[Jeff Troy]

hi, Again,

The Multifunction Module (GM# 90 949 163) is out of stock everywhere I've checked.

I cannot fill the tank ('99 Catera) because the fuel door opens from the instrument panel button, and that will not work when the module is malfunctioning.

Same problem with the trunk, but the trunk has a manual release you can access from through the fold-down rear seat.

IS THERE A WAY TO MANUALLY OPEN THE FUEL DOOR?

Thank you and warmest regards,

 

[USEDCAT]

I don't have first hand details but it is stated to be,

" The gas cap can be popped from inside the trunk. The release is behind a flap of soundproofing."

I assume it will be around the right hand side of the trunk closer to the inside of where the fuel filling door is.

If I find something more tomorrow or could look inside my car I will post.

Good luck. and see if you can meet your needs with the following (change "xx" to "tt" in hxxp when you cut and paste the URL),

hxxp://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-01-CATERA-FUEL-DOOR-RELAESE-SWITCH-NEW-GM-3472-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4ce839509bQQitemZ330313584795QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I have dealt with Foley they are pretty good but not necessarily the cheapest but genuine GM parts.

PS: Hopefully you checked the fuses.

 

[Jeff Troy]

Thank you, USEDCAT,

I checked thoroughly yesterday, but could not find anything even close to a manual release back there. The fuel door's inner flange is pretty much inaccessible without gutting half the trunk. The flap only exposes the jack, and the fold-down door doesn't permit full access to the fuel door.

If other member posts are correct (combination of trunk release, fuel door release and radio), the K134 Multifunction Module is the culprit. The fact that the problem is intermittent negates any possibility of a fuse issue. Fuses blow and a function goes away; that function can't be intermittent because a blown fuse can't come back now and then. Naturally, I check the fuses anyway, but all appear to be solid.

Thank you for your help. If you can help me find the fuel door release, please let me know. My daughter has had to stop driving until I can resolve the issue, at least with being able to fuel the car.

Thanks and warmest regards,

 

[USEDCAT]

Thank you, USEDCAT,

I checked thoroughly yesterday, but could not find anything even close to a manual release back there. The fuel door's inner flange is pretty much inaccessible without gutting half the trunk. The flap only exposes the jack, and the fold-down door doesn't permit full access to the fuel door.

If other member posts are correct (combination of trunk release, fuel door release and radio), the K134 Multifunction Module is the culprit. The fact that the problem is intermittent negates any possibility of a fuse issue. Fuses blow and a function goes away; that function can't be intermittent because a blown fuse can't come back now and then. Naturally, I check the fuses anyway, but all appear to be solid.

Thank you for your help. If you can help me find the fuel door release, please let me know. My daughter has had to stop driving until I can resolve the issue, at least with being able to fuel the car.

Thanks and warmest regards,

No problem.

It is possible to remove the Fuel Door actuating solenoid from inside the trunk. Once you remove the solenoid then you can push the pin that goes through the back of (inside) of the fuel door to keep it locked. The solenoid basically pushes the pin in and out of the door flap.

I don't know if you are in USA or Canada but for USA the following may work too as it does not show it as out of stock,

K134 multifunction relay module (GM# 90494163).

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm OUR PRICE: $53.29

There are some other ideas in the following thread if you are mechanically (pull apart a relay shell)/electrically inclined (soldering) as it might work but not guaranteed,

http://www.cadillacforums.com/forum...arron-forum/120481-catera-radio-problems.html

Cheers.

 

[evanwilson]

I, too, looked for the manual release but was unable to find it.

My multifunction module crapped out long ago so I rely on my key fob — my only one — every time I refuel.

 

[USEDCAT]

I, too, looked for the manual release but was unable to find it.

My multifunction module crapped out long ago so I rely on my key fob — my only one — every time I refuel.

There is no manual release.

You basically have to take the solenoid that locks it out. Remove the associated pin that locks it after/with it. One can fiddle around on the outside but this is all how you will also replace the faulty locking mechanism.

Once you take the mechanism out, then of course it will stay unlocked.

 

[USEDCAT]

Thank you, USEDCAT,

I checked thoroughly yesterday, but could not find anything even close to a manual release back there. The fuel door's inner flange is pretty much inaccessible without gutting half the trunk. The flap only exposes the jack, and the fold-down door doesn't permit full access to the fuel door.

If other member posts are correct (combination of trunk release, fuel door release and radio), the K134 Multifunction Module is the culprit. The fact that the problem is intermittent negates any possibility of a fuse issue. Fuses blow and a function goes away; that function can't be intermittent because a blown fuse can't come back now and then. Naturally, I check the fuses anyway, but all appear to be solid.

Thank you for your help. If you can help me find the fuel door release, please let me know. My daughter has had to stop driving until I can resolve the issue, at least with being able to fuel the car.

Thanks and warmest regards,

Just some pictures as I believe you have to disconnect one electrical connector and one or two screw to take the solenoid out and keep the gas door accessible till you get the relay if that is the issue. You can feel the door locking pin if you feel on the other side of the solenoid. This is on the rear right side (passenger side) in the trunk and you rotate the two fastener dials anti-clockwise to unlock and clockwise to lock.

To me it looks very straightforward for my Catera 2001 but your case may be different.

