Mercedes-Benz 420SEL Fuel door won't close Inspection at your home or office.

Common reasons for this to happen:

There are three reasons why a fuel door might get stuck open:

• Loose fuel door cable: The taut fuel door cable allows the fuel door to open and close.  It runs along the side paneling of the vehicle and serves as a release when you open the fuel door, and a lock when you close it.  When the fuel door cable becomes loose, it is no longer able to do its job. An open fuel door won’t be able to close in this scenario.

• Broken fuel door latch: Many fuel doors have latches where they close, to hold the door in place.  If this latch breaks, it may be stuck in the open position. And when you try and close the fuel door, nothing will hold it in place.

• Broken fuel door hinge: Like almost all doors, your fuel door likely has a hinge. This hinge allows the fuel door to swing open and swing closed.  If the hinge becomes bent or damaged, or the hinge pin and bushings become too loose or too stiff, the hinge won’t be able to open and close, and your fuel door will be stuck.