G37 Broken Gas Tank Door

[Butler28]

I own an Infiniti G37S, which has a spring-loaded fuel door release. I recently took my car through a Mike's Car Wash and the door was broken completely off. The door became unlatched when the first set of cloth strips spun around to clean the outside of the car. The next set of cloth strips came to spread the cleaning gel and pushed the fuel door 180 degrees opposite of completely closes (90 degrees past full open position). The fuel door fell off completely on its own as I parked towel off the car. I am working with the car wash to have them pay for the damage, but I hope someone else can help me on this issue. I friend of mine had this happen on his Audi, but the dealer replaced it free of charge as it was part of a recall. I have not heard of this happening on any other Infiniti G series.

Has anyone ever had this happen to them? Who should I take the car to for replacing the door (dealer? private outfit?)?

Thanks!

[audtatious]

Interesting issue. First time I have heard of it. It should not have happened and it's probably that Infiniti may replace it under warranty as it should not open like that.....then again, the carwash brushes should not be that strong either and that would be a concern from a paint perspective.

Good luck with it and let us know the outcome.

[joe603]

Man, sorry to hear about that one! Next time, or for others, lock your car...it will lock the door too.

[timmy0257]

Man, sorry to hear about that one! Next time, or for others, lock your car...it will lock the door too.

my 08 does not have this kind of release i dont think. will locking my car doors lock the fuel door?

[joe603]

yes. They all have a small spring that will open the door if you put pressure on the opposite side. Locking the doors will also lock the fuel door.

I would stay away from any "touch" style car wash. You never know what the guy that went through it last had on his car and it's now stuck on those brushes. I've heard horror stories of barbed wire...

Just put a good wax on the car then take it to a "touchless" car wash

[g37man]

I had a 2008 G37s but the problem was the fuel door would not open.
Took it to the dealer and inside the trunk side where the fuel door resides
is a I am going to say sensor that had to be replace so the door would
open when the car was shut off.

[Butler28]

The door should be covered as it is still under warranty, but we will see. Thanks for all your insights. I usually hand wash the car and this is the price I pay for not doing it myself. Lesson learned: Do it yourself.