General Is smart fuel insecure?

[plasmahal]

Hi,

My wife pointed out recently that whilst the car is locked the fuel filler door can be opened and I was also able to open the smart fuel filler.

I don't know if this a fault or normal but to me it is wrong and technically a failure for a MOT.

Has anyone any advice on this please?

 

[Palio]

Why do you think it would be an mot issue? A failure would be if it did not fasten/seal correctly under section 7.2, but this isn't what you're describing unless I've misunderstood? A non locking fuel cap on an early Panda can be opened, but it's not an mot problem.

From memory the flap doesn't lock, but I've only used a mk4 Panda occasionally, so I'm sure someone can confirm.

 

[dave]

what is a "smart fuel filler"? i googled it and results are all for smart car pats

 

[plasmahal]

what is a "smart fuel filler"? i googled it and results are all for smart car pats

It 's on page 95 of manual.

I was under the impression that the fuel filling system, whether the outer door or the inner cap had to be lockable.

 

[plasmahal]

Ok, I've found this:

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_720.htm

Foe some reason i was under the impressions that newer cars had to have lockable access to the fuel filling system for MOT.

It would also be a good idea in this day and age of high fuel prices to have some security to your fuel.

 

[Palio]

No, not heard of anything like that. The relevant section is at section 7 of the mot guide from this link http://www.transportoffice.gov.uk/c...nualsandguides/mottestingmanualsandguides.htm for your peace of mind. As long as it closes properly it should be fine

Edit: sorry was finding it as you posted yours up!

Someone told me you can't syphon fuel out and isn't it only meant to open the seal once a nozzle reaches it - in which case no one can pour sugar in it (or whatever they do these days)?

 

[dave]

It 's on page 95 of manual.
.

i haven't got a manual no one has uploaded one yet

 

[Palio]

i haven't got a manual no one has uploaded one yet

It's in the downloads section Dave - I've just downloaded it from the Panda section (2013 handbook) https://www.fiatforum.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=498

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

i haven't got a manual no one has uploaded one yet

Its basically a bit like the Ford smart fill system, can't put diesel in a petrol and can't put petrol in a diesel, this is because the filler neck has a special flap at the top which only opens when the corrected fuel nozzle is pushed against it

 

[dave]

It's in the downloads section Dave - I've just downloaded it from the Panda section (2013 handbook) https://www.fiatforum.com/downloads.php?do=file&id=498

thanks, that's in the old panda section i looked at the top of this section

 

[dave]

the fuel cap is stuck onto the flap?

is there an anti syphon in there?

with plastic tanks and cordless drills locking fuel caps don't really stop fuel being stolen though

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

the fuel cap is stuck onto the flap?

Sort of.

 

[plasmahal]

Someone told me you can't syphon fuel out and isn't it only meant to open the seal once a nozzle reaches it - in which case no one can pour sugar in it (or whatever they do these days)?

That's not strictly true and why i posted this thread. With the car locked, you can open the flap and then slide the 3 black sliders that then open the small metal flap to gain access to the fuel.

If you have the smart fuel system, then you have a type of funnel tool for emergency fuelling. If you use this while the car is locked you gain access to the fuel tank.

While we have established this isn't an MOT failure, it is a security issue (i.e. stopping scumbags stealing your fuel).

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

it is a security issue (i.e. stopping scumbags stealing your fuel).

No it isn't as will have an anti siphon device in the neck like Fiats have for nearly 3 decades now.

 

[Shaston]

Seems like overkill to me. I'd be happier with an ordinary locking cap or flap.

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Seems like overkill to me. I'd be happier with an ordinary locking cap or flap.

They never came on the mk3 Panda after the first 8 months or so of manufacture, so would have just been an unlocking cap. So this is a move forward if anything.

This is hardly over kill though, if it stops the odd person from incorrectly fuelling.

 

[Alsatian1]

I love the fuel filler on my panda, stop car, open flap, fuel up, close and done. So quick and no faffing. Unless of course you pay as well

 

[triumph7]

I love the fuel filler on my panda, stop car, open flap, fuel up, close and done. So quick and no faffing. Unless of course you pay as well

Me too....

 

[deeyup]

Me too....

Me too.. So simple, no faffing with keys etc.

 

[Moultoneer]

Me too.. So simple, no faffing with keys etc.

Add me as a fan

Having swapped from diesels (since 1993) I was apprehensive about
mis-fuelling (particularly as I'm getting on a bit ) but Fiat's
system seems fool-(fuel?)proof

If it's also got an anti-syphon feature, that allays my security worries.
(I was concerned to find a non-locking flap )


Chris