Billy Covington If you’re a new owner of a Subaru Outback or have been using one for a while, you may have found yourself wondering how to open the fuel door. It’s a common question, and don’t worry, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of opening the fuel door and provide tips on common mistakes to avoid.
Location of the Fuel Door
Before we dive into the procedure, let’s identify where the fuel door is located. It can be found on the driver’s side of the car, towards the rear. The fuel door is typically marked with a gas pump icon, and you’ll notice it’s slightly raised from the car’s body.
Type of Fuel Door Release Mechanism
Subaru Outback models have a diverse set of fuel door release mechanisms; these are the most common types:
- Pull lever
- Push button
- Touch release
Depending on the year and model you have, the fuel door release mechanism may differ slightly. For example, the latest models come with push-button fuel doors. However, the majority of Outback models have pull levers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Open the Fuel Door
Follow these steps to open the fuel door:
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Locate the fuel door release lever or button on the driver’s side of the car’s interior. The release lever can usually be found at the bottom left-hand side of the driver’s seat, near where the hood release lever is. In contrast, the push-button is near the steering wheel, adjacent to the door pocket.
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If your Subaru Outback model comes with a fuel door release lever, pull the lever towards you, and the fuel door should pop open. Suppose your model comes with a push-button release. In that case, simply press the button to release the fuel door – you may need to give it a slight push while pressing the button for the fuel door to pop open.
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Open the fuel door fully to reveal the gas cap. You may need to use your hand to do this as some models lack a spring system.
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As you’re filling up, make sure to unscrew the gas cap by turning it counterclockwise. Once done, you’re good to go.
Tips and Common Mistakes
Here are a few tips and common mistakes you may want to keep in mind:
- Always make sure the car is unlocked before trying to open the fuel door.
- If the fuel door didn’t open after pulling the lever for the first time, give it another try. Sometimes we don’t pull hard enough, and it doesn’t budge.
- If you’re driving a model with a touch release, make sure your hands aren’t too greasy or wet; this could hinder the touch-release’s effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I open the fuel door when the car is turned off?
A. Yes, you can. However, make sure the car is unlocked before trying to open the fuel door.
Q. How do I know which release mechanism my Subaru Outback model has?
A. Check your car manual or locate it yourself on the driver’s side of the car interior.
Q. Can I change my fuel door release mechanism?
A. Unfortunately, no. The fuel door release mechanism is a standard feature that’s configured during production.
Final Thoughts
With this guide, we hope you feel more confident in opening the fuel door on your Subaru Outback. Remember, if you’re having difficulties opening the fuel door, please consult your vehicle manual or a Subaru mechanic. Finally, don’t forget to check your gas cap seals regularly, and keep your gas level topped up. Happy driving!
