General Capless Fuel Filler Locking Plug

[s130]

500X has this new capless fuel filling system.

Odly Fiat has chosen not to fiat the car's external flap with a central locking system lock (like on the Croma). This means that anybody can gain access to the fuel filler neck.

Now these capless systems will only open if the correct diameter fuel filler spout is inserted and they self seal both when closed and open.

HOWER what I don't know is:

1) Is there an anti-syphon grate / obstruction further down the filler neck?

2) Even if 1) is true there is nothing to stop an intent, grumpy, pissed of vandal from put liquid/granulated *crap down the pipe.

I see that for capless Ford fillers there are official and after market locking plugs available.

Has anyone with a Fiat / Alfa seen one available for our cars?

IMHO this is a complete and stupid oversight by Fiat.

 

[twobigdogs]

I don't feel this is much of an issue really. The cover is plastic so would be easy to pry open if it was locked. You need a spout to put anything in so if someone wanted to mess with the car they would have to walk around with a spout.I think I would be more worried someone smashing a window or damaging tyres than putting something in the tank.

 

[portland_bill]

The Fiesta and Focus come with a spout to allow the use of a fuel can. I'd expect the Fiat to have one too. What this means is that anyone with a similar vehicle will have a spout, and they will soon become common. This creates a risk that the filler is not as secure as you'd like. What started as a great idea to prevent incorrect fuelling, quickly became a way to save the cost of a proper fuel cap.

However, it is unlikely that anyone will carry their spout around with them just to allow a little petty vandalism. Unless someone targets you specifically.

Fuel theft does not generally involve syphoning any more. Sometime ago fuel thieves graduated to jabbing a sharp screwdriver into the tank from below, collecting what they need and allowing the rest to drain away.

 

[s130]

I've checked with Fiat (via my dealer parts dept) and Fiat don't currently do a locking plug.

I appreciate the risk of fuel theft and contamination is low but I would still appreciate the option to secure should I wish to. (especially with a possible trip and campsite stops in France on the way to Italy).

 

[LovelyRed500XCross]

A further issue I have noticed is that to add Redex or other fuel based additives, one presumably has to use the spout thingy in the tool kit bag?

 

[s130]

A further issue I have noticed is that to add Redex or other fuel based additives, one presumably has to use the spout thingy in the tool kit bag?

True, and having to unload the boot to get the spare tyre/spout/jack/tow eye etc. is always a bit of a pain however for everyone here I hope the need will never arise.

No real difference to other cars except that fuel additive users will need far more frequent access/need for the filler spout. If it were me I would be acquiring a second filler funnel for home/garage use.

 

[LovelyRed500XCross]

True, and having to unload the boot to get the spare tyre/spout/jack/tow eye etc. is always a bit of a pain however for everyone here I hope the need will never arise.

No real difference to other cars except that fuel additive users will need far more frequent access/need for the filler spout. If it were me I would be acquiring a second filler funnel for home/garage use.

I think mine will live in plastic bag under the boot floor, shame there are no side hatch storage cubbyholes....had those in the 159 Sportwagon and they were useful.

 

[Mikehep]

Could always use drivers door picket to hold spout. Wondering though, do you want to add anything to the fuel as if there is any problem, no matter how small, will Fiat test residues, you've added an additive and so render warranty invalid?

 

[LovelyRed500XCross]

Could always use drivers door picket to hold spout. Wondering though, do you want to add anything to the fuel as if there is any problem, no matter how small, will Fiat test residues, you've added an additive and so render warranty invalid?

Redex is just an octane booster and is petrol derived so doubt there would be an issue. Years ago you could buy those Teflon1 time treatments that supposedly reduced friction, doubt they were an issue either.

 

[Mikehep]

Yes I fully accept this, BUT if you were to have a mechanical problem later on, then if it was a £2 - 3k bill, Fiat would ask. I'd a Kia Sportage, 7 year warranty, and the turbo went at 48k miles. They requested, from Stoneacre, mileages of previous 3 services, what was done and an engine oil sample. I had a prepaid service package but always had an engine flush at each service. It may be a petrol based additive but caveat emtore,....

 

[LovelyRed500XCross]

Yes I fully accept this, BUT if you were to have a mechanical problem later on, then if it was a £2 - 3k bill, Fiat would ask. I'd a Kia Sportage, 7 year warranty, and the turbo went at 48k miles. They requested, from Stoneacre, mileages of previous 3 services, what was done and an engine oil sample. I had a prepaid service package but always had an engine flush at each service. It may be a petrol based additive but caveat emtore,....

Given a few Multiair's have lunched their engines I take your point, but Redex goes into the fuel system and is a cleaner of injectors and the like so should not show up in the engine oil unless something is terribly wrong( think the Alfa 1.8 TBI engine has a history of consuming its turbos) I would guess they have enough research to prove it is a safe treatment ( famous last words)?!

 

[Bratzz]

Is there any after market locking fuel cap available for the 500X ?

