FUEL FILLER DOOR ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRAL KICK-OUT SPRING

A release mechanism for use with fuel filler door latch systems that provides superior control of door movement during the entire service life of the motor vehicle. The biasing mechanism of the present invention includes a kick-out spring that acts directly against the striker bar. As such, the kick-out spring is not exposed to overstressing and does not cause undue wear of the automobile body. The k ick- out spring is a leaf spring having a first end that is secured to the housin g, an intermediate section routed between posts extending outwardly from the housi ng, and a cantilevered second end that is oriented to be engaged and resiliently deflected by the striker bar when the fuel filler door is moved toward its c losed position. In the closed position, the striker bar forcibly biases the second end of the kick-out spring to a defected position. Upon release of the striker bar, the kick-out spring acts on the striker bar for urging the fuel filler door to its open p osition, thereby permitting the kick-out spring to return to its non-deflected positi on.