Fuel Door Will Not Unlock - keywords actuator cable inoperative open release stuck switch

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

The fuel door will not unlock, or the actuator is inoperative. The fuel door can not be opened to gain access to the retaining screws to replace the fuel door actuator. Currently there are no repair instructions in SI for this. The fuel door lock actuator is controlled by the door lock switch or the key fobs that send lock or unlock input signal to the BCM to lock or unlock the fuel door along with the driver's door lock. There is no interior fuel door lock button to unlock the fuel door and there is no release cable.

To gain access to the fuel door lock actuator, remove the left rear interior quarter trim panel pocket. Disconnect the actuator connector. Insert you arm thru the left rear quarter body cavity opening up towards the actuator. Pry the tabs apart at the back end of the actuator bracket and pull the actuator towards the back of the vehicle about 1/4 of inch or until the fuel door can be open. See picture below.

Pry the tabs apart with your fingers and pull on the actuator until the fuel door opens to gain access to the fuel door actuator retaining screws.

1. Pocket removed from the left rear quarter panel.
2. Disconnect the fuel door actuator connector.
3. Reach up into the opening, between the inner and outer quarter sheet metal. The quarter panel trim does not need to be removed.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.