So when I hit the gas lid release button it seems to work and want to release, but it won't pop the lid enough so where I can pull it open to get to the gas cap. I can stick something in there and pull the door open (it does release, just doesn't push it open). Any ideas how to fix this myself?

 

Try hitting the button a few times with the door open and not touching the latch. I had the opposite happen. The door would open, but wouldn't close tight. I hit the button a few times with the door open, and that seemed to have fixed the problem.

 

Mine has never"popped open"so to speak.
However,I've never had a problem opening the fuel door.Maybe some graphite lube
would do the trick......

 

if you have a manual look in there for info on the emergency red release handle. it should be behind a little popout in the trunk on the side with the fuel door. maybe pull that to see if it frees the door up.