Technical Cannot get petrol cap off my 500.

[werdna]

So, I was out shopping and decided to fill up at the supermarket. Took the ignition key out and inserted it into my petrol cap and it wouldn't turn...AARGH
Car said only 50 miles left.. Came home and started trying to get it to open, spoke to one of our more knowledgeable members and the consensus was break it off and get a new one. My neighbour came home and asked what was wrong. I told him and we started discussing ways to get the cap off. Suddenly I remembered the spare key in our key box. It hadn't been used in anger yet.Put it into the petrol cap and it opened as sweet as can be. Comparing the two, it was obvious that the day to day one was badly worn at the lock end. A couple of phone calls later and I found a Timpson's at my local supermarket who cuts this type of key. He used the unworn key as a template and 20 minutes later I collected a key that worked ( new blade ) for £20. Result.

 

[Al D]

As yet to own a 500, didn't realise had locking cap entire time. Yet on Panda 169 was deleted in 2004. So you can guess what I'd be buying if owned one. Would drive me nuts.

 

[portland_bill]

I guess the ignition lock wears with the key, but the fuel cap gets much less use. (Need to get out more?) So the fuel cap lock internals will highlight a worn key. The ignition lock will be happy with either.

Quite likely the door lock will object to the worn key too, as that also gets little or no use, until the remote battery gives up.

There have been a few threads about locks not working. Perhaps the spare key might have saved some grief in some of those cases.

Also highlights the benefit of having, and knowing the location of, a spare key.

 

[ponsaloti]

Generally ignition keys wear when there's a large bunch of keys on the same keyring bouncing around when driving.

 

[typecastboy]

There’s a knack. Try this.

Hold the body of the cap, insert the key, turn the key anti clockwise. Turn the entire thing then clockwise.

To put on, hold the cap in your left hand and insert the key with your right hand. While holding the key, turn the cap only clockwise. Then turn the key clockwise.

Practice it, you’ll get it.

 

[werdna]

I think 7 years of owning the car makes your comment null and void for me

 

[Gina500]

As yet to own a 500, didn't realise had locking cap entire time. Yet on Panda 169 was deleted in 2004. So you can guess what I'd be buying if owned one. Would drive me nuts.

If I read this correctly, the Panda has a fuel cap w/o lock that would fit the 500? If so, that'll be perfect for me.

 

[varesecrazy]

If I read this correctly, the Panda has a fuel cap w/o lock that would fit the 500? If so, that'll be perfect for me.

Ive yet to have an issue with the modern locking caps..
In @250,000 miles (if it was a Coupe not a twinair..or panda..it wouldve been used more often )


As typecastboy says: thats how it works

Ive bought older FIATs with dodgy door locks and only 1 key

Getting a 2nd key cut.. I had good door locks just a wornout key

 

[jrkitching]

Given who the OP is, this is key failure, not driver error.

And yes, the non-locking cap from the 169 Panda will fit, and it also hangs nicely on the filler flap when you are actually refuelling.

One advantage to a locking cap is that it retains the key whilst unlocked, making it harder to drive off without the fuel cap. Of course, if you cut a second key for unlocking it, this advantage is lost.

 

[portland_bill]

I think 7 years of owning the car makes your comment null and void for me

If you'd chosen the 1.2 instead of the twinair, you'd have only needed to fill it 3 times.

Generally ignition keys wear when there's a large bunch of keys on the same keyring bouncing around when driving.

Rover 800 ignition locks were quite weak. A bunch of keys hanging would destroy the lock in months, usual failure was starter remaining engaged while running, until starter commutator 'explodes' due to overrevving.
A bunch of keys also injure the knees a treat in a collision.

Given who the OP is, this is key failure, not driver error.

And yes, the non-locking cap from the 169 Panda will fit, and it also hangs nicely on the filler flap when you are actually refuelling.

The Panda accessory locking cap also has the hook loop for hanging it while refuelling, does the 500 original not have that?

One advantage to a locking cap is that it retains the key whilst unlocked, making it harder to drive off without the fuel cap. Of course, if you cut a second key for unlocking it, this advantage is lost.

I added a locking cap to the Panda. Still have the original.
Although a separate key for the fuel cap, they're both on the same ring, so the same benefit is had.

 

[varesecrazy]

250k miles in a FIRE.. he could have fallen asleep at the wheel

Ignition barrels and big bunches of keys..
flames from the steering column at 70mph save you from nodding off
(A GM product..)

Pretty sure all the locking caps have a means of 'hanging'..?

 

[werdna]

I know that is the way to open it, but if you reread what I said...Took the ignition key out and inserted it into my petrol cap and it wouldn't turn !

 

[John202020]

250k miles in a

Pretty sure all the locking caps have a means of 'hanging'..?

Yup