 

[JTD_Liam]

I had a brand new 18 plate Panda City Cross as a courtesy car last week. Loved it, except for the (now gutless) 1.2 FIRE engine. However, that had the capless fuel filler and whilst I'm sure the Panda's used to be the same as the 500X & didn't have locking outer fuel flaps, this 18 plate one locked with the central locking

I was wondering if the latest 500X's (and/or 500L's) do the same now, or perhaps the Tipo if it has the same system. As far as I know the rest of the Fiat range still has the old seperate inner cap (500, Punto, Qubo, Doblo) and the Alfa MiTo and Giulietta also do without the capless system.

 

[AntBoots]

True, and having to unload the boot to get the spare tyre/spout/jack/tow eye etc. is always a bit of a pain however for everyone here I hope the need will never arise.

No real difference to other cars except that fuel additive users will need far more frequent access/need for the filler spout. If it were me I would be acquiring a second filler funnel for home/garage use.

I'm trying to add redex but can't even get the spout that came with car in, what am I doing wrong is there a technique? I originally poured half a bottle all down the side of the car not realising the cap wasn't letting any in!

 

[portland_bill]

I'm trying to add redex but can't even get the spout that came with car in, what am I doing wrong is there a technique? I originally poured half a bottle all down the side of the car not realising the cap wasn't letting any in!

Spout should be a snug fit into the filler neck. There are three catches that are all pushed aside simultaneously. Petrol filler is smaller diameter than diesel. Diesel spout will be too fat to fit into a petrol filler, petrol spout will be too small to operate a diesel filler.

 

[Ralf S.]

I had a brand new 18 plate Panda City Cross as a courtesy car last week. Loved it, except for the (now gutless) 1.2 FIRE engine. However, that had the capless fuel filler and whilst I'm sure the Panda's used to be the same as the 500X & didn't have locking outer fuel flaps, this 18 plate one locked with the central locking

I was wondering if the latest 500X's (and/or 500L's) do the same now, or perhaps the Tipo if it has the same system. As far as I know the rest of the Fiat range still has the old seperate inner cap (500, Punto, Qubo, Doblo) and the Alfa MiTo and Giulietta also do without the capless system.

My 2022 (21MY) 500X Sport only has the rubber suction cup thing, fitted inside the filler flap, which sits over the fuel filler neck. The filler flap does not lock with the car.

It strikes me as a bit rubbish...

On the other hand it could be just natural distrust of the "new".... but my OCD is triggered all the same. Even if the filler spout is sealed/locked/protected (whatever the word is) by an unusual method compared to a locking cap, I'd still be happier with something that "locked".

If anyone finds a better system/solution/comfort blanket.. post it here.


Ralf S.

 

[portland_bill]

My 2022 (21MY) 500X Sport only has the rubber suction cup thing, fitted inside the filler flap, which sits over the fuel filler neck. The filler flap does not lock with the car.

It strikes me as a bit rubbish...

On the other hand it could be just natural distrust of the "new".... but my OCD is triggered all the same. Even if the filler spout is sealed/locked/protected (whatever the word is) by an unusual method compared to a locking cap, I'd still be happier with something that "locked".

If anyone finds a better system/solution/comfort blanket.. post it here.


Ralf S.

The system was invented by Ford, or at least accredited to them first. It was initially to prevent incorrect fuelling, but also does away with a separate cap.
I also like a separate cap, and have added a locking one to the Panda. This keeps people from putting stuff in that shouldn't be there, but in reality, does nothing to prevent fuel theft. Few fuel thieves try to syphon fuel these days, preferring to jab a sharp object into the tank under the car, collecting what they can in a bowl, or similar, then letting the remainder just run away.

 

[AntBoots]

Spout should be a snug fit into the filler neck. There are three catches that are all pushed aside simultaneously. Petrol filler is smaller diameter than diesel. Diesel spout will be too fat to fit into a petrol filler, petrol spout will be too small to operate a diesel filler.

Thank you. The spout I'd found was a petrol one, a further search of the boot found a diesel one in a little bag, fitted straight in

 

[JTD_Liam]

My 2022 (21MY) 500X Sport only has the rubber suction cup thing, fitted inside the filler flap, which sits over the fuel filler neck. The filler flap does not lock with the car.

It strikes me as a bit rubbish...

On the other hand it could be just natural distrust of the "new".... but my OCD is triggered all the same. Even if the filler spout is sealed/locked/protected (whatever the word is) by an unusual method compared to a locking cap, I'd still be happier with something that "locked".

If anyone finds a better system/solution/comfort blanket.. post it here.


Ralf S.

I'm beginning to wonder if I imagined the Panda outer fuel flap having a lock, as it seems no 500x's have it (the Parents 2020 500x Cross Plus doesn't) and my 2018 Tipo S-Design doesn't either.

I don't personally like it - even if the outer fuel flap is only plastic I still prefer that deterrent. The old locking cap that Fiat used was so weird that even those who had a key couldn't get into it, so I suppose we should credit them with some progress

 

[Tata4Now]

Bonjour! Did anyone find a locking cap?