Unlocking And Replacing Your Transit Connect Fuel Door Lock

The Ford Transit Connect is a popular fleet and commercial vehicle that was introduced to North America in 2009. The Transit Connect is based on the Ford Focus platform and offers impressive fuel economy. The fuel door lock is operated by the same key that fits the other locks on the vehicle. If you need to replace the fuel door lock cylinder, you can carefully pry up the rear edge of the lock bracket that holds the lock. Four lugs snap into holes in the bracket, and by carefully releasing all four lugs, you can remove the lock. It is recommended to refer to a professional for installation.

Removing the fuel door lock cylinder

The fuel door lock cylinder is located on the rear driver-side door of your Transit Connect. Here are the steps to remove it:

• Prepare the vehicle: Park your Transit Connect on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Ensure the vehicle is turned off and the keys are removed from the ignition.
• Locate the fuel door lock cylinder: Open the rear driver-side door, and you will find the fuel door lock cylinder on the inside of the door. It is usually located near the door handle or the door panel.
• Gather the necessary tools: You will need a set of small screwdrivers, a plastic shim, and a new fuel door lock cylinder (if you are replacing the old one).
• Remove the door panel (if necessary): If the fuel door lock cylinder is located behind the door panel, you may need to remove the door panel to access it. Carefully pry off the door panel using a plastic tool to avoid damaging the panel or the surrounding components.
• Locate the retaining clip: The fuel door lock cylinder is usually held in place by a retaining clip or a horseshoe clip. Identify the type of clip used in your vehicle.
• Remove the retaining clip: Use a small screwdriver to carefully pry off the retaining clip that secures the fuel door lock cylinder in place. Be gentle to avoid damaging the clip or the surrounding area.
• Release the fuel door lock cylinder: With the retaining clip removed, gently pull or twist the fuel door lock cylinder to release it from its housing. Be careful not to damage the surrounding components or wiring.
• Disconnect any wiring (if applicable): If your fuel door lock cylinder is connected to any wiring, carefully disconnect the wiring harness before completely removing the cylinder.
• Clean the area: Before installing a new fuel door lock cylinder, clean the area to remove any dirt, debris, or corrosion that may have accumulated.
• Install the new fuel door lock cylinder (if applicable): If you are replacing the fuel door lock cylinder, insert the new cylinder into the housing and secure it with the retaining clip. Ensure it is firmly in place and test the lock to ensure it is functioning correctly.

Note: These steps are general guidelines, and the exact process may vary depending on your specific Transit Connect model and year. Always refer to your owner's manual or seek advice from a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about any steps or procedures.

Getting a replacement part

When it comes to getting a replacement fuel door-lock cylinder for your Ford Transit Connect, there are a few options available to you.

Firstly, you can try sourcing the part from a Ford dealership. They will be able to provide you with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part, which is a direct replacement for the original component on your vehicle. This option may be more expensive, but it ensures that you are getting a high-quality part that is designed specifically for your vehicle.

Alternatively, you can explore the aftermarket for replacement fuel door-lock cylinders. Aftermarket parts are those made by companies other than the original vehicle manufacturer. While they are generally more affordable, it is important to carefully research the compatibility of these parts with your specific vehicle, as fitment can vary.

One popular online platform for aftermarket parts is Amazon. A quick search on Amazon reveals several options for fuel door-lock cylinders compatible with the Ford Transit Connect. For example, the Copgge Fuel Door Lock Cylinder Turn Key Kit, which includes two keys and is compatible with the Ford Transit Connect XL, XLT, and XLT Premium 2.0L 4-door models from 2010 to 2013. Another option is the RLB-HILON Fuel Door Lock Cylinder, which is also compatible with the same models.

When purchasing aftermarket parts, it is important to carefully review the product specifications, including the part number, to ensure compatibility with your vehicle. Additionally, taking your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for installation is recommended, as they will have the necessary tools and expertise to complete the job correctly.

Finally, it is worth noting that there are other online platforms and local automotive stores that may stock replacement fuel door-lock cylinders for the Ford Transit Connect. It is always a good idea to research multiple options to find the best quality part at a price that fits your budget.

Installing the new lock cylinder

To install the new lock cylinder, follow these steps:

• Ensure the new lock cylinder is the correct replacement for your vehicle. It should be compatible with the make, model, and year of your Ford Transit Connect.
• Have the correct tools ready. For this task, you will need a plastic shim, wedges, and a tool for inserting into the door, such as the Tech-Train 1026 tool.
• Insert the key into the new lock cylinder and rotate it to the "ON" position.
• Depress the active retainer with an offset scribe or a Shrum tool.
• Gently pull the lock cylinder out of the steering column.
• Remove any face cap or shutter assembly from the lock cylinder, if necessary.
• Disassemble the lock cylinder by removing any retaining clips or rings and sliding out the lock plug.
• Take the new lock cylinder and insert it into the steering column. Ensure it is securely in place.
• Reassemble any parts you removed in Step 6, such as the face cap or shutter assembly.
• Test the new lock cylinder by inserting the key and turning it. Ensure the lock cylinder turns smoothly and securely.
• Reinstall the steering column shroud and any other components you removed during the process.

Note: It is recommended to refer to a professional locksmith or a dealer if you do not have the specialized equipment or are uncomfortable performing this task yourself.

Removing the front door lock cylinder retaining clip

To remove the front door lock cylinder retaining clip, you will need to insert the key into the front door lock cylinder and rotate it clockwise. Once you have done this, you can depress the square tang to release the front door lock cylinder.

This will allow you to then rotate the front door lock cylinder counterclockwise and remove it. It is important to note that if your key does not turn in the lock, you will need to break/burst the black plastic housing and use a pick/screwdriver to remove the internal door lock tumblers. This will enable you to use a flat screwdriver to turn the lock and remove it.

Using a key to rotate the lock cylinder

To rotate the lock cylinder using a key, follow these steps:

First, insert the key into the lock cylinder. Ensure that the key is aligned correctly with the groove in the lock. Once the key is inserted, rotate it in the appropriate direction—either to the left or right, depending on the lock's mechanism. This action will unlock the door.

After unlocking, return the key to its original position to remove it from the lock cylinder. This step is crucial, as some locks are designed so that the key can only be removed when it is in the locked position.

If you are dealing with a lock cylinder that requires resetting, such as the Kwikset 816 deadbolt cylinder, there are additional steps to follow. After removing the cylinder housing mechanism, you will need to use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry off the silver clip from the cylinder. Then, rotate the cover to align with the keyway of the cylinder you intend to remove. Finally, push the cylinder out through the front of the housing.

By following these steps, you will be able to successfully rotate the lock cylinder using a key and, if necessary, reset the cylinder.

Frequently asked questions