997 Operator problem...

[etienne]

Hi Guys

I had the battery on my 997 Carrera 4S run down completely due to being away on holiday. While struggling to get the bonnet/hood open to gain access to the battery (stupid me, forgot the trick of connecting a spare battery to the contact in the fuse box) I saw this ring attached to a cable situated on the driver side between the door and the front wing (car is right hand drive). Needless to say, I pulled on it, thinking it might be an emergency bonnet/hood release cable or something. I have since got the battery recharged and everything is fine, apart from this cable with ring attached that is now dangling in the gap between the door and the wing.... What is this and how do I go about fixing it??? Please help before I break something else...

Etienne

[Loren]

I assume this is a RHD car?

Look familiar? This is your fuel door actuator and the pull ring is for emergency access.

Looks like your may now be broken.

There is a DIY Tutorial here for replacing it on a 996 - but the 997-1 is likely the same or very close.

[etienne]

Thanks Loren!! ****....lot of work for one tiny little pull ring.... Could have been worse I suppose...

Thanks again

[Loren]

If just the pull ring broke then I would say it is optional to fix. But if the locking pin is broken off then you fuel door will not lock when you lock the car -- or set off the alarm if someone were to pry the fuel door open with the alarm set.

[etienne]

If just the pull ring broke then I would say it is optional to fix. But if the locking pin is broken off then you fuel door will not lock when you lock the car -- or set off the alarm if someone were to pry the fuel door open with the alarm set.

Okay, thanks for that. I'll check when I get home. I didn't hear anything break though, just the fact that the ring with cable attached is dangling where it shouldn't be worried me.

[etienne]

Hi Loren

I checked last night. The fuel door does lock when the central locking is activated. It seems as if the ring is supposed to retract and if that is not happening? Does that make sense? What would you suggest?

Take care

[Loren]

May just be some dirt keeping the collar from retracting. I would just push it in - then next time you wash the car be sure to spray up under the fender to try and clean that area.

Should be no harm as long as it works next time you need it. (I have never needed mine in 12 years).

[etienne]

May just be some dirt keeping the collar from retracting. I would just push it in - then next time you wash the car be sure to spray up under the fender to try and clean that area.

Should be no harm as long as it works next time you need it. (I have never needed mine in 12 years).

Thanks Loren!! Much appreciated.