The way to release/open a Fiat 500’s fuel door is more or less the same across the board, regardless of the generation, save for minor differences. Here are the instructions for each generation.
Contents
2020-2023 Models (Third Generation)
- Make sure that your car is parked and the engine is off.
- You can find the fuel door release lever on the bottom left side of the driver’s seat, close to the floor. It should be a tiny lever with a representation of a fuel pump on it.
- Pull the release lever for the fuel door in your direction.
- The fuel door should now swing open.
- To reach the fuel tank, twist the fuel filler cap in the counterclockwise direction.
2012-2019 Models (Second Generation)
- Make sure that the automobile is parked and the engine is off.
- On the bottom left side of the driver’s seat, close to the floor, you’ll find the lever to release the fuel door. It should be a little lever with a drawing of a gasoline pump on it.
- Bring the release lever for the fuel door closer to you.
- Now the fuel door should open.
- To reach the fuel tank, unscrew the fuel filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Pre-2011 Models (First Generation)
- Be sure you park the car and turn off the engine.
- Find the fuel door release lever on the driver’s side floor, close to the seat. It’s a little lever with a depiction of a fuel pump.
- Pull the release lever for the fuel door in your direction.
- The fuel door should now open.
Additional Solutions for Releasing or Opening the Fuel Door
There are a few possible causes for why your Fiat 500’s fuel door won’t release or open. The fuel door release lever may be stuck or not working correctly. In this situation, you have two options:
- Pull on the release lever more firmly.
- Open the fuel door by pushing it inward while pulling on the release lever.
Another possible explanation is that the fuel door is locked and needs to be unlocked. Certain Fiat 500 cars include a central locking system that locks and unlocks the fuel door, so it will only open when it is unlocked.
- If this is the case, check if the car is unlocked before opening the fuel door.
Last but not least, if your Fiat 500’s dashboard displays a warning that reads “Release/Open Fuel Door,” there may be an issue with the fuel door or the gasoline system. In this situation, have your car inspected and fixed, if necessary, at a Fiat dealership or a mechanic.