Charging port cover not closing

[Padaung]

Hi Folks, has anyone else had the following problem and found a solution to it?

The charging port is not closing on my 2021 MG5 (ie the flap does not 'click' shut). The pin that appears to have the lock mechanism does not reliably spring out and turn, so I'm assuming that is the problem. I've tried applying WD40 to clean it and then some bike chain oil to lubricate it, but with no success so far.

The times I have managed to get it to shut, it has then been tricky to open later on. I had to use a flat head screwdriver last night to help ping it open.

This video shows the problem:


Many thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[MickeySw]

The pin that appears to have the lock mechanism does not reliably spring out and turn, so I'm assuming that is the problem.

Correct, it’s the turning mechanism that locks it in place, some folks have taken the pin out altogether as it has a tendency to freeze up in cold weather, flap still closes.

Should be a warranty claim, seemingly the whole front bumper and trim needs to come off to access the mechanism.

 

[Alb]

How long has it been like this?

 

[Padaung]

Should be a warranty claim

Unfortunately our car is now out of warranty due to its mileage. Whole bumper section needing to come off is insanely frustrating and ill considered by MG imo.

How long

This started about 10 days ago.

 

[Padaung]

Problem solved. When the car is locked, the charging cover also still locks.

 

[ALANB]

Not uncommon it seems...see this video

 

[Padaung]

Problem solved.

After a couple of months the Velcro had filled up with road gunk so wasn't holding too well. In addition, the force required to pull the Velcro apart caused the sticky tape on the back to come away from the car body (likely PP plastic , which most glues bond poorly with).

So repair no. 2. This time with A-B magnets, this 1m roll cost less than £10, and I removed the pre-applied double sided tape and attached them with the 'All plastics' super glue (the small print of most superglue says it won't work on PP plastic, whereas this 'All plastic' glue does work with PP). Also, obviously make sure to clean the plastic where you'll be sticking the magnets as well as possible.

In addition, my previous solution used a piece of gaffer tape to open the port cover, but that also came free after a while.

It turns out it is very easy to take the MG badge off the cover and I was able to attach a cable tie (the photo of the inside of the flap shows how it is attached), and after a tiny bit of filing to make a notch at the side, the tie sits nicely out of the side and is securely attached this time. Another step up would be to use a black cable tie, it would be very discreet then when the cover is closed.

The magnets are working well, as is the cable tie. It also looks far smarter than my previous solution. The cover still locks when the car is locked.

Sharing in case anyone else has this problem.

 

[deviousrich]

looks like mine has succumbed to this same problem where it wont shut / latch closed properly so looks like ill be heading into the shed this coming weekend to find a DIY solution - shame really

 

[jockeydoc]

Problem solved. When the car is locked, the charging cover also still locks.

Excellent idea..... I have a similar issue

After a couple of months the Velcro had filled up with road gunk so wasn't holding too well. In addition, the force required to pull the Velcro apart caused the sticky tape on the back to come away from the car body (likely PP plastic , which most glues bond poorly with).

So repair no. 2. This time with A-B magnets, this 1m roll cost less than £10, and I removed the pre-applied double sided tape and attached them with the 'All plastics' super glue (the small print of most superglue says it won't work on PP plastic, whereas this 'All plastic' glue does work with PP). Also, obviously make sure to clean the plastic where you'll be sticking the magnets as well as possible.

In addition, my previous solution used a piece of gaffer tape to open the port cover, but that also came free after a while.

It turns out it is very easy to take the MG badge off the cover and I was able to attach a cable tie (the photo of the inside of the flap shows how it is attached), and after a tiny bit of filing to make a notch at the side, the tie sits nicely out of the side and is securely attached this time. Another step up would be to use a black cable tie, it would be very discreet then when the cover is closed.

The magnets are working well, as is the cable tie. It also looks far smarter than my previous solution. The cover still locks when the car is locked.

Sharing in case anyone else has this problem.

View attachment 34592View attachment 34593View attachment 34594View attachment 34595

Lovely even better !.... but what is it that actually fails? I have the same problem in that the flap will not stay shut, but the actuator does nicely revolve when pushed in, so can''t work out why it doesn't stay shut. Going to flood it with DW40 to see if that helps !!

