Will someone please tell me why the gas cap door in my 1989 300CE won't open?? The only way I can open it now is by going through the trunk and pulling the release.

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1989 300CE Astralsilber/Schwarz
1992 300CE Schwarz/Schwarz

Its most likely your gas tank door lock actuator. You can check its function, but Im not sure how. Maybe one of the forum gurus can shed some light.

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"Picture Me Rollin' In My AMG Benz"


Past Cars:
2001 E430 4Matic
1990 300E 2.6
1973 450 SEL
1977 300D

Mine was sticking like this and the acuator was trying to work. When you use the inside trunk release is the plunger difficult to pull? I squirted some silicon spray lube on the lock plunger rod and in the hole where it goes (at the fuel filler door) and its worked well since.

Byron Herrington
'92 400E
'86 Land Cruiser

I had a similar problem with a Japanese car -- lubing the hinges on the filler door made the difference.

Russ M
'82 300cd
'82 300td
'71 250/8

That's the same problem I have been having. It stays in the locked possition and I have to pull on it pretty hard to release it. Sometimes it feels like I'm pulling hard enough to break the knob off. Lubrication has helped a little but not a fix or long term solution to the problem.
I was looking at the locking element today trying to figure out how to remove it from the car where I can service it. It's in a tight spot and makes it really hard to see.
From what I could see the plastic guide that you see on the outside of the car (inside the fuel cap door where the pin comes through) is attached by two locking tabs with a 180 degree twist. The actual unit seems to be attached to that piece somehow as it will move (rotate) slightly while the other piece remains secure in the body of the car. There is a long plastic lever like section molded to the locking element that looks to be a retaining clip. However, no matter what I did it wouldn't budge.
Does anyone know of a non destructive way to remove it from the car?

Thanks

Hi,
went through this exact same senero with my 91' 300e about a month ago.
First there seems to be 2 different elements available, mine was a round black canister about 2x2 or about the size af a tennis ball, with the release handle out the end.
Mine had 1 plastic tab located forward on the centerline shaft, (forward of the canister at about the 1:00 possion) I just pushed
inward as hard as possable with my finger tips and pulled directly rearward fairly hard and the canister just poped loose with no damage.
Ordered a new one from Phil right here at fastline, like 35.00.
Just be sure it's in the unlocked possion when you remove it, i think it matters??, I think I removed the vacuum line before i pulled the canister too.
it is replaced by just pushing it back into place, the plastic tabs just lock back together similar to an electrical connector.
Best money I spent, now my vacuum pump only runs 2 or three seconds per lock or unlock, before it a good 20 seconds and the fuel door would not lock,
The diafram had a small tear in it, old age I guess.
Best of Luck!!!, It was Easy!!!
JOHNV

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1991 300e 255K (14.62mpg)
1979 Corvette L82 (sold)
2000 Custom Harley Sporty 1200
(Ride Hard or Stay Home!!!).
1973 Dodge Charger 440 (sold)