Hi, is there a knack in removing/refitting this flipping thing? The filler cap I mean, it really defies logic, why when all else seems so efficient this basic function is such a pain. Have stood fiddling every time I have filled the Fiat up and I still cannot work out the system. So, could anyone plase give me some:bang: advice?
Thank you.

Lots of folks struggle if they don't have the knack.

Read this post .

Like so many things, it's easy once you know how.

I can't work out what's difficult, you turn it clockwise to do it up and counter clockwise to undo it don't you

Most Easterly Pandas said:

I can't work out what's difficult, you turn it clockwise to do it up and counter clockwise to undo it don't you

Click to expand...

What gets most folks is that it just spins until it's been unlocked, and you have to hold the cap still to unlock it. If you just put the key in & turn the key, it'll spin freely & you'll get nowhere.

Once you've unlocked it, you need to let go of the key and turn the cap.

It's sufficiently different to confuse many folks, and should really be demonstrated to anyone who's not familiar with the car if they might need to refuel it, although those who are mechanically ept will likely figure it out for themselves.

You need two hands, which is fine, I suppose. The new Fiats have a novel cap-free system of course

When I got my Doblo ten years ago I nearly cried before managing to open the thing at a filling station, in the dark!

So yes, I totally agree that sales people should explain this puzzle to new buyers.

jrkitching said:

What gets most folks is that it just spins until it's been unlocked, and you have to hold the cap still to unlock it. If you just put the key in & turn the key, it'll spin freely & you'll get nowhere.

Once you've unlocked it, you need to let go of the key and turn the cap.

Click to expand...

Fiat's have done this for years, my 131 had the same system and the first time I filled up was rather fun

When I first got a Fiat (Mk1 Punto) 10 years ago I wondered what the hell I'd done when I first went to put fuel in it. I'd never seen anything like it.

10 years on I'm now on my 3rd Fiat, with the same curious fuel filler cap design and I can do it with my eyes shut, but if you're coming from another brand it can leave you wanting to cry.

My Mum's face was a picture when we first put fuel in the 500, having never had a Fiat before. I left her to scratch her head for a few minutes before getting out the car to show her. She manages fine now but there were a few words said about it at the time

Thankfully the latest Panda and the Alfa Giulietta (plus possibly other models) have changed to a different design that's a lot more in-line with other current cars and much less challenging for newcomers to operate.

Most Easterly Pandas said:

I can't work out what's difficult, you turn it clockwise to do it up and counter clockwise to undo it don't you

Click to expand...

There's nothing majorly difficult with the method, but it's not the best design for certain people.

My wife suffers from hypermobile joints, and the fuel cap was always an absolute pig for her to open up in the 500 as it put too much pressure on her fingers and wrists - it often caused quite a lot of pain for her.

In the end it was just left to me to fill up each time!

As JTD_Liam says, the new Panda is an absolute doodle to fill up as it has the "Smart" fuel system - you just open the lid and put the nozzle in. Apparently it's impossible to put the wrong fuel in as well...not saying they are lying but I still like to check carefully which pump I've chosen, haha!

I always double check the price per litre display on the pump before pulling the trigger.

It helps to avoid a misfuelling incident.

On a lighter note, a friend (who for obvious reasons must remain nameless) noticed that LPG is much cheaper than unleaded & asked if he could use it instead of petrol if he blocked off all the fuel tank vents.

Just possibly the best suggestion I've ever heard for getting a Darwin award.

jrkitching said:

I always double check the price per litre display on the pump before pulling the trigger.

It helps to avoid a misfuelling incident.

On a lighter note, a friend (who for obvious reasons must remain nameless) noticed that LPG is much cheaper than unleaded & asked if he could use it instead of petrol if he blocked off all the fuel tank vents.

Just possibly the best suggestion I've ever heard for getting a Darwin award.

Click to expand...

Haha, as an ex LPG user this made me laugh.

brynrosa said:

Hi, is there a knack in removing/refitting this flipping thing? The filler cap I mean, it really defies logic, why when all else seems so efficient this basic function is such a pain. Have stood fiddling every time I have filled the Fiat up and I still cannot work out the system. So, could anyone plase give me some:bang: advice?
Thank you.

Click to expand...

Indeed, I get my chauffeur to do the dirty tasks, he struggled a few times but its funny how quickly he learnt a simple task when he was made to hungry for two days

disclaimer... i don't have a chauffeur, he did not go hungry, i don't use lpg in my car, i find it just escapes... toodle pips