Hope it is of help and provides clarification.

PS:ewanwilson for you perhaps short term answer if you want to keep the door unlocked would be to use the fob fuel unlock to unlock once and then disconnect the electrical connection in the trunk to the solenoid. Your issue perhaps is the replaceable switch in the console and not the dreaded relay. Cheers.

 

[Jeff Troy]

USEDCAT, you are a first-class gentleman, and I appreciate the extra effort you made to take and upload images for me.

I love the key fob trick, but my fourth button is horn, not fuel lock. Wish it was different, but I'm SOL on that one.

I tried an online parts locator, and they have the 90494163 part listed as a steering module. Sounded all wrong, so I passed.

I saw and followed the post about soldering the module a few days ago. I've built two kit cars and created the wire harnesses for both; my 1976 Bradley GT (original owner/builder) just turned -- no joke -- 630 thousand miles.

Soldering is not a problem for me, but the soldering exercise did not get the module working. I'm still wondering if the module really is the problem; this car is kind of an electrical nightmare, and pretty much negates everything positive we always hear about German engineering. By Comparison, "Lucas Prince of Darkness" would be a godsend.

Anyway, my friend, thank you for all your help and advice. I will fight this beast again tomorrow.

Warmest regards,

 

[Jeff Troy]

Hi, Again,

I just ordered the module through your link. It's a special order part and GM is out, so the source may or may not work.

I had a disappointing experience with this module and another online vendor (GMPartsDirect.net) yesterday. A few minutes after placing my order, they sent an order cancellation notice and a note stating that part was out of stock and no expected delivery date was available.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this one.

Thank again.

Warmest regards,

 

[USEDCAT]

Hi, Again,

I just ordered the module through your link. It's a special order part and GM is out, so the source may or may not work.

I had a disappointing experience with this module and another online vendor (GMPartsDirect.net) yesterday. A few minutes after placing my order, they sent an order cancellation notice and a note stating that part was out of stock and no expected delivery date was available.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this one.

Thank again.

Warmest regards,

You may try the junkies/wreckers as one never knows.

My friend you are so knowledgeable and resourceful for me you have already cured the issue.

Just a thought, if the relay is just switching 12v to the wires you may want to tap any 12v in the trunk area with a switch. Toggle it back and forth between normal and emergency over-ride. Then you will have a homemade emergency fuel door opener unless the solenoid dies

 

[evanwilson]

Dear USEDCAT: Thank you for your helpfulness in the gas flap release thread.

Being a firm believer (especially when it comes to the Catera) in "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," I am setting aside your suggestion to use the fob to release the flap and then disconnect the leads to the solenoid — for now.

I also appreciate your two helpful photos; I'll no doubt need to refer to them when my fob solution is finally "broke." Then, it's my plan to do exactly as you suggest.

I just hope I don't lose the fob!

 

[Adumb]

ha! great thread, i just bought an 01 cat and the previous owner gave me the car with NO gas, turns out the module decided not to work as i received the car so when i went to go fill up minutes after getting the car i could not fill it up. i was furious! no fuses broke (this was before i read about the multifunction module) and no keyhole in the trunk, i crawled in opened the emergency handle in the trunk then opened the carpet flap and pulled that rod bak manually. lol, its kinda funny now, but i was VERY frustrated at the time

 

[cguerrero]

Hello my Father in law was conned (by a used car sales person in Rialto California whos name I will gladly mention Superior Motors, whos name is probably changing as they Swindel clients and sell them cars that they claim are in great working condition) Here is my 2 cents, after experiencing ALL of the ills and woes of the 99 Catera I can definitely tell you that the Multifunction Relay may or may not be the Only issue. I replaced the one on my Father in laws auto and it did not fix the problem. I did exhaustive net research and found 1 wonderful website that also suggested I test the Heater Auxiliary Waterpump, a DC motor by the way, and check the number 10 fuse. I checked the fuse and it appeared to be ok not blown, I removed the connector on the HAW and reconnected then I replaced the fuse, Everything started working again, the fuel motor , the trunk , the Auto Lock Auto Unlock and the Radio that did not turn on when in Drive. It only lasted for 15 seconds though. Wallah the HAW is shorting out. I ordered one from Rockauto for a 1/4 of what the Dealer wanted I will let everyone know how it goes. Also I found a Net Shop that sells the Radiator, the one in our car was Leaking like a sib, for $129.00 dollars Yes I did not do a tipo $129.00 with Shipping. I replaced that 1 week ago. Works Great. Radiatorbarn is their name.

Am still looking to replace the Head Light Assembly both sides since they are both broken. I can't believe the Used Car Dealer swore the car had no problems.

 

[simpleman0807]

hi, Again, The Multifunction Module (GM# 90 949 163) is out of stock everywhere I've checked. I cannot fill the tank ('99 Catera) because the fuel door opens from the instrument panel button, and that will not work when the module is malfunctioning. Same problem with the trunk, but the trunk has a manual release you can access from through the fold-down rear seat. IS THERE A WAY TO MANUALLY OPEN THE FUEL DOOR? Thank you and warmest regards,

Yes start the car put the car in reverse, push the fuel door button it works that way

 

[Submariner409]

As posted to your duplicate post in here, he hasn't logged in for over 12.5 years.