Charging port flap not opening

[GaryMiller]

Our MG4 has decided that it doesn't want the charging port flap to open - I've seen that this can be an issue in cold weather but as we're currently at around 34°C here in Devon, I don't think that is the cause. I've tried the emergency cable in the boot (although I realise that this is to release a jammed charger), lubed around and into the flap, tried gently pressure with a plastic device and turned the car off and on again without success.
Am I right in thinking that the catch on the flap is a purely mechanical and not linked to the electrical system? Would disconnecting the 12V battery for a time make any difference (it's showing 14.8V at the moment so looks healthy).
The car is down to 50% at the moment and we'd like to get it back to a more healthy level.
Any help gratefully received.

 

[webhiker]

The flap is sort of, not purely mechanical, as it is also being locked by the central locking system

 

[Bricktop X PWR]

Our MG4 has decided that it doesn't want the charging port flap to open - I've seen that this can be an issue in cold weather but as we're currently at around 34C here in Devon, I don't think that is the cause. I've tried the emergency cable in the boot (although I realise that this is to release a jammed charger), lubed around and into the flap, tried gently pressure with a plastic device and turned the car off and on again without success.
Am I right in thinking that the catch on the flap is a purely mechanical and not linked to the electrical system? Would disconnecting the 12v battery for a time make any difference (it's showing 14.8v at the moment so looks healthy).
The car is down to 50% at the moment and we'd like to get it back to a more healthy level.
Any help gratefully received.

Give it a short sharp thump with a closed fist.

If it opens? use some WD40 Silicone spray liberally on the latching mechanism.

Mine used to stay shut for a past time, until I applied the WD40.

If yours refuses to open I fear something more mechanical will be going on.

Don't be shy when hitting it.

 

[GaryMiller]

Thanks for the responses. The problem has resolved itself as I eventually got around to binding the MG app to the car - I saw that there was an icon marked "charging" and activated it, there was a click and the flap popped open.
Slightly roundabout way of fixing it, but problem solved (for now?)

 

[DaevM]

Thanks for the responses. The problem has resolved itself as I eventually got around to binding the MG app to the car - I saw that there was an icon marked "charging" and activated it, there was a click and the flap popped open.
Slightly roundabout way of fixing it, but problem solved (for now?)

This is worth pinning somewhere ?

 

[siteguru]

I'm going to guess that pressing on Start Charging on the car screen may do the same thing.

 

[GaryMiller]

Not sure about pinning this - well above my pay grade - if someone else has the brains to do this, then feel free.......................

 

[TerryN]

Does the charging port flap really pop open on it's own (without user touching it) on the MG4 (SE SR)? I have never seen that happen.

 

[Coulomb]

Does the charging port flap really pop open on it's own (without user touching it) on the MG4

Possibly only after the emergency release is operated, and it was being held closed by the app.

Seems like the emergency release isn't very useful if the app can somehow thwart it.

My wild guess is that it was mechanically stuck somehow, and the various attempts to open the flap nearly but not quite succeeded. Then whatever the app did finally got it unstuck.

 

[siteguru]

What emergency release? The one inside the boot is for releasing the plug not the flap.

 

[OriginalBigAl]

34c after rain, might cause some humidity on the electrical connections including where its earthed, should dry out naturally but if possible worth a look and a quick spray of WD 40.

 

[tsedge]

The flap can be locked electronically but it does not have an electronic opener. Usually stuck flaps are a mechanical problem due to dirt or ice build up, clearly not the latter in this case!

It is best to keep it lubricated as if it does get stuck, current only fix is for the dealer to rip it off and fit a new one, which may also damage the locking mechanism, leading to potentially lengthy parts delays and inconvenience.

 

[DaevM]

The flap can be locked electronically but it does not have an electronic opener. Usually stuck flaps are a mechanical problem due to dirt or ice build up, clearly not the latter in this case!

It is best to keep it lubricated as if it does get stuck, current only fix is for the dealer to rip it off and fit a new one, which may also damage the locking mechanism, leading to potentially lengthy parts delays and inconvenience.

I dunno, they can put a man on the moon ( probably ) .... ?

 

[tsedge]

I dunno, they can put a man on the moon ( probably ) .... ?

Yes, should be easier but several people have reported dealers ripping it off forcibly. There must be a better way...