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Audi A7 Sportback - Petrol cap - Ma83
Hi everyone, so my petrol cap on my 10 year old Audi A7 recently locked - I tried all the things online (ended up snapping the release cord off). I took it to the local specialist (not main dealer). It wasn’t a difficult/expensive replacement but the guy said to me it happens all the time as the motor brakes. I’ve had that one for a year and I’ve also got a new Q7 which is about 8 months old.

I’ll try to find a link to the exact A7 if it helps but have others had this issue regularly? I’m wondering how long the fix will last or when it will come up on the other car.
Audi A7 Sportback - Petrol cap - paul 1963

Not being rude but I don't understand the problem or your question, your petrol cap got stuck because a motor broke?

Audi A7 Sportback - Petrol cap - Crickleymal

Not being rude but I don't understand the problem or your question, your petrol cap got stuck because a motor broke?

The petrol flap actuator

Audi A7 Sportback - Petrol cap - Ma83
Thanks for translating for me and sorry for the lack of description! The guy at the garage probably rolled his eyes!
Audi A7 Sportback - Petrol cap - elekie&a/c doctor
The petrol flap actuators do fail on Vag models , but I wouldn’t say it’s a regular occurrence. If you’re worried that the part on your car will fail in the future , I would order the part now , as it may be difficult to source at a later date .
Audi A7 Sportback - Petrol cap - galileo
The petrol flap actuators do fail on Vag models , but I wouldn’t say it’s a regular occurrence. If you’re worried that the part on your car will fail in the future , I would order the part now , as it may be difficult to source at a later date .

I think my petrol flap is released by a wire cable when I pull a lever by my seat. Proven old-fashioned technology, no doubt sneered at by Audi who have to keep up their 'advanced' technology image. "Vorspung durch technik" (code for emptying customers' wallets.)

Audi A7 Sportback - Petrol cap - RT
The petrol flap actuators do fail on Vag models , but I wouldn’t say it’s a regular occurrence. If you’re worried that the part on your car will fail in the future , I would order the part now , as it may be difficult to source at a later date .

I think my petrol flap is released by a wire cable when I pull a lever by my seat. Proven old-fashioned technology, no doubt sneered at by Audi who have to keep up their 'advanced' technology image. "Vorspung durch technik" (code for emptying customers' wallets.)

Cables fail as well as actuator motors.

The mechanism on my VW Touareg needs lubrication every 10,000 miles otherwise it sticks - it doesn't seem to be on the service schedule.

Audi A7 Sportback - Petrol cap - sammy1

All these petrol flaps are easily defeated by a screwdriver. Some are on the central locking. I don't know why the makers bother putting locks on them, they are not going to stop fuel thieves.

Audi A7 Sportback - Petrol cap - bathtub tom

I thought most modern vehicles have anti-syphon devices in the filler tube. Doesn't stop the scrotes from putting a screwdriver through thebottom of the tank.

Audi A7 Sportback - Petrol cap - Big John

The mechanism on my VW Touareg needs lubrication every 10,000 miles otherwise it sticks - it doesn't seem to be on the service schedule.

Likewise on my Superb - it's electrically/motor operated with a rotary mechanism that can get crudded up in time as it's inside the fuel flap. A bit of cleaning / lubrication recommended periodically. Mine has never jammed but it felt a bit "sticky" - but fine after clean/lube.

Audi A7 Sportback - Petrol cap - Ma83
Thanks that’s a good tip
Audi A7 Sportback - Petrol cap - Metropolis.
VAG, such an unfortunate acronym particularly given the issue this car is having.
Audi A7 Sportback - Petrol cap - Ma83
Thanks for the feedback and sorry if I phrased the question poorly.

On the screwdriver issue I did try that but the tutorial I watched suggested I needed to keep pressure on all sides whilst wedging it out as well, I couldn’t figure it out but maybe someone better with fixing cars would be able to do it.

That’s a really good idea about buying one in advance. Problem is I always leave it too late to fill my car up so getting to the petrol station and not being able to refuel, then trying to find a garage that will let me leave the car until they find it isn’t ideal!

I guess I wondered if this is such a widespread issue, haven’t they improved the part or made something better I can swap it for…

Nice cars though.