[UK] Motorised charge port half opened itself and now stuck?!

[simonc]

As I was getting in the car to leave for work today I noticed the driverside charge port was about three quarters open. The dashboard had a chargeport impaired error and I couldn't use the central touchscreen charge screen to close it either. I tried using the manual release but it didn't seem to do anything either (presumably because it was already partially open). I had to get to work and it allowed me to drive but now I can't charge as the driverside port that is stuck is not open enough to allow access to the port and the passenger side won't open either as the driverside is not shut. Just wondering if anyone has seen this before?

The really weird thing is that when I checked my driveway camera footage a bit later to see if I just hadn't noticed it being open beforehand it was definitely closed all day and about 3 minutes before I went out to unlock the car the chargeport spontaneously opened itself. The only thing I can think that could have happened around then is picking up my keys, but I don't think I pressed any buttons and besides the buttons on the key shouldn't open the chargeport anyway should they? The camera footage clearly shows the car properly being unlocked a good few minutes later when I actually go out to the car as the wing mirrors then fold out.

I've got Porsche assistance coming out tomorrow to take a look but just wondering if it was something anyone had seen before? A quick search didn't seem to throw up anything!

Sponsored

 

[ciaranob]

Yes - have had this exact same issue happen three times through 2021 - thankfully all at home - had it at dealership (for updates and other) but because they could not replicate it thus never happened - seriously!

I fixed it myself each time by basically using my hand to interrupt the close cycle (a bit heavy handed but it worked) which forces the door to reset and try again - usually took 2-4 interruptions and then it closed!! I initiated each attempt by toggling the end charging button in the port itself.

Seems to me to be a door sensor issue (not charge port itself as some others have had) - now I have to wait for it to recur and document by video to prove to the dealership it actually happens - unreal.

The dash error posted usually says the right DC charge door impaired but what it actually means is that because the left door is stuck open the PCM is telling you that DC charging is now unavailable as it cannot open the right side (DC charge) door.

Very curious to see if your dealership can replicate.

PS: sorry just realized you're UK so possibly DC charge door on opposite side?

 

[simonc]

Yes this is the AC only door that is stuck open. Unfortunately pressing the button on the touchscreen to close the door does nothing so there is no motion to interrupt - it is simply stuck in this semi-open state. I just can't work out why it spontaneously opened itself while the rest of the car was locked though!

 

[ciaranob]

Yes this is the AC only door that is stuck open. Unfortunately pressing the button on the touchscreen to close the door does nothing so there is no motion to interrupt - it is simply stuck in this semi-open state. I just can't work out why it spontaneously opened itself while the rest of the car was locked though!

I was not referring to the touchscreen but the charge disconnect button in the physical charge port on the AC side. That is what restarts a close attempt for me.

 

[simonc]

I was not referring to the touchscreen but the charge disconnect button in the physical charge port on the AC side. That is what restarts a close attempt for me.

Oh ok - I might try that then and see what happens.

 

[FlyingPoint]

It appears that I made the right decision by not specifying that option. It is nice to look at, but not worth the inconvenience when it breaks.

 

[simonc]

Unfortunately tried just pressing the stop charge button just now too but still absolutely no movement of the stuck door - looks like I'll have to wait and see what Porsche Assistance can do tomorrow. Yes don't think I would bother with the motorised charge doors again after this. The sensor can also be quite hit and miss when there is lots of dew too - I had been just using the touchscreen to open the charge doors over the past few weeks.

 

[simonc]

Well unfortunately roadside assistance weren't able to sort it out - they tried some computer diagnostics and fuse resets but no joy, so off to the dealer it will need to go. Interestingly I hadn't picked up on it before but the dash error does indeed say it is the opposite port which is impaired (so on my right hand drive car with the right hand AC port jammed open it reports "left hand AC/DC charge port impaired") - very strange!

 

[dtich]

this is almost.. *almost*, comical how many things they have not sorted out... this car needs a thorough debug pass.

 

[Archimedes]

this is almost.. *almost*, comical how many things they have not sorted out... this car needs a thorough debug pass.

So a few charge port door issues on 100,000 cars sold is unexpected? The gas cap door failed on two of our Audis. Should’ve had ‘em lemoned…

BTW OP, by chance was the fast charging flap down? I got an error and the port door wouldn’t close once when I forgot to close that flap. The error didn’t indicate it was the flap, but that was the culprit.

 

[Fish Fingers]

Don't be too quick to discount the electric charge ports though.

I have the manual ones and during a recent cold snap (-10) the LH catch was frozen after overnight charging and I couldn't get the flap to 'click shut'.

When the car warmed in the sun it started working again, but the same thing happened 3 cold days on the trot.

You couid drive it with the flap slightly ajar ok, but the manual flaps are not very robust imo.

 

[dtich]

So a few charge port door issues on 100,000 cars sold is unexpected? The gas cap door failed on two of our Audis. Should’ve had ‘em lemoned…

BTW OP, by chance was the fast charging flap down? I got an error and the port door wouldn’t close once when I forgot to close that flap. The error didn’t indicate it was the flap, but that was the culprit.

yes. i understand. i am reacting to the overall frequency of component failure and software bugaboos. it's a lot. yes, supply chain, covid.. all of it. i understand.

i'm not porsche-bashing, i love the marque obviously.

i think i lash out because i'm disappointed and scared.

lol. /s. ish.

 

[Dee]

I tried using the manual release but it didn't seem to do anything either (presumably because it was already partially open)

The cord is only to unlock the plug in case of malfunction of the electric locking mechanism.

 

[Stewartt997]

Well unfortunately roadside assistance weren't able to sort it out - they tried some computer diagnostics and fuse resets but no joy, so off to the dealer it will need to go. Interestingly I hadn't picked up on it before but the dash error does indeed say it is the opposite port which is impaired (so on my right hand drive car with the right hand AC port jammed open it reports "left hand AC/DC charge port impaired") - very strange!

I have had some issues with my right AC charger. The dealership told me the left (DC) charger controls both sides of the vehicle, so it could be the problem is actually on the left side and not the right side. Will be interesting to hear.

 

[simonc]

BTW OP, by chance was the fast charging flap down? I got an error and the port door wouldn’t close once when I forgot to close that flap. The error didn’t indicate it was the flap, but that was the culprit.

No the port that is half open is the AC only one - haven't used the fast charge for over a month so the DC flap on the other side has been fully closed all that time.

Sponsored