INDICATIONS:
Door - Fuel Filler - Unable to open from inside lever - Fuel filler door
latch inoperative.

APPLICATION:
95-96 Contour/Mystique

PROBLEM:
The fuel filler door cannot be opened using the inside lever on some
vehicles.  This is caused by the fuel door plunger not having enough
travel to allow door to release and/or the door striker binding in the
fuel filler door housing.

SOLUTION:
Adjust travel on fuel door latching rod to allow door to release and trim
excess material that may be causing the door to bind.

PROCEDURE:
1.  Open the fuel filler door using the emergency release located in the
right read area of the luggage compartment.

2.  With the filler door open, fully depress the inside release handle.
Check that fuel filler door latch plunger is fully retracted into
housing.

3.  If plunger fully retracts, it is adjusted properly, proceed to step
14.

4.  If plunger does not fully retract, proceed to step 5.

5.  Disconnect the battery ground cable.

6.  Remove luggage compartment door scuff plate.

7.  Remove right hand luggage compartment trim cover.

8.  Remove power antenna, if equipped.

9.  Release locking tab on black plastic clip portion of the fuel filler
door latch rod.  Unsnap fuel filler door latch rod from ball on plastic
pivot assembly.

10.  Fully depress the inside release handle and wedge or hold in the
down position.

11.  Pull fuel filler door latch rod until fuel filler door latch plunger
is fully retracted.  While holding the rod in this position, rotate the
plastic clip clockwise until the socket lines up with the ball on the
plastic pivot assembly.  If there is insufficient adjustment, rod may be
bent to achieve length reduction.

12.  Snap clip onto ball and fasten locking tab.

13.  Check operation of fuel filler release.

14.  Trim one mm of material from the upper and lower edge of the door
striker for a distance of seven mm from the door inner surface.

15.  Inspect for and remove all plastic flashing material from the upper
and lower edges of the door hinge to eliminate interference with the
housing.

16.  Touch up the exposed surfaces of the door striker and hinge area.

17.  Use reverse procedure of steps 5-8 to replace removed parts.

18.  Confirm proper release operation when the remote release lever is
held in the fully depressed position.