Charge flap failure - needs protective boot

[Tabletop]

The charge port flap on our 32 month old ID3 failed recently, it stuck closed. I tried all the tips from the forum without success, and used VW assist get car to dealer for replacement actuator. I have the old actuator and have taken it apart to determine cause of failure, which was water ingress. The rubber seal around the rotating pin is not up to the job of keeping water out long term. I suspect that for some people (me), the solenoid fails and no amount of standing on one leg and facing east will release the flap, and for others it’s the mechanicals of the actuator which stick and they are the ones who manage to get it to open with double click shenanigans.

The garage informed me there are no modifications to the new actuator, and so I want to take precautions - it would be a real PITA if the thing failed whilst out and about rather than at home, as it did for us. I think the water ingress must occur when the car is on charge in heavy rain. We charge our car overnight outside the house, so the flap is open with cable plugged in overnight maybe three nights a week. I’m going to fit one of these magnetic boots to protect the charge flap when it’s plugged in at home. Thought I’d put this up here so others can take precautions if they feel so inclined.

[Scratch]

The charge port flap on our 32 month old ID3 failed recently, it stuck closed. I tried all the tips from the forum without success, and used VW assist get car to dealer for replacement actuator. I have the old actuator and have taken it apart to determine cause of failure, which was water ingress. The rubber seal around the rotating pin is not up to the job of keeping water out long term. I suspect that for some people (me), the solenoid fails and no amount of standing on one leg and facing east will release the flap, and for others it’s the mechanicals of the actuator which stick and they are the ones who manage to get it to open with double click shenanigans.

The garage informed me there are no modifications to the new actuator, and so I want to take precautions - it would be a real PITA if the thing failed whilst out and about rather than at home, as it did for us. I think the water ingress must occur when the car is on charge in heavy rain. We charge our car overnight outside the house, so the flap is open with cable plugged in overnight maybe three nights a week. I’m going to fit one of these magnetic boots to protect the charge flap when it’s plugged in at home. Thought I’d put this up here so others can take precautions if they feel so inclined.

Did you mean to post a picture? I can’t see anything.

[Tabletop]

No picture intended, sorry. Can do if you would like.

[Connolly]

Skoda do a charging port cover for precisely this problem. You will find it under the Skoda Enyaq accessories. Don't know if the charging port outer dimensions are the same size as the ID3. I have the same problem with water ingress on charging over on a rainy night- would be a good fix if it fitted.

[durhamlad]

Good info, where can one buy a protective boot like you describe?

[MotMot]

Have a look on Google.
£20.
But the charging ports are different.

[roybosh]

Good info, where can one buy a protective boot like you describe?

Google id3 waterproof charge port boot

[durhamlad]

Thanks guys, think I’ll get myself a rain cover.

[MotMot]

Might be cheaper/easier to buy a can of spray silicone grease for a fiver and squirt a bit on the rod that sticks out every few weeks..

[pr1970]

My charging flap has recently gone the same way, it's a 3 year old car but only a month in my hands. have bought a magnetic cover from amazon, but obviously didn't help and sods law took over and mine failed. have it booked into VW this week, I can only assume its the solenoid thats gone .Cant hear any clicking sounds when I unlock the car near the charging flap. Annoying!

[mr-entropia]

My flap locking actuator is sticking every now and then. Last winter it was stuck for good and I only managed to pop it open once I thawed the car in a warm parking garage first. My car is getting a new charging socket assembly so I'll ask them to replace the actuator at the same time. It's not too hard to do judging by VW workshop manual, but the cover of the charge port needs to be removed and VW manual says it can't be done without damaging it. One-time use part...

[shire-dweller]

Might be cheaper/easier to buy a can of spray silicone grease for a fiver and squirt a bit on the rod that sticks out every few weeks..

I have not had any of the charge flap/pin/rod/solenoid issues yet, but I have preventively taken MotMot’s advice — thanks! — and started spraying WD-40 Silicone on the plastic rod once a month. I have not really tried a boot cover as I thought it might be unwieldy and get blown away in a windy day. Fingers crossed it will be enough to cope with the Yorkshire weather!

[MotMot]

Good luck! I too am preventatively applying and hoping nothing happens!!

Btw, I found you can get a small pot of silicone grease for lubricating shower doors at a diy shop. It’s about the size of a lip balm tin - and whilst a bit messier to apply than a spray is easier to tuck in a car cubby hole.

[Mo1]

Was reading reviews recently on applying this and a good recommendation was to use a cotton bud.

[StewartManley]

I'll let you know how useful this is when it arrives.

https://protonord.eu/products/vw-id3-we ... rging-port

[Idee3]

That snow cover looks very nice, I'll be interested to see what you think, I don't like the fabric boots but not sure I want to invest £30 in the cover...

My current solution is using a starter case from a strip light, which fits like a glove!

[durhamlad]

That snow cover looks very nice, I'll be interested to see what you think, I don't like the fabric boots but not sure I want to invest £30 in the cover...

My current solution is using a starter case from a strip light, which fits like a glove!

Nice solution!!

[TimF]

That snow cover looks very nice, I'll be interested to see what you think, I don't like the fabric boots but not sure I want to invest £30 in the cover...

My current solution is using a starter case from a strip light, which fits like a glove!

Thanks for that tip - works a treat.

[Jamh2000]

I've had massive problems with this - repeated failure. Got the fabric boot and use it all the time but the thing has jut gone again. I can't tell you how much I detest spending £1k plus per year on a car energy flap. Why can't it just be non-mechanised if it's going to break all the time.

[steviebabes]

Not had any problems with this but I do use silicone grease on the actuator. I also push it in while charging. Why does it need to lock anyway? You cant steal electricity.