Jennifer’s fuel door suddenly without warning failed to open. Unfortunately she was out of gas and had no warning before pulling up to the pump.
On her 2000 model B5 the gas lid release is located in the trunk behind a carpet like cover. The is a small plastic screw that holds the cover in place.
With the screw out, the carpet can be pulled away enough to reach the actuator. Using two fingers, you can pull the actuator back to release the fuel flap.
Testing it in the shop, I found that with the connector off the actuator there was 12 volts when the button was pushed,. However with the actuator in the circuit there was no power.
I removed the actuator and tested it on 12V it worked fine. Based on internet research I suspected the button in the door. I removed the door panel and tested the switch. It was fine the voltage was being lost before the switch. After attempting to find the power source for the circuit, I gave up and jumped power from the courtesy light circuit which was nearby.
She can now put car in her car again without having to open the trunk.