VDO 203 820 19 97 Fuel Filler Door Lock Actuator

Actuator fit perfectly; but the installation was more complicated; if you are a normal size US male.Tight fit getting into position for the removal of broken actuator and even closer putting the new one in. At least I was smart enough to plug the new one into the power wire BEFORE I attempted to squeeze and contort my body lying in the trunk for the final installation. REMOVE the trunk liner before you attempt ANY of the following. There should be a black button fastener on the right side near the rear seat and one on the right side by the directional, reverse, and brake lights. Use a plastic stereo/body wedge to pop the fasteners out of the holes. Then just fold the liner from the trunk side.The actuator attaches to a long plastic “bracket” which in turn screws into a metal support “fin” along side the rear quarter panel behind the fuel filler door. Over the right wheel well. You can see two screws from inside the trunk on this “fin” near the rear seat. Remove them and you will see how the old actuator is mounted to this bracket.This “fin” is the support bracket for the arm on the trunk lid when it is closed . The actuator is mounted to the left side of the gas tank lid on the left side of the fuel filler tank opening. You have to reach up in between the side of the “fin” and the right rear quarter panel; on the left of the gas tank cap. (tight squeeze!)Just make sure you put the new guide/plug into the gas lid shelf FIRST.Then it’s just lining the new stem up with the guide hole (make sure the actuator is in the locked/extended position before you begin this process)Do this repair inside or on a cool day; not in the sun on a 104 degree afternoon. Should take around 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Unless you would prefer paying a Merz. mechanic $100 plus the cost of the actuator.DIY or die!