General Frozen Fuel cap - key stuck

[arorat]

Due to a train fire at Victoria this morning I had to use the 500 to take someone to Gatwick instead. Stopped at the local petrol station as not enough fuel for airport and back. Shock horror !! the damn key would not go into the lock, then it goes in and I get a false sense of security, I try to turn the lock but no luck, 5 mins later all was well and I filled up.

Just a gentle reminder to fill up during the day when you can open the fuel lock, or squirt some wd40 in the keyhole

 

[scout]

More importantly, did the person you were giving a lift to make their flight? :bang:

 

[arorat]

Yes with loads of time to spare, we are about 35 mins if no traffic - there was no traffic

 

[gmore]

Due to a train fire at Victoria this morning I had to use the 500 to take someone to Gatwick instead. Stopped at the local petrol station as not enough fuel for airport and back. Shock horror !! the damn key would not go into the lock, then it goes in and I get a false sense of security, I try to turn the lock but no luck, 5 mins later all was well and I filled up.

Just a gentle reminder to fill up during the day when you can open the fuel lock, or squirt some wd40 in the keyhole

I had the same problem a couple of times, and I'm pretty disappointed!

 

[bgunn]

What, with the car?

It's not a problem limited to Fiat cars. It happens, the way to get around it is to ensure the lock has some lubricant in it, which displaces the water and stops the lock being frozen.

 

[chas379]

Due to a train fire at Victoria this morning I had to use the 500 to take someone to Gatwick instead. Stopped at the local petrol station as not enough fuel for airport and back. Shock horror !! the damn key would not go into the lock, then it goes in and I get a false sense of security, I try to turn the lock but no luck, 5 mins later all was well and I filled up.

Just a gentle reminder to fill up during the day when you can open the fuel lock, or squirt some wd40 in the keyhole

See attached link below, you never know what you will do in desperation!!!:devil:


http://www.snopes.com/autos/mishaps/gascap.asp

 

[jrkitching]

The last couple of days, freezing door seals have been an issue here - I've left an old microfibre cloth in the drivers door card & use it to dry off both the seal and the door frame if parking for more than a couple of hours. If you are at home when this happens, a teapot filled with warm (not hot) water is very useful for thawing the right bits.

 

[flashyphotos]

My local garage always keeps a cup of boiling water on days like these, last resort dip tip of key in cup of hot water, and cap opens then.

Happens on my 500 all the time when its like this and many other cars as well

I remember years ago they used to sell a battery operated metal spike that you put in the key lock and it heated up to release the frozen lock, Not seen them for years maybe time they made a comeback

EDIT - They do still sell them

Lock De-icer Works Great For Car Home And Padlocks: Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike

 

[arorat]

What, with the car?

It's not a problem limited to Fiat cars. It happens, the way to get around it is to ensure the lock has some lubricant in it, which displaces the water and stops the lock being frozen.

I have the car again today, its wd40 time.

 

[frupi]

When we had our MX5, that had a metal fuel filler flap. Whenever it got below freezing, it would stick firmly shut. Couple of times I had to go into a garage forecourt shop and ask if I could have some hot water out of their toilet or kettle.

Going back to Chas379's post, 20 odd years ago, I did have to pee into the frozen door lock on my old 1985 Austin Metro. Cars without central locking - who'd have 'em eh? I can confirm, urine works!

 

[chas379]

Going back to Chas379's post, 20 odd years ago, I did have to pee into the frozen door lock on my old 1985 Austin Metro. Cars without central locking - who'd have 'em eh? I can confirm, urine works!

Apparently it's good for your complexion too, applied externally or by ingestation. Fortunately I do not need it Ha

 

[bgunn]

I have the car again today, its wd40 time.

Bloody hell, you must do some miles to need to fill it up again today.

 

[RUI]

I last filled up on the 23rd of November

 

[ahmett]

I last filled up on the 23rd of November

Do you not drive it much? My last fill up was today and the one before last Friday so i average 1 fill up a week!

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Do you not drive it much? My last fill up was today and the one before last Friday so i average 1 fill up a week!

Not when one is the owner of a handful of cars