Can’t open fuel filler

[Emirahep]

I have my first proper Lotus gremlin.

Was heading on a long drive tomorrow and only fumes left in tank.

Popped to local Esso to fill up and fuel filler won’t open.

Pressed as hard as I dare on rear edge. Locked and unlocked car. No joy.

Searched for this issue and couldn’t find it on the forum. Apologies if I have missed it.

Any advice welcome 🙏

 

[Jimblob]

I think there’s an emergency release behind the drivers seat on the upper rear panel. Remove the little cover panel and pull the red cable…

 

[Emirahep]

I think there’s an emergency release behind the drivers seat on the upper rear panel. Remove the little cover panel and pull the red cable…

Many thx. Will try that !

 

[Emirahep]

Removed panel - no emergency release. Checked manual and only refers to the one for the boot.

Will take the 911 and call Lotus when I get some time 😢

 

[dgrace]

Latest software update: fuel door operation now requires a monthly subscription.

Edit: Lotus just in case you're reading this, I was kidding, don't get any ideas!

 

[Eagle7]

Had something similar happen on my Alfa when I was on a trip. Pulled in to the station, but instead of filling up right away, went inside to use the bathroom. When I came out to put gas in the car, the fuel filler door wouldn't pop open. Pushed and pressed everywhere, no go. Did the same thing you did, locked and unlocked the car, no go. I then sat in the car trying to figure out what I was going to do, as I wasn't sure I had enough gas to make it to the next town. Started the car to check the fuel level, and I was sure I wasn't going to make it. Got out of the car and pressed on the fuel filler door one more time, and it popped right open. I then realized what had happened. Because I didn't pop it open immediately the first time, the car thought I had parked and locked everything.

Try starting the car and then shutting it off, and see if it will work then.

 

[Jimblob]

Removed panel - no emergency release. Checked manual and only refers to the one for the boot.

Will take the 911 and call Lotus when I get some time 😢

Sorry - thought I’d read that somewhere.

 

[Hell4Leather]

Had something similar happen on my Alfa when I was on a trip. Pulled in to the station, but instead of filling up right away, went inside to use the bathroom. When I came out to put gas in the car, the fuel filler door wouldn't pop open. Pushed and pressed everywhere, no go. Did the same thing you did, locked and unlocked the car, no go. I then sat in the car trying to figure out what I was going to do, as I wasn't sure I had enough gas to make it to the next town. Started the car to check the fuel level, and I was sure I wasn't going to make it. Got out of the car and pressed on the fuel filler door one more time, and it popped right open. I then realized what had happened. Because I didn't pop it open immediately the first time, the car thought I had parked and locked everything.

Try starting the car and then shutting it off, and see if it will work then.

Makes sense. Hope the OP responds if it’s sorted.

 

[Emirahep]

Sorry - thought I’d read that somewhere.

No probs ! Thx for the idea.

 

[Emirahep]

Had something similar happen on my Alfa when I was on a trip. Pulled in to the station, but instead of filling up right away, went inside to use the bathroom. When I came out to put gas in the car, the fuel filler door wouldn't pop open. Pushed and pressed everywhere, no go. Did the same thing you did, locked and unlocked the car, no go. I then sat in the car trying to figure out what I was going to do, as I wasn't sure I had enough gas to make it to the next town. Started the car to check the fuel level, and I was sure I wasn't going to make it. Got out of the car and pressed on the fuel filler door one more time, and it popped right open. I then realized what had happened. Because I didn't pop it open immediately the first time, the car thought I had parked and locked everything.

Try starting the car and then shutting it off, and see if it will work then.

Thanks for the idea. Car has been on and off. Started and stopped etc. all over a number of days. No joy. I’ll get Lotus support but busy with other stuff so she can sit nearly empty in the garage for a bit.

 

[kitkat]

From what I can tell in the service manual there isn’t an emergency release for the fuel filler cap, the only thing going to it is an electrical connector. Likely a malfunction in the electrical unlocking mechanism or the wiring.

 

[Emirahep]

So I finally got some time and called Lotus assist. Very helpful. Kept me informed. Sub contracted to AA who arrived within the hour. All good although the AA guy has never seen or worked on an Emira so not exactly specialist help.

Explained the situation. He said he would take a panel off to get to emergency release and I pointed out that I had already done that and checked the manual ans there wasn’t one. Unlocked car and showed AA man where I had been pushing on rear edge of filler cap and….it opened ! Embarrassing but clearly an intermittent fault as I had done nothing to open it that I hadn’t tried multiple times before.

Left it propped open to make sure I can put fuel in. Booking it in for wipers recall anyway so will ask B&C to look at the fuel filler as well.

 

[Emirahep]

Update on fuel filler - worked fine since it started working again so no repeat. No idea what happened but suspect the lock not releasing due to an electrical gremlin.

But sweaty palms every time I stop to fill up. Especially last time when I ended up 10 miles fr a filling station with car showing range of 15 miles. Then. Minute later two dashes 😳.

So flew blind for last 10 miles and prayed for filler cap to open. It did.