2003 Discovery SE, out of fuel so I push the button to release the door and and it is not opening. Creating major problems at the moment. How can I get this stupid door to open?

 

did you expect an emergency release for 40k, they only come on the 15k cars and trucks.
you can open it from the outside using a hard piece of plastic, I use my pocket comb. insert it in the back of the door flap about half way up and push in, the sheet metal tab will bend and allow the door to open.


surprise; a remote release was a LR dealer add-on

 

Long shot but my fuel door release only works when the key is out of the ignition.

 

It's funny because the P38s have a back up pull cord for the flap.

 

Good call. Mine is either turned off, or turned off and key out. Can't remember.

Could be as simple as the OP not knowing this.

 

Wiggle the transmission shifter to park. Wiggle it around.
make sure the key is off.
Wiggle the key back and forth in OFF position.

And ..
Try the button a few times to get the dirt out of the button by pressing it in and out 10 times or so.

Lastly, have a partner lightly press in on the gas cap door while you press the button.
or pull on the door a bit.

You'll get it.

 

I had the opposite problem that stupid door was stuck open and flapping in the breeze. Anyway there is an actuator that pushes a rod that opens the door. You need to make sure the actuator is working first - have someone stand by the gas cap door while you press the remote they should hear it working. If no noise is heard you have an electrical issue that you will need to trace. By the way the fix I had to do was a PITA I had to take the jump seat out (SE7) and remove all the trim panels and the access for large hands is not very good at all. Ended up adjusting the actuator rod and it's been fine the last 50K miles or so.

 

When mine was stuck open i worked it out to be the little black plastic bit on the inside had rotated a little bit. Happens every now and again.

 

My lid opens anytime I push the button, regardless of ignition being on or off. My girlfriend started pushing all of the buttons repeatedly and eventually it hit connection and popped. This evening I took the dash panel off, wiggled the harness, blew it out and re-connected. It's working again.