456 Gas Cap Cover - Won't Open - Ideas?

I have a 1995 456 6spd, have owned it for about 5 years.

Recently, went to get gas, and the cover would not open when the switch was toggled.

It will pop open with a gentle lever of the key (covered of course). But it would be nice to know if there is a simple fix? Is this a fuse issue?

Thank you.

 

When its open, have some one else work the toggle switch inside the car and look at what is happening with the latch mechanism.

If it like the one in the 550, a small pin is sliding in and releases the cap that is spring-loaded to pop open a little.

if no clunk sound and no movement of the sliding pin, then it is an electrical problem like a blown fuse. If the pin is moving but the cap still isn't opening, then something is jamming it or something got bent a little bit to release it.

Hope this helps.

 

toggle Toggie?

 

Everyone has to have a specialty. Given my user name, I should make mine toggle switches.

 

Looks like electrical. The pin does move if pushed, but not by toggeling the switch inside. Wonder if it's the same fuse as the wipers? the crossed and stopped a couple weeks ago, and I assume blew the fuse.

 

Check fuse #21 inside the passenger footwell's fuse box. It looks like this is the one for the windshield wipers.
Owners Manual does not say which fuse is for the fuel door switch. Could be also on fuse #21.

A pdf version of your 1995 456 owners manual is here:
http://www.autoownermanuals.com/manuals.item.1138/Ferrari%20456M%20Owners%20Manual%201995.pdf

Info for the fuse box is on pages 201 & 202 in the manual.

Note that there is a pull ring/wire in the right side of the trunk if the electrical fuel door switch is not working.
Probably a better idea than forcing it open with a key. See page #167 in the manual.

 

John- As closely as I can tell, it looks like your fuel cover release switch and your rear window defogger switch are identical except for markings on the switch. You may be able to swap switches and see if it is a switch problem if it turns out your fuse is intact.

Looking in the WSM, the fuel door light is on the same fuse (21) as the windshield wiper motor.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

I just love it when my fuel cover won't pop open at the gas station. Everyone is looking and there you are...pushing the button. Thank god for the back up release.

 

Yeah, the pin loves to get sticky on mine too. Try applying some grease or WD40 to see if it helps on the operation.

 

Back up release? I don't remember reading that in the manual...

 

Erik- Ferrari has had a back-up cable for releases at least as far back as my Daytona, probably further. One thing they always got right.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

Found it! It was hidden behind the CD changer- Thanks-

 

I had this same problem just last week. The electrics worked fine and the pin retracted fully. The problem was the cover had moved and was binding on one edge. A simple adjustment and all was fine.

Keith