold the cap again and turn the key through another 180 degrees. It is not locked again and free to turn.