Fuel door will not open?

KARMC20

MEMBER
2010 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
2.0L
2WD
MANUAL
75,000 MILES

Help/advise needed!
Hey! A couple days ago I went to open my fuel door and the button didn’t work. It made no sound and gave no prior warning of failure; it just wouldn’t open. I took to the internet to see what the issue is, and it was recommended to change the fuel door opening switch on the door. I changed this switch, and it still didn’t work. However, as I was driving, I looked down and saw the fuel switch light was on even though my lights weren’t. I hit the button and heard my fuel door open! After I got to my destination I inspected further and found it wasn’t actually fixed. The light only comes on when the door is propped open at certain angles or when I’m driving randomly, this is when the switch works. I dig further into online recommendations and found that it could be my fuel door actuator. I ordered this part and just installed it, and it is still not working. I cannot find any other information on what the issue could be. Has anyone had the same issue and fixed it? Thanks!

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,935 POSTS

The fuel door is controlled by the Comfort System Central Control Module which is located by the steering column on the driver's side. I would remove the electrical connector to check for corrosion. Here is the location so you can check it out and replace it if needed. To confirm the failure, we can do a CAN scan, you can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) which will work on most cars from Amazon.

Here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Here is one for about $99.00 if you need it:

https://amzn.to/3ZixY4v

You can get a rebuilt preprogrammed unit by searching google or eBay. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

Images (Click to make bigger)