2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Fuel Door Difficult To Open TSB

Owners of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT may experience issues with their fuel filler door, finding it difficult to open or requiring multiple attempts. Mercedes-Benz has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) L188.60-P-072093, version 4, dated January 23, 2025, to address this specific concern.

Symptoms

Owners might notice the following symptoms related to the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT fuel door:

• "Fuel door may require several attempts to open"
• The fuel filler flap is "Jammed"
• The fuel filler flap "Does not open"

For gasoline hybrid vehicles, a specific symptom noted is when the "Fuel filler flap fails to open or does so but slowly on plug-in HYBRID gasoline vehicles"!

Important Warnings for Owners

Mercedes-Benz provides crucial guidance for technicians and, by extension, owners regarding this issue:

• If the complaint "Fuel filler flap not opening" occurs, it is important to check the fuel filler flap before replacing the central locking actuator. This prevents unnecessary parts replacement.
• For gasoline hybrid vehicles experiencing a slow-opening or non-opening fuel filler flap, technicians are directed to consult a specific document titled "Fuel filler flap fails to open or does so but slowly on plug-in HYBRID gasoline vehicles"!
• When replacing the central locking actuator, technicians are advised to check the function of the new part before installation and "Do not dispose of damaged part" until the repair is confirmed.

Cause of the Issue

The primary cause identified for the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT fuel door being difficult to open is an electrical fault within the central locking actuator. This fault can prevent the actuator from operating correctly, leading to the fuel filler flap not opening or becoming jammed.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure Summary

Technicians follow a structured diagnostic and repair process to resolve the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT fuel door issue:

1. Car Locked Scenario: If the vehicle is locked and the fuel filler flap doesn't open, the technician will operate the flap in the area shown in 'Fig. 1' (a reference to an illustration in the original TSB) and listen for the clicking noise of the microswitch in the central locking actuator. If no clicking is heard, they proceed to step 4.
2. Car Unlocked Scenario (Flap Opens): If the vehicle is unlocked and pressing the flap causes the microswitch to click and the flap to open, the technician will demonstrate to the customer the correct area to press for operation.
3. Car Unlocked Scenario (Flap Doesn't Open): If the flap cannot be opened regardless of where it's pressed, the technician will use the emergency release for the central locking actuator. This release can typically be accessed through the trunk or a fender gap cover, depending on the specific vehicle model.
4. Actuator Check and Reporting: If the central locking actuator is pressed directly and there's no microswitch clicking or electrical release, but then clicking and electrical release occur, it indicates a potential issue with the tank filler recess or charging recess. These findings are to be reported via a TIPS case to the B/C/E Inbox.
5. Actuator Replacement: The central locking actuator is replaced. Before installation, the new part's function is checked. If the new actuator still doesn't release the flap, a more detailed examination of the connector coupling, wiring harness, and other electrical components is required.

What Owners Should Do

If you own a 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT and are experiencing issues with your fuel door being difficult to open or failing to open, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Mercedes-Benz service center. Technicians are equipped with the necessary information and tools to diagnose and resolve the central locking actuator fault according to TSB L188.60-P-072093.

Source: NHTSA ID 11013192