Despite getting a new filler bowl and actuator, it still will not work. And I’ve just discovered why!
My car , being a US spec car, apparently does not have this feature. Somebody decided, in their wisdom, that US cars will deviate from the norm in the rest of the World, and rely on an anti-siphoning pipe and a prayer to stop malicious fuel contamination.
So after a ton of effort getting the part, all I have gained is a very new and shiny fuel filler bowl. That is unless there is a way to power up the actuator from a power feed in synch with the power locking.
The other alternative is fitting an old fashioned cap with a key, and it must be compliant with the Californian emmisions concerning gas caps. This would mean that if its technically non-compliant status at the annual test could be overcome by the temporary fitting of the necessary locked cap with key.
The fuse F34 would normally feed the actuator, but it does not list the fuel flap actuator in my US Handbook or mention any sort of fuel flap lock anywhere.
It seems JLRNA had complaints about the flap getting stuck in the locked position. So they decided to ditch it rather than fit an internal emergency release cable, which is still needed for the rest of the World. It seems they can make do by having to dismantle the rear wheel arch and call out a breakdown truck.
Unfortunately it is an MOT requirement to have a locking fuel cap. My car is being exported to Europe soon. A key locking cap is on order. I might get away with it as a Single Vehicle Homologation, but I don’t fancy being targeted for being a foreigner.
