4realjoy

Someone pried the fuel door open last night (2001 Lexus RX300). The gas cap was open.
Now the fuel door will not close. Any way of fixing this?

salimshah

Please do not be in a hurry to close the door. If you force it shut, you may not be able to refuel.

The door has hinge and for the lock, there is a pin which is electronically controlled (electromagnet plunger).

First determine if the hinge side is ok. Door should swing freely without any binding and in a perfect circular motion.

Next examine if the door has lost its shape and curved in/out. If is deformed then the distance to the lock pin is reduced and you can not lock the door.

You can confirm that the lock pin moves in on pressing the release. If you push the pin in by hand, it should move with minimal effort.

Lastly there is adjustment of the strike plate in reference to the lock pin. There is adjustment in the lock pin, but getting to that involves removing body panels.

Salim
I wonder what was the person after. Gasp O rings are cheap and the gas cap is not too expensive. I have heard of sabotage by adding sugar to the gas.