[Nick]

For some weeks now my charge port door has reached the condition of never opening without physical persuasion - typically using the remote to open it with a finger nail under the edge to lift it open. Today I had a closer look.

I had always assumed that the black hinge and water seal were the same part, but no, they are two different parts simply clipped together.

Initially I simply removed the seal, and it worked fine opening a dozen times without issue, however I was concerned about water ingress if I left the seal off.

So I clipped the seal back on and it still works. A dozen times now. Faultlessly.

I'm wondering if the seal was simply never clipped into place properly.

 

[RickMGoldie]

It was subject to a design change - get it swapped by your dealer and it won't stick again.

 

[jonsel]

Mine was 'fixed' by the dealer twice - just started sticking again. Quite annoying but not end of the world. Still can't understand how they could fail with the design given we have been successfully using petrol flaps for at least 30 years

 

[Nick]

Mine was 'fixed' by the dealer twice - just started sticking again. Quite annoying but not end of the world. Still can't understand how they could fail with the design given we have been successfully using petrol flaps for at least 30 years

I think the problem here is the seal that stops water getting into the vehicle electrical inlet. Make it too good a fit and the spring doesn't have enough force to open the flap, make it too loose a fit (or remove it) and it'll open every time but with the risk of water in the electrical inlet it might not charge.

 

[hopbackguy]

I think the problem here is the seal that stops water getting into the vehicle electrical inlet. Make it too good a fit and the spring doesn't have enough force to open the flap, make it too loose a fit (or remove it) and it'll open every time but with the risk of water in the electrical inlet it might not charge.

Yes, I agree @Nick , that's been my suspicion too. Mine doesn't stick during spring and summer generally, and during autumn and winter I've just got into the routine every week or two of wiping a little silicone spray round the inside of the rubber seal on the port door, and wiping the socket itself.

 

[RickMGoldie]

Mine used to be just like that, and I fitted foam tape to the hinge as described by someone on the Volt forums which worked but my dealer (go Vauxhall, Wimbledon) changed the whole assembly on the last visit. It now opens with a twang all weathers. It is less damped and I think the spring is stronger. Ask for the new design as a replacement.

 

[d_korman]

My charge port hasn't stuck since they garage did something to it when it had its annual service in April.

 

[Russ]

It amazes me that the car is full of really clever ideas yet the charge socket isn't angled down to ensure water naturally flows out.
Simple but effective. It would only need to be a slight angle.

 

[hopbackguy]

It amazes me that the car is full of really clever ideas yet the charge socket isn't angled down to ensure water naturally flows out.
Simple but effective. It would only need to be a slight angle.

Weeelll...... the side of the car with the charge port door is pretty vertical, so the door opens horizontally, and the door has that rubber cup on it that closes over the end of the socket. So if the socket was angled downward.... it wouldn't shut right?

 

[Russ]

Seals can leak if the car was parked on a sideways incline with the current design.

Anyway it would only require an angled seal on the door to seal the socket face if the socket was angled down.
Simples!

 

[daved]

Mine was supplied new with the door rubber plastered in white grease. It opens quite forcefully as well.

 

[RickMGoldie]

My new one ( 7 months ago) has now started to go the way of its predecessor, sluggish opening and manual picking required.) I think I'll fit the foam pad fix again like I did with the first one. I saw it on the GM volt forum and I'll post a photo here too once I've done it. There was me thinking the replacement was an improved design, but no! It was just new.

 

[toms]

Mine was supplied new with the door rubber plastered in white grease. It opens quite forcefully as well.

Mine came like that as well...

 

[Robbiemc]

Mine is struggling to open in the last few days. As I've only had it for two months I'm a little disappointed that mine doesn't appear to have the updated mechanism fitted. I'll try the silicon spray as I have some of that in the house.

 

[Nick Goldman]

Mine used to be just like that, and I fitted foam tape to the hinge as described by someone on the Volt forums which worked but my dealer (go Vauxhall, Wimbledon) changed the whole assembly on the last visit. It now opens with a twang all weathers. It is less damped and I think the spring is stronger. Ask for the new design as a replacement.

Could you post a picture of what you've done with foam tape, sounds like something I might try.

 

[DavidEJM]

I find that the rubber cover folds over sometimes, effectively jamming itself against the side of the socket and then making the door refuse to open without intervention. I believe that the rubber cover is a little too long on the hinge side causing it to catch when closing. If it continues to be an issue I will mention it at the service. it might be possible to adjust it out or trim the rubber back though im not keen on doing that with such a new car!

 

[daved]

I find that the rubber cover folds over sometimes, effectively jamming itself against the side of the socket and then making the door refuse to open without intervention. I believe that the rubber cover is a little too long on the hinge side causing it to catch when closing. If it continues to be an issue I will mention it at the service. it might be possible to adjust it out or trim the rubber back though im not keen on doing that with such a new car!

Mine has done this since new but I always push the door gently sideways towards the hinge and make sure I see the rubber pass over the outside of the charge port before hinging the door fully home.

 

[Brooktop]

Mine doesn't open in this weather. To be honest, it's no big deal. May even be better if I've got the kids. I fear they may not watch where they're walking and bang straight into it.

 

[RickMGoldie]

Could you post a picture of what you've done with foam tape, sounds like something I might try.

I will as soon as I find what I did with the double sided sticky tape and re-do the bodge! Maybe this weekend. Mine never opens on its own again now...

 

[RickMGoldie]

Here's the bodge...

The tape is double-sided sticky, and I trimmed it a little around the centre housing, then pushed a square pice of low density foam from left over packing materials onto it. It pushes against the silvery frame part, so gives the initial release a bit of help.
And the result:-