Cannot open gas door on 1988 XJ6

XJ40
#1

I am working on a friend’s 1988 XJ40 after a multi-year outdoor storage (6 - 8 years of sitting idle outside) and I am unable to get the fuel filler door to open. I tried pushing or pulling the small white lever inside the trunk that is under the filler door solenoid assembly but this does not accomplish anything. I replaced the fuse that is near the underside of the filler door and I have looked at the power on the various pins in the gas door relay socket. Today I tried spraying a lot of penetrating oil under various parts of the fuel filler door edge. I do have power on one leg of the fuse socket when I remove the fuse and check with a VOM.

BTW, I was told that the fuel door is supposed to release if you push down on it for two seconds. When I tried this the fuel door does not move when depressed. I.E. When I push down on the fuel door, there is no downwards movement at all.

Any other suggestions would be most welcome.

#2

Sounds like aot of corrosion has locked the release. Can you get some pb blaster to run down the locking pin?

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#3

I sprayed it all down yesterday with penetrating oil so I will see if that has had any positive effect when I go back over to my shop today.

#4

20200625_140447
20200625_1404471494×1992 1.04 MB
20200625_140442
20200625_1404422988×3984 2.49 MB
I dont know if these help bit if you zoom in on one you can see the tiny pin, whis has some rust on it. Didn’t look to hard but I can’t see anyway to free the pin from down below,without smashing the assembly where the whote release is.89 xj40

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#5

Way different system to the 94!
Looking at that, maybe with enough penetrating oil down that hole a repeated “push down” will eventually free it up?

#6

Thanks for the detailed photos David. That helps a lot to be able to see what I am dealing with.

Steve

#7

I have heard that some people get rid of it and glue a magnet to keep it closed

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