Technical Fuel cap tether

[Ralf S.]

Here might be a new one.

Rasputin (2013 1.2 Pop) has a tether on the fuel cap, so that if it falls off the little hook on the filler flap, it doesn't fall onto the floor.

The strap is rubber and yours has probably also rotted and fallen off... but it's there.

The strap seems to be attached to the fuel cap via a rigid plastic ring that fits into a groove in the filler cap.
Because it's rigid plastic, it can't be "stretched" over the cap.. so to remove the old one/fit a new one the cap must have to come apart somehow, so that the ring and tether can be removed.

But I can't see a way to pull the filler cap apart. Has anyone done it, and if so, how?


Ralf S.

 

[Piccolo Nero e Bella]

Here might be a new one.

Rasputin (2013 1.2 Pop) has a tether on the fuel cap, so that if it falls off the little hook on the filler flap, it doesn't fall onto the floor.

The strap is rubber and yours has probably also rotted and fallen off... but it's there.

The strap seems to be attached to the fuel cap via a rigid plastic ring that fits into a groove in the filler cap.
Because it's rigid plastic, it can't be "stretched" over the cap.. so to remove the old one/fit a new one the cap must have to come apart somehow, so that the ring and tether can be removed.

But I can't see a way to pull the filler cap apart. Has anyone done it, and if so, how?


Ralf S.

Just done it! The ring is snapped over the cap from the top. Use a small screwdriver to lever it out a little where the tether is connected, then you can push it up and off. I've just refitted it easily.

 

[Piccolo Nero e Bella]

Actually you don't even need the screwdriver. Just put your thumb under the thicker part and force it upward!

 

[Slaartibartfast]

Just done it! The ring is snapped over the cap from the top. Use a small screwdriver to lever it out a little where the tether is connected, then you can push it up and off. I've just refitted it easily.
View attachment 474987

Are spare ring and tether available? Where from?

 

[Piccolo Nero e Bella]

I'm happy to have my cap loose so I haven't looked at a replacement but I just found this on eBay;

Fiat Fuel Cap Cord Strap Fiat 500 Punto Panda Stilo Doblo | eBay Australia

Correct size for the Fiat range. A common problem with the allFiat models is the small rubber cord that tethers the fuel cap in place to prevent loss during filling of the fuel tank. Simply remove the two small plastic plugs in your current cap that secure the cord to the cap and keep safe.

www.ebay.com.au

Cheers

 

[A3jeroen]

Check AliExpress.

gr J

 

[Piccolo Nero e Bella]

Check AliExpress.

gr J

Yeah, AliExpress is probably another source! Good for replacement wheel caps and even the LED centre brake light for the 500C too.

 

[Idleness]

I didn't need a new ring
I got this:

Amazon.co.uk

Fitted it to the original ring as the Abarth ring is I think larger than standard.
Possibly fractionally to short but works

 

[portland_bill]

I'm happy to have my cap loose so I haven't looked at a replacement but I just found this on eBay;

Fiat Fuel Cap Cord Strap Fiat 500 Punto Panda Stilo Doblo | eBay Australia

Correct size for the Fiat range. A common problem with the allFiat models is the small rubber cord that tethers the fuel cap in place to prevent loss during filling of the fuel tank. Simply remove the two small plastic plugs in your current cap that secure the cord to the cap and keep safe.

www.ebay.com.au

Cheers

I saw this, and thought it a good idea. When it arrived, it looked too small, as it comes curled inside a sealed bag. Now the rain has stopped, out I went, and it is in fact the same length as the original. Very timely, as the old one crumbled as I released it.
Removing the ring from the cap is a little tricky, probably quite easy on a warm day, but I don't recommend heating a fuel cap. A tiny pin punch pushed out the two pins, which are now hiding on the garage floor somewhere. The new tether is a tight fit onto the ring, so takes a little squeezing to align the holes. New pins push in easily squeezed with pliers.
A small thing that makes you feel good. Recommended.