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My Fuel Filler Striker broke. This is the black plastic pin that is attached to the fuel flap and that serves as the catch for the latch mechanism.
I came across the following post by @abonano and it is what I am using as a guide.
Original Posted by @abonano When you get the part - put a bit of white lithium grease on the rails that will slide into the metal notch - take your time and the tang will lock the part in place to give it perfect alignment with the catch mechanism.Just always close the gas door carefully moving forward.
In my case the broken striker created a bigger gap. I was able to replace my striker, it was super simple!
Below are the steps I took, but I do have a couple of questions based on @abonano’s post.
Gap before replacing striker Broken striker on flap. The striker had broken and separated away so much, that it was too weak to hold the fuel flap flush, much less closed— it would open as soon as I started to drive. That white stuff is due to a failed glue attempt 🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Note: before I removed the old striker, notice how the “tang” is sitting outside of that metal wall. I am wondering if it needs to be pushed in to sit behind it?
Steps Taken
1. Purchased a replacement “Fuel Filler Striker” from Terry’s Jaguar Parts www.terrysjag.com Part #XR81805 $6.93 + $4.75 Total: $11.68 New part information
[Sidebar]: I am actually going to order a couple of extra strikers to have on hand “just in case.”
2. Removed broken striker from fuel flap by simply wiggling slowly until it slid out came out.
Broken striker (1 of 2) That tang in the center is what I have a question about.
Broken Striker (2 of 2) While removing it, it completely broke into 2 pieces. I realized that because it’s plastic, assume that all the pulling and catching eventually wears the plastic down. Then it starts to crack and separate where it clips on to the fuel flap.
[Sidebar]: In case you’re wondering how it broke to the point it wouldn’t stay closed. It happened while my car was being smogged earlier this month. But, it was an honest mistake and the young Smog Tech (👦🏼who could not have been much older than my car) did not know that a car of this “era” had a fuel flap release button 😂 And, since my fuel flap already had a slight 1/4 inch (and apparently inviting “just pull me to open”) gap— that’s what he did. I was not upset, it really was an honest mistake and the kid felt really bad about it.
3. Guided new striker in by aligning the grooves on the clip to the slot-rail on the metal notch. It was REALLY easy.
New striker on flap
The only questions I have are regarding relate to when @abonano said that, “the tang will lock the part in place to give it perfect alignment with the catch mechanism.”
Questions:
• What does “the tang will lock the part in place mean?” I did not hear or feel it click/lock.
In thinking that I had to “lock it in place” I began to push the tang all the way in thinking I would hear a click or something, but I stopped because I wasn’t sure and did not want to break the new piece. I went back to look at how the tang rested before I changed it (see picture #2). So, I do not know if the tang was resting outside that “white wall” because it was broken OR if in fact it is supposed to rest that way OR if it needs to be pushed into the space to lock/clip and rest behind the white wall.
I reiterate, I stopped myself from pushing it all the way in (see picture 6) and can still pull it out if I need to. Please advise!
...in the mean time...
Here are some pics with the new striker installed Even with the striker resting “as is,” look at how how NICE and FLUSH it holds the flap closed!
Beautifully flush 🥰😍
Sometimes it los these little victories that go along way— I feel so happy! And I hope this post helps someone else.
~ Dawn
Last edited by IvysMommy; Jan 16, 2020 at 06:24 PM.
Reason: Title Typo
Thank you for your reply! Just a note, it did not go all the way into the rectangular cut out(thanks for that terminology) it’s sitting flush, but I assume that is okay.
Sorry for chiming in so late. I'm past my 2000 S Type but now have an 2004 XJR so I hang out more in the X350 section of the forum but visit the S Type section from time to time.
Looks great.
When I installed mine i placed white lithium grease on the grooves and the striker slipped into the void you pictured. I pushed it back to sit right on the edge as you have pictured.
Door closed perfect and flush.
End of the day you want a flush finish and you got it right where it needs to be.
Keep that and the release mechanism grease up and close the door gently...
Lol, I still have the extra striker as i purchased two with your same thought in mind - have an extra!
Broken Fuel Filler Striker on 2000 S Type 3.0 V6
