2004 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Door

look for the metal rod the handle is attached to. you should be able to move that back and forth (latching and unlatching), with pliers, if you can reach it

replace the servo for release mec

The Cable is broken or damaged. Most shops will check for fee!

Fix your car right away by clicking the link I attached https://www.reliable-store.com/products/2004-hyundai-elantra-repair-manual

Hello Debra,
I have seen cases in which the fuel door gets slightly bent and then the release does not release properly. You might be able to get away with having one person pull on the latch on the floor while another taps the gas door with their fist. Tap, do not excessively hit it with anything because it could cause damage to the paint or bend the gas door more. Once the gas door is open you will be able to see where or how it was stuck. Lots of times you can lightly pull up or push down to bend it to become aligned.

If that does not work your only other option would be to either pry the door open which can cause damage or take it to the mechanic. Sometimes there is a emergency release on specific cars for the gas door. (dont believe Hyundai has one on there car)

Good luck

My '03 has had the same problem. It's usually due to an obstruction on the fuel door itself. You'll need 2 people to fix it. The first person pulls the fuel door release lever and holds it in the up position. The second person taps on the fuel door until it pops open. If it doesn't open, then get a flat-head screw driver and *gently* pry it open.

If it still won't open, then maybe you have a broken fuel door release cable.

If it's anything like the 2000 Hyundai Accent (which it probably is) it is mounted on top of the gas tank. First make sure you have a tank that is less than half full (8lbs per gallon), then jack up the car and place jackstands in a secure place. Then place a jack and 2x4 under the tank. Remove the 2 straps and slowly lower the fuel tank, it's most likely on the passenger side on top of the tank.

Check to see if your lever is broken under neat so you are not ablle to pul cable to open it.

have you checked your brake fluid?

That is an issue I have never heard before, but I would pour some gas line antifreeze into your tank. It sounds like you have some trapped water in the tank.