How do you open the gas on a Chevy Malibu?
Open the gas door using the interior release; most Malibu models use a floor-mounted lever near the driver's left footwell or a center-console switch. Some newer, capless-filler models require only opening the door and inserting the nozzle. Exact steps vary by year and trim.
Identifying the release mechanism by model year
Floor-mounted release (older Malibu models)
Older Malibu generations commonly use a manual release lever located on the floor to the left of the driver's seat. Pulling this lever pops the fuel door, allowing access to the filler.
Follow these steps to use the traditional floor release:
- Park the car and set the parking brake.
- Locate the floor-mounted fuel door release lever on the driver's side, near the footwell.
- Pull the lever to pop the fuel door open.
- Go to the outside of the vehicle and swing the door open.
- If your model uses a separate fuel cap, twist it counterclockwise to remove; if it has a capless filler, proceed to pumping once the door is open.
- Fuel as usual, then replace the cap (if applicable) and close the door.
If the door doesn’t pop, the release may be jammed or a fuse could be involved. Consult the owner’s manual or contact a dealer for service.
Console or dash switch (newer Malibu models)
Some newer Malibu trims replace the floor lever with a release switch located on the center console near the shifter or on a dash panel. Pressing or lifting this switch pops the fuel door.
Follow these steps for console/dash releases:
- Park safely and apply the parking brake.
- Look for the fuel door release switch on the center console or dash.
- Activate the switch to release the fuel door.
- Walk to the back of the car, open the fuel door.
- Proceed to fill: twist the cap (if applicable) or use capless fueling as directed.
- Close the door after fueling.
As with floor levers, if the switch doesn’t work, there could be a wiring issue or a blown fuse. Check the manual or contact a dealer for diagnosis.
Capless fuel filler (capless systems)
Many newer Malibu models use a capless fuel filler. There is no external gas cap to unscrew; you open the door and insert the nozzle directly.
Steps for capless fueling:
- Park and release the fuel door using the interior control available for your model.
- Open the fuel door and insert the fuel nozzle into the capless inlet.
- Begin fueling; the nozzle will click off automatically when the tank is full.
- Remove the nozzle, close the door, and ensure it latches securely.
Capless systems simplify fueling but can be sensitive to debris or a misaligned inlet. If you notice resistance or leaks, stop fueling and inspect the inlet or consult a technician.
Troubleshooting and tips
If you encounter trouble opening the Malibu’s gas door, here are common fixes and considerations to keep in mind.
- Check for a blown fuse or a faulty release switch or lever. A quick fuse check may reveal an internal electrical issue.
- Ensure the interior release isn’t obstructed by debris, dirt, or moisture, which can cause sticking.
- Make sure you’re in Park with the parking brake engaged; some models won’t release if the vehicle is not properly secured.
- If you have a capless filler and the inlet feels stuck, inspect the door for a jam or misalignment rather than forcing it.
If the release still won’t work after troubleshooting, contact a Chevy dealer or a qualified mechanic. For model-specific instructions, refer to the owner’s manual, as the release location and method can vary by year and trim.
Summary
The Chevy Malibu’s gas-door release varies by model year and configuration. Most cars use an interior release—either a floor-mounted lever or a center-console/dash switch—to pop the door, after which you access the filler. Newer models may have a capless filler, which removes the need to unscrew a cap. If in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or a dealership for model-specific guidance, and always fuel safely.
Where is the gas door release button?
The gas door release is typically a lever near the bottom of the driver's seat or a button on the driver's side door panel, but some cars release it by simply pushing on the door itself. If the standard release doesn't work, a manual release lever is often located inside the trunk on the side panel behind the gas door.
This video shows how to find the gas door release button or lever: 55sFROSTY LifeYouTube · Oct 16, 2016
Common locations for the release
- Lever: Look for a lever on the floor near the driver's seat.
- Button: Check the driver's side door panel for a button, often near the window controls.
- Push-to-open: Some vehicles have a gas door that opens by pushing on it directly to release the latch.
If the release doesn't work
- Check the trunk: If there's no external release, there's likely a manual release lever inside the trunk. This is often a yellow or red pull tab located on the side panel behind the gas door.
- Check the fuse: A blown fuse can sometimes disable the electric actuator for the release mechanism. You can check and replace the fuse yourself or take it to a mechanic.
- Consult a mechanic: If the release is still stuck, the lever or actuator mechanism may be bent or broken. A mechanic can diagnose and repair this issue.
This video demonstrates how to manually open a stuck gas tank door from inside the trunk: 55sMorozov AutomotiveYouTube · Sep 14, 2024
How do I open the gas tank on a Chevy?
And I need to put fuel in it because you see I need some fuel. So what I'm going to do is. I am going to make sure that the vehicle is off. And in park. You can put the parking brake on as well.
How do I open the gas tank on my Chevy Malibu?
And I'm just going to push it. And it pops open just like that okay and then you can read the instructions. And open and pump your gas now in order to close. It just take it.
Does a 2017 Malibu have a gas cap?
The gas cap for your 2017 Chevy Malibu serves multiple purposes. It prevents gas fumes from being released when you aren't driving, it seals the fuel system and helps maintain pressure within the fuel tank.
