If you’ve found yourself stuck at the gas station wondering where to find a Chevy Malibu gas tank button or if your gas tank isn’t opening, then this article is for you!
In this article, we’ll cover how to open a Chevy Malibu gas tank and troubleshoot some common issues.
When popping the gas tank of a Chevy Malibu, don’t look for a gas button because there isn’t one!
Unlike most other cars, a Chevy Malibu gas button is not needed because the gas tank opens directly at the fuel door.
Locating the Gas Button
The Chevy Malibu lacks a fuel door release button. Instead, you press on the gasoline door until it opens. For some, it is strange that Malibu overlooked this crucial component because a gasoline door release button is useful, especially when it comes to keeping your gas tank secure.
A fuel door release button helps to reduce the likelihood of thieves stealing your gas. It also ensures that your fuel door is properly closed or opened because it's difficult to notice from the driver's seat.
Fortunately, the Chevy Malibu's capless gas tank design includes anti-siphoning technology. In addition, it includes several systems in the neck filler that make it difficult to drain the tank with a garden hose. If you're using the normal fuel cap system, you can buy a locking gas cap to keep your fuel safe.
The Chevy Malibu is compatible with Rovike's locking gas cap. Although it is made of plastic, it is an excellent tool for replacing Malibu's basic gas cap, which does not have a lock. In addition, it's long-lasting and goes with a wide range of car models.
The gasoline door on a Chevy Malibu looks similar to most other cars, but with the added function that pressing on the left side of the door opens it.
Below, we’ll run you through the steps to opening your Chevy Malibu’s gas tank.
Steps to Open the Gas Button
While the absence of a fuel door button can make it confusing for new car users, it does stop you from awkwardly running back around your car when you’ve forgotten to push it!
Instead, you follow these easy steps to get into your gas tank. Once your car is parked and the keys are no longer in the ignition:
- Firstly, locate the gas tank door. This is on the passenger side just above the rear wheel. The rectangular outline is the gas tank door
- Secondly, press firmly on the left side of the flush fuel door. Pressing down should result in a ‘click’, which indicates the door is unlocked
- Finally, open the fuel door. If your car was made before 2017, you’ll find the gas cap inside which needs to be unscrewed.
Chevy Malibus made after 2017 features the capless fuel tank technology, and you’ll find your tank open and ready for refueling.
Here is a video demonstration:
If either of the first two issues persists, consult a, as they have the expertise and knowledge to thoroughly inspect the gas door and determine the exact cause of the trouble.
Some common mistakes to avoid making are:
- Forgetting to unlock your car. Some Malibus fuel doors will lock automatically with the vehicle’s doors. If your car has this feature then you’ll have to unlock your car before refueling
- Using excessive force. While it is necessary to press firmly on the left side of the door, pushing too hard on it may damage the mechanism, causing it to stick.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While this simple mechanism lacks the complexity of a button system, there are still a few common issues that can cause the door not to open.
If your car is in park, unlocked and you still can’t open the gas tank then you may want to try troubleshooting these common issues:
- Damaged Fuel Door Hinge. Pins and bushings that are loose or rigid can cause this. Also, it is supported by a hinge, like all the doors in your vehicle, so it's difficult to open the gas tank door once the hinge fails. In order to fix this issue, you’ll need to assess the damage to see if it needs replacing.
- Damage to the Exterior Around the Fuel Door. If your car's exterior has been hit hard enough, the gas door will also be damaged. This rear portion can be squashed and kept stiff when opened by a small cut where the hinge is placed. The best practice is to repair the broken section as soon as possible and have the fuel door inspected.
- Frozen door mechanism. A snowy or frosty morning can cause the fuel door to freeze shut. This is an easy fix; simply defrost the door and it should function as normal.
If either of the first two issues persists, consult a mechanic, as they have the expertise and knowledge to thoroughly inspect the gas door and determine the exact cause of the trouble.