Hi all,

Just got back into work and had to get a cheap run around to get me from A to B so i decided to get a 2001 (Y Reg) ford fiesta freestyle 1.2 for a few months until i get back on my feet. Am i correct its a Mk4 if its a Y Reg.

One thing i forgot to check when i got the car was the fuel cap. Went to fill up today and found the lock was very tight and would not move and after some force i got it open. When i turn the keys in the fuel cap lock when its off the car the bottom part does not turn (Should the bottom part turn).

Is this a known issue and whats the best way to fix this

Chris

Just had another look. Cannot get it to lock now LOL

Is this a known fault

You could always start with the simplest option - a hefty dose of WD40 into the lock and onto any other moving parts that you can see.

Otherwise, a replakcement fuel cap shouldn't be a lot of money. You will probably end up with a different key for the fuel flap than the rest of the car. No biggie.

Hi,

Will it be ok to leave the cap off the car why i do this. Also what would happen if any WD40 gets in the fuel

Chris

You shouldn't really drive with the cap off but you will be OK short term with the cap off assuming your tank is not full and you have a little plastic door and it works OK? A bit of gaffer tape over the hole or the door for extra piece of mind if you want it.

It won't matter if any WD40 gets in the fuel as the amounts will be tiny and WD40 is essentially an oil anyway.

Thanks,

Think i will try the WD40 tonight as it has a full tank of fuel you see. Do they have an anti thift device to stop people taking fuel on this model

chris

You shouldn't really drive with the cap off but you will be OK short term with the cap off assuming your tank is not full and you have a little plastic door and it works OK? A bit of gaffer tape over the hole or the door for extra piece of mind if you want it.

It won't matter if any WD40 gets in the fuel as the amounts will be tiny and WD40 is essentially an oil anyway.

Had a look at the cap again, The key inserts and turns fine in the lock but should the lock turn in the plastic cap and also should the bottom half of the cap move when the key is turned. I know it sound stupid but am not sure as its my first ford

Not sure if the cap is locking correct as it seems to move a little from side to side when the key is removed and the cap in place.

Chris

The cap on my Y reg fiesta turned a tiny bit in either direction when it was locked, no more than around 5mm though at the outside edge. I don't remember anything else about it other than with the key removed it would barely turn and couldn't be pulled off. That was enough for me!

When you turned the key did anything at all move on the cap?

From what I remember, when unlocking anticlockwise, the key was stiff to turn initially to overcome the vacuum inside; I believe the whole cap that you remove turned. It then clicked into the unlocked position and could be lifted out easily. Putting it back in and turning it with the key seemed too easy, I don't remember it clicking into place so I was never convinced it had locked properly. However, after removing the key and giving it a wiggle it only moved the small distance I mentioned earlier so it obviously had locked.

From what I remember, when unlocking anticlockwise, the key was stiff to turn initially to overcome the vacuum inside; I believe the whole cap that you remove turned. It then clicked into the unlocked position and could be lifted out easily. Putting it back in and turning it with the key seemed too easy, I don't remember it clicking into place so I was never convinced it had locked properly. However, after removing the key and giving it a wiggle it only moved the small distance I mentioned earlier so it obviously had locked.

From what I remember, when unlocking anticlockwise, the key was stiff to turn initially to overcome the vacuum inside; I believe the whole cap that you remove turned. It then clicked into the unlocked position and could be lifted out easily. Putting it back in and turning it with the key seemed too easy, I don't remember it clicking into place so I was never convinced it had locked properly. However, after removing the key and giving it a wiggle it only moved the small distance I mentioned earlier so it obviously had locked.

I think mine is the same. Just seems stiff to turn the cap. Must just be me

Chris

I’m having trouble with the lock on the flap that locks over the fuel cap

any had any similar problems and how did it get resolved