When the fuel door on your 1999 Toyota Camry will not open the spring that is located inside the fuel door probably broke. Pulling the fuel door release lever and only hearing a "ping" sound is a giveaway that the spring is broken or missing. You can fix the fuel door on a 1999 Camry by first ordering a new fuel door spring from Toyota or an auto parts store.
Pull the gas or fuel door release lever inside the vehicle. Insert a towel, cloth or some other object to keep the lever open.
Go to the location of the fuel door on the side of the vehicle. Insert the end of a flat blade screwdriver or a credit card into the gap. Pry up to open the fuel door manually.
Examine the inside of the fuel door and see if the metal clip is missing or broken. The metal clip is located near the back edge of the door by the hinges.
Pry out the remaining plastic piece of the spring with the flat head screwdriver. Take the old fuel door spring assembly out of the door and set it aside.
Insert the new spring assembly into place and make sure the open part of the spring is facing the front of the vehicle. Remove the cloth or object that is holding the release lever and close the fuel door.
Go back into the vehicle and pull the lever to see if the fuel door will now open.
