Toyota Avalon Fuel Door Won't Open Spring Hinge Replacement (Maybe a different P/N on other models!)

After way longer than I care to admit I finally realized that the door itself didn't need to be replaced just the spring hinge. They're all over Ebay and local Toyota dealership sites and Sparksparts, but the best price I found actually came from a local dealership which I'll share the link for below but what you really need is just the part number. For my 2007 Toyota Avalon the part number is 77360-53010. Here is the link below. You just need to plug in your vehicle's information online to find the right spring hinge for you!
autoparts.hendricktoyotaapex....

[@text9003]

Thanks Shawn! The method of opening the door is a lifesaver! (still having problems with the door, spring seems okay, but now I understand the mechanics much better).

[@ShawnMartinNCBIRDMAN]

@text9003 awesome! Yeah it was getting a little embarrassing at the gas station when I couldn't find a long enough stick, so a good bit of pride went into making this video!! Hahahaa!

[@amandasolis6184]

Thank you so much! Been using a straw bent in half to open it since we got our Avalon two years ago. I’m going to replace this asap!

[@ShawnMartinNCBIRDMAN]

@amandasolis6184 here's to the creative ways we've been coping!!

[@christopherluce3294]

I just ordered the part. What’s funny is mine is on a 1999 Avalon. Apparently they used the same part on many models for many years. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll have mine. I’ve been using a package of tissues to prop up the release handle so I can go back and open the door.

[@ShawnMartinNCBIRDMAN]

@christopherluce3294 I wonder how many different ways this broken hinge has been temporarily remedied!! I prefer the push button karate kick to the jammed paper method! Lol

[@grapeknutz]

Thank you for the tutorial!

[@ShawnMartinNCBIRDMAN]

@grapeknutz you're welcome!! Very annoying when it doesn't work!

[@grapeknutz]

@@ShawnMartinNCBIRDMAN The only trick The only thing that didn't work was the folded paper trick, other than that good video.

[@bward3290]

I have a 2014 Toyota avalon xle and i don’t have a leverage inside . What is the piece called or what does it look like that is not allowing the fuel door to open? Please i cant find it and dealership is looking for $400 to replace

[@ShawnMartinNCBIRDMAN]

@bward3290 it sounds like the solenoid button inside the fuel door that releases whne you push the button on the dash or key fob isnt isn't releasing properly. It could just need a spritz of WD40 to get the button moving if it's dirty and sticking. If you can't hear it click at all trying to open the gas door with the button maybe the fuse for that is blown. I'm not sure what fuse it is though. I'm not sure what would be $400 though, I'd like to see their quote sheet. Maybe you can reply with what they specifically said is gonna be $400.

[@bward3290]

@@ShawnMartinNCBIRDMAN yes is there an email i can send that to you because its not opening again and now i have to act fast. I’m in Illinois it’s winter and i need access to get fuel without running into this issue

[@ShawnMartinNCBIRDMAN]

@@bward3290 the all caps part of my RUclips channel name at Gmail dot com

[@bward3290]

@@ShawnMartinNCBIRDMAN i just emailed you