Remote Gas Door on 1998 C280? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

clankford · #1 12-11-2003, 10:01 AM

On my recently purchased 1998 C280 MB, I noticed that the gas door did not have a remote release, which seemed odd. Looking closely at the door assembly, it appear to be physically setup for some type of solenoid as the fittings were there for a solenoid and a catch on the door, but no solenoid. Does anyone know if I can add this without too much difficulty?

blackmercedes · #2 12-11-2003, 01:37 PM

Huh? The door locks with the central locking system. When you want to open the fuel door, you just push on the front (closest to the passenger door) side of the fuel door, and it opens. No need for gimcrackery.

Japanese cars use the much more complicated system with a remote switch to overcome the locking system. Our MB's lock the fuel door tight (sweet little dead-bolt, very trick) but eliminate the need for a remote release by hinging the door on a fulcrum so it swings open with a slight push.

clankford · #3 12-11-2003, 02:29 PM

I understand how it works. I just lost several gallons of gas from someone using an "Oklahoma Credit Card". If I had a locking gas cap or door, I might not have lost it. Just seems weird to have a car with remote REAR HEADRESTS and doesn't have a remote gas door latch!

RPM55 · #4 12-11-2003, 02:54 PM

The gas flap is suppose to lock when you lock the car . If yours isn't locking then you have a problem. The locking element is accessed from inside the trunk by removing the trim panel on the right side.

blackmercedes · #5 12-11-2003, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RPM55
The gas flap is suppose to lock when you lock the car .

Yes, when you lock the car, the gas door has a little bolt that locks the door. You don't need to rig up a release system, you just need to have the lock system repaired. BTW, when using the central locking on automatic (when you reach 9 km/h) the fuel door remains unlocked. Then, when you exit the car, and lock the doors and trunk with the remote, the gas door locks as well.

Open the fuel door, lock the car, and see if the dead-bolt operates.

clankford · #6 12-11-2003, 03:04 PM

Thanks so much, RPM55 and BlackMercedes!!!!! Being a newbie, I wasn't sure about it. But after seeing all the quality and other conveniences, I couldn't imagine there not being a lock device! I will check it out soon!

clankford · #7 12-11-2003, 04:21 PM

I just checked out the locking device inside the gas flap. There appeared to be some kind of black trash (plastic?) inside the little hole where the locking pin comes out. I cleaned it out and it seems to be working ok now.

Thanks so much!

blackmercedes · #8 12-11-2003, 04:24 PM

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