My daughter has a 2008 Nissan Micra. The petrol flap release lever seems to have suddenly stopped working and we can't get in to fill the car with petrol. Any ideas please? We have looked in the boot but there doesn't seem to be any way of getting to it from there.

I think the system on that car enables you to open the petrol flap once the drivers door is unlocked (either by pulling the cap open or pressing on the flap).

1. Lock the car using the central locking.
2. Insert the key on the drivers door, turn it once and unlock it. Open the door to check you have unlocked it. Then turn the key in the lock again as if you were unlocking it a 2nd time.
3. Now open the petrol flap as the lock should have released.

no way all system will die

you may have to get into the boot and remove any trim to the filler tube area. This will give you access to the flap lock system that holds the door closed . If there is a solenoid there you may be able to manually pull the rod that releases the flap lock or move the whole thing to let the flap open

try lubricating the folding joints etc wd40 would be good as not messy and very good lube

Take it to a mechanic.

Check the fuel filter or fuel pump

Sounds like the solenoid is defective, but the petrol cap can be opened by opening the boot and putting your hand down the side of the back panel (petrol cap side). You should be able to feel the solenoid and on the back there is a lever that can be pulled out which will release the petrol cap latch.

Look for an Emergency Realice in Trunk

must be covered by warranty, go to dealer

Hi there, just under the rear seats is where the fuel tank sender unit is and sometimes the seal will leak out strong smell of petrol, you need to remove the rear seats and the sender unit cap and check the seal, may need replacing, hope this helps.