Charging flap lock pin fell off

[SimonMG5]

Stopped at a charger earlier, opened charge flap and the pin that holds it locked just fell on floor. It doesn't obviously look like it's snapped but if I push it back in it will click down and hold but doesn't rotate so assume it won't lock and if I press it in again it just falls out. Am on holiday in France so don't fancy closing door with it in incase can't open it again. Door seems to stay shut without it but obviously won't lock. Anyone had similar?

This is on a facelift model

 

[5teep]

Not seen that before, I suppose you could tape it shut for now and try to get it fixed when you get home?

 

[slmorgan42]

Hard to tell from pics but would it be possible to superglue ?

 

[SimonMG5]

I don't think so, I think this pin rotates to lock the door so needs a bit of strength in it. Pretty thin bit of plastic where snapped

 

[M44LCY]

I have an issue with the charge flap lock occasionally not releasing. It's due for a service soon and it'll hopefully be investigated and maybe a new solenoid fitted. In the meantime, I removed the pin. The flap snaps shut and hasn't been a problem. Security? I don't see a case where anyone would try to get in to the charge port. What would they do - steal the rubber stoppers?

I might just keep the pin in the glove box over the long term.

 

[SimonMG5]

I have an issue with the charge flap lock occasionally not releasing. It's due for a service soon and it'll hopefully be investigated and maybe a new solenoid fitted. In the meantime, I removed the pin. The flap snaps shut and hasn't been a problem. Security? I don't see a case where anyone would try to get in to the charge port. What would they do - steal the rubber stoppers?

I might just keep the pin in the glove box over the long term.

Would you mind taking a photo of the pin? Is yours a facelift?

 

[M44LCY]

Would you mind taking a photo of the pin? Is yours a facelift?

Yes, it's a facelift version. I can't take a photo right now - my wife has taken it to York for a week. I would imagine that all facelift versions have the same pin.

The basic principle (as I'm sure you know) is that the plastic pin goes into a fitting next to the charge socket. When the car is locked, a solenoid is activated, and this grips the pin. When the car is unlocked, the pin is released. All it seems to do is hold the charge flap closed.

Since removing the pin after the solenoid started behaving erratically, I haven't had any issues. In fact, I find it more convenient and, even if the solenoid is replaced at service time, I'll probably continue to use it without the pin.

 

[SimonMG5]

So when the flap is open, is the pin(bit that fell off mine) in the flap or fixed next to the charge point , I can't remember and assumed it was fixed into charge point, maybe I've got it wrong way round and it needs fixing into flap and hasn't actually snapped.

 

[M44LCY]

The pin is fitted to the flap. It's within a rubbery sleeve, which slips over the base of the pin. In the picture, you can see it at the top left of the flap. The pin fits into a hole in the flap - it’s a bayonet fitting, so rotate it clockwise until it locks. If the sleeve and pin are still joined, I'd say it hasn't broken.

The 'female' component can be seen in the port, above the charge progress lights.

It's quite possible that the pin had come out of the flap That was the case for mine; I didn't know it was removable until it fell to the ground. Like you, I thought it was broken until I played about and figured it out.

 

[SimonMG5]

Thanks for that, when it fell out I was rushing to get a quick charge in on way to car Ferry back from France with 2 kids in the back winding each other up(!) so didn't really look at it much at the time, but that photo has helped. I was thinking it was fixed the side hence thinking it had snapped, makes more sense the other way and ill see if I can get it refitted in daylight. Thank you!

 

[M44LCY]

So when the flap is open, is the pin(bit that fell off mine) in the flap or fixed next to the charge point , I can't remember and assumed it was fixed into charge point, maybe I've got it wrong way round and it needs fixing into flap and hasn't actually snapped.

Looking at your picture of the pin, I can see what (from memory) looks like the bayonet fitting a the bottom of the sleeve. I'm pretty certain that if you try fitting it to the cover once again, it should fit. Push it n and turn it.

But the important thing is that you don't need the pin to be in place. The charge flap is, as you found, spring loaded to stay closed. I'd say to enjoy being in France. If you want it refitted, and can't do it yourself, or if it IS broken, have it seen to when you get home.

 

[SimonMG5]

Thanks for that, when it fell out I was rushing to get a quick charge in on way to car Ferry back from France with 2 kids in the back winding each other up(!) so didn't really look at it much at the time, but that photo has helped.i didn't want to try refitting incase it got the flap stuck but I was thinking it was fixed the charger side hence thinking it had snapped, makes more sense the other way and ill see if I can get it refitted in daylight.

 

[widziu]

Face lift owner here too. Same component but different issue here. On Friday after a day of driving I wanted to connect to charging point. To my big surprise the charging port flap didn't open when pushed. Tried to open and shut vehicle several times but it didn't help. No usual sound of flap unlocking. The car open and shuts itself without any problem both through the key and handle button. MG5 doesn't have manual charging port flap release option, so booked it in with the dealer. Apparently they have not come across similar issue before. The MG Assistance offered forcing it open, however this could cause some damage. Anyone had similar issue?

 

[johnnyg]

James and Kate you tube channel (Cleevleys Garage) have several reviews on the PFL 5. The first fault they encountered was the failing flap locking pin. James did say that there was only a short warranty for this item. Not sure how or if it was resolved. As a result of that video I now regularly clean and lubricate the pin and I operate it with kid gloves on.

 

[M44LCY]

Face lift owner here too. Same component but different issue here. On Friday after a day of driving I wanted to connect to charging point. To my big surprise the charging port flap didn't open when pushed. Tried to open and shut vehicle several times but it didn't help. No usual sound of flap unlocking. The car open and shuts itself without any problem both through the key and handle button. MG5 doesn't have manual charging port flap release option, so booked it in with the dealer. Apparently they have not come across similar issue before. The MG Assistance offered forcing it open, however this could cause some damage. Anyone had similar issue?

It happened to my facelift several times. It was the solenoid failing to operate - you should hear a click/motor drive but nothing was happening. I found that if you just kept locking & unlocking via the key, it would eventually work.

My solution was to just remove the issue altogether by removing the locking pin. Grip it and rotate counter-clockwise and the bayonet fitting releases. The flap is held shut by a spring or cam so there hasn't been an issue with the flap flying open, and the charge port area remains dry. (Pre-Facelift versions might need a bit of tape to hold the flap closed - the "James & Kate" video mentioned previously shows this.)

When my car goes for a service, I'll ask them to check it out and hopefully they'll fix it. If not, I don't mind doing without the lock. If nothing else, not having to lock/unlock makes charging just a tiny bit easier.

 

[Caramaddy]

This information is so useful to other owners - it us what these forums are all about - helping people enjoy their MG.

 

[CanyonReveller]

James and Kate you tube channel (Cleevleys Garage) have several reviews on the PFL 5. The first fault they encountered was the failing flap locking pin. James did say that there was only a short warranty for this item. Not sure how or if it was resolved. As a result of that video I now regularly clean and lubricate the pin and I operate it with kid gloves on.

What lube do you use and how do you apply it?

 

[Pebblefeline]

Replacing the whole flap unit is an hours work. (Had to do it after the deer incident) a brand new charging sport including actuator cost me about 50 quid new from eBay

 

[Caramaddy]

Replacing the whole flap unit is an hours work. (Had to do it after the deer incident) a brand new charging sport including actuator cost me about 50 quid new from eBay

That is much less than I would have guessed. Thanks!

 

[johnnyg]

What lube do you use and how do you apply it?

I use silicone spay on the pin shaft and a dab of general car grease on the hole that the pin enters on the flap. I repeat this when it looks like it needs replenishing.