I suddenly can't open the fuel door on my 2002 S40. I've seen videos of how to address this problem with other models. Mine does not have a release button in the trunk to remove the lining to get to the locking mechanism. I don't want to take everything apart unless that's the only way! How do I access the solenoid in order to manually unlock the fuel door? It seems like this should be very easy and I'm just not seeing something.

 

You just have to pull the liner out - if there's no "release button", just take off whatever IS holding the liner in place. Probably some black plastic inserts. And sometimes a lot of what holds a trunk liner in place is just clever design (where the liner is tucked behind a bit of metal structure that keeps it in place without Volvo having to spend 10 cents on the black plastic insert. Just start tugging on the liner, and it should be obvious what's holding it in.

Then you should be able to reach up and pull the solenoid plunger back to release the door.

 

Thanks. That is what I've been trying to do, but thought there would be an easier way.

 

If the tab on the door with the hole in it where the solenoid plunges into bent it could hold the plunger stuck.Try to push the door in while pushing the open button repeatedly.

 

Thanks! I finally found what I was looking for in Volvo UK forum: How to replace / install electric aerial - Volvo S40 1996 to 2004
I just needed to find all of the hidden fasteners so I could pull off the liner easily.