98 Range fuel door release button won't work, HELP! - Land Rovers Only

matz445 · 02-16-2006, 07:12 AM

Hey all, I recently purchased a 98 HSE and went to get fuel and the button to upen the fuel door does not work. I was wondering if there is a fuse for that or if maybe the switch went bad or? The dealer told me there is a manual cord on the inside/same side as door where you replace the taillight bulbs. I looked all over in there and can't find a release. I basically took a chance and made it home on empty. Now I have it in the garage and need to figure this out before I can go anywhere and get some gas. Any help much appreciated. Thanks

shiftech · 02-16-2006, 02:21 PM

did you have the ignition off with the key in?From the manual,"The switch may only be operated with the starter key turned to position 0 or 1,it will not work with the engine running.
My switch came apart and all the inner bits are behind the dash some where lost for ever.I removed the trim around the instruments and routed the cable to the bottom of the steering column,I just short the 2 pins in the plug when i need to as a temporary way out .

drg · 02-16-2006, 03:07 PM

I used to have a p38. There should indeed be a manual release. It's just a plastic handle. You may have to fish around in there to find it. It's inside that small square panel on the right, just next to the tailgate. It's not much, just a little plastic pull tab.

I've heard the switches can go bad. Don't let someone try to pry the door open, they'll break something.

It's on a fuse, but I don't think it's on its own fuse, so something else would be dead if that were the problem.

shiftech · 02-16-2006, 03:26 PM

Its fuse number 14 on the side of the seat fuse board.It also feeds the central locking and tailgate.

matz445 · 02-16-2006, 03:36 PM

the key was in the off position and the fuse is good. I just can't seem to locate that puller, unless someone already broke it off? This sucks I can't even drive the darn thing because it's empty. I'll check the switch tonight I guess. Thanks for the replies everyone.

jrcjr1998 · 02-17-2006, 03:11 PM

My 97 has a manual release in the rear (as described by drg). After getting a quote from the dealer, I have decided it isn't worth the $$$$$ to get fixed. So now each time I fill up, I make a trip to the tailgate, pop open the hood and manual release and smile with the $200-$400 I still have in my pocket.

joes97rr4.6 · 02-17-2006, 11:31 PM

this happened in mine as well. it wasn't the release that broke--its the bushing/washer around the release that cracked. remove the interior panel and you can get to it--once you pull the release mechanism out, the fuel door will open--but not shut again! i drove with tape on it for two weeks...before getting frustrated and making a new bushing from a plastic cable tv washer...i'll try to take a pic of it...

02-16-2006, 07:12 AM	#1 (permalink)
matz445 Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 55 Gallery: 0	98 Range fuel door release button won't work, HELP! Hey all, I recently purchased a 98 HSE and went to get fuel and the button to upen the fuel door does not work. I was wondering if there is a fuse for that or if maybe the switch went bad or? The dealer told me there is a manual cord on the inside/same side as door where you replace the taillight bulbs. I looked all over in there and can't find a release. I basically took a chance and made it home on empty. Now I have it in the garage and need to figure this out before I can go anywhere and get some gas. Any help much appreciated. Thanks

02-16-2006, 03:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
drg Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 76 Gallery: 0	I used to have a p38. There should indeed be a manual release. It's just a plastic handle. You may have to fish around in there to find it. It's inside that small square panel on the right, just next to the tailgate. It's not much, just a little plastic pull tab. I've heard the switches can go bad. Don't let someone try to pry the door open, they'll break something. It's on a fuse, but I don't think it's on its own fuse, so something else would be dead if that were the problem. __________________ 95 Classic SWB If it's not leaking, it's empty.

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02-16-2006, 02:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
shiftech Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wales,Uk Posts: 76 Gallery: 0	did you have the ignition off with the key in?From the manual,"The switch may only be operated with the starter key turned to position 0 or 1,it will not work with the engine running. My switch came apart and all the inner bits are behind the dash some where lost for ever.I removed the trim around the instruments and routed the cable to the bottom of the steering column,I just short the 2 pins in the plug when i need to as a temporary way out .

02-16-2006, 03:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
shiftech Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wales,Uk Posts: 76 Gallery: 0	Its fuse number 14 on the side of the seat fuse board.It also feeds the central locking and tailgate.

02-16-2006, 03:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
matz445 Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 55 Gallery: 0	the key was in the off position and the fuse is good. I just can't seem to locate that puller, unless someone already broke it off? This sucks I can't even drive the darn thing because it's empty. I'll check the switch tonight I guess. Thanks for the replies everyone.

02-17-2006, 03:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
jrcjr1998 Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 11 Gallery: 0	My 97 has a manual release in the rear (as described by drg). After getting a quote from the dealer, I have decided it isn't worth the $$$$$ to get fixed. So now each time I fill up, I make a trip to the tailgate, pop open the hood and manual release and smile with the $200-$400 I still have in my pocket.

02-17-2006, 11:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
joes97rr4.6 Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 2 Gallery: 0	this happened in mine as well. it wasn't the release that broke--its the bushing/washer around the release that cracked. remove the interior panel and you can get to it--once you pull the release mechanism out, the fuel door will open--but not shut again! i drove with tape on it for two weeks...before getting frustrated and making a new bushing from a plastic cable tv washer...i'll try to take a pic of it...

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