 

[Gomev]

Excellent idea..... I have a similar issue


Lovely even better !.... but what is it that actually fails? I have the same problem in that the flap will not stay shut, but the actuator does nicely revolve when pushed in, so can''t work out why it doesn't stay shut. Going to flood it with DW40 to see if that helps !!

I used to know someone else that always called it DW40 despite all best efforts. Remember it stands for Water Displacement.

 

[JohnV6]

And formula 40. Mainly fish oil apparently

 

[Gomev]

And formula 40. Mainly fish oil apparently

From the WD40 website, WD-40 Myths & Fun Facts | Facts About WD-40 Products | WD-40

WHAT A FISH STORY!​

Myth: WD-40 Multi-Use Product contains fish oil.

Fact: Consumers have told us over the years that they have caught some of the biggest fish ever after protecting their fish hooks and lures with WD-40 Multi-Use Product . We believe this legend came from folks assuming that the product must contain fish oil since it appears to attract fish. Sorry Charlie, it just ain’t so.

WD-40 Company has taken steps to respect and conserve the environment, and encourages its users to do the same. While WD-40 Multi-Use Product can be used to help protect fishing equipment from rust and corrosion, WD-40 Company does not recommend using WD-40 Multi-Use Product to attract fish.

 

[jockeydoc]

I used to know someone else that always called it DW40 despite all best efforts. Remember it stands for Water Displacement.

Thank you !!
My dyslexia showing up.... I have a can of WD40 and a reel of "Gaffa tape" at every location !
..as means of update.... at the moment the flap is shut and remained shut after a healthy thump, but now it appears will only open with a similar bit of violence .

 

[deviousrich]

I'm going to try an adaptation of the Padaung post above, but with magnets, as these are cheap at the moment. No idea if it will work but I will report back!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magnet-Expert%C2%AE-25mm-thick-Neodymium/dp/B00TACL9OU?ref_=ast_sto_dp

 

[jockeydoc]

Thank you !!
My dyslexia showing up.... I have a can of WD40 and a reel of "Gaffa tape" at every location !
..as means of update.... at the moment the flap is shut and remained shut after a healthy thump, but now it appears will only open with a similar bit of violence .

I’ll get my son to upload the videos as I’m struggling to post them!

 

[Padaung]

Excellent idea..... I have a similar issue


Lovely even better !.... but what is it that actually fails? I have the same problem in that the flap will not stay shut, but the actuator does nicely revolve when pushed in, so can''t work out why it doesn't stay shut. Going to flood it with DW40 to see if that helps !!

On my car it was the locking pin not pushing back out against the charging port flap with sufficient force. Once pushed in, it would then reemerge in a sluggish manner and I didn't get the 'click' telling me it had engaged with the flap to lock it closed.

I tried cleaning it with WD40 and when that didn't help I also applied a little bit of oil. Sadly that didn't help either. I then embarked on my other solutions shown in the earlier posts.

The magnet solution is still holding up strongly btw.

 

[deviousrich]

on mine, i have held off gluing the magnets on - i have found a workaround for mine atleast.

if i pull the pin manually (once the flap is open) by hand to the full extent where the pin can come out to, then when i push the flap closed it "clicks" into place (does need a firm shove to click).

seems to me that the gas/spring in that pin has gone

i've got the magnets and will keep that fix in mind when the workaround stops working at some future point

 

[jockeydoc]

Glad to report WD40 did the trick for me.... (For now)...along with WD40 contact cleaner -... and I do intend to regularly apply as I gather WD40 itself can end up being a bit a bit sticky. Also we will try not to leave it continually "plugged in" even after fully charged, but removed plug and close the flap.

 

[Padaung]

if i pull the pin manually (once the flap is open) by hand to the full extent where the pin can come out to, then when i push the flap closed it "clicks" into place (does need a firm shove to click).

That worked for me too for a short while. Hopefully it will keep working for you for longer than it did for me

 

[Padaung]

Glad to report WD40 did the trick for me.... (For now).

Great news! Long may it continue to work