Charging port lid won't open/electronically release

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JeffT

Member
Joined
Jul 25, 2019
Messages
11
Location
East of Phoenix
The charging port lid no longer opens when triggered either with the key or dash button on my 2016 Leaf. Instead, the three blue oval charging lights on the dash near the windshield blink when activated but the cable release does not move and therefore the lid remains closed.

After taking off a cover in the hood, I figured out a way to finagle my hand in there to barely manage to manually release it.

After charging the car, I took it to the dealer and was quoted $775 to fix this problem. The dealer gave me a list of two parts their Leaf expert stated that needed to be replaced: a charging port door actuator and a cable charge port lid lock control. I ordered these parts and ten days later they arrived. I made arrangements with the Nissan Dealer repair shop in Chandler AZ to repair this and dropped the car there for the second time.

After having the vehicle in their possession for two days this time, they contacted me stating that these parts would not resolve the problem. This was after their own Leaf specialist inspected the vehicle and provided the diagnosis and the parts list. The service advisor then stated that the new cost to repair this port release door would be $1181.66 plus tax and labor… basically doubling the cost of the initial diagnosis. This was awfully expensive proposition just to open a lid.

So, I am a bit frustrated with this situation and wondering if anyone else has had to contend with this issue. If so, and if you were successful, what was the solution implemented to remedy this problem?

I would also welcome any viable recommendations to get this issue resolved.
 
The port lid opener switch in the dash signals the VCM which in turn operates the port lid opener relay that powers the port lid actuator to release the lid.

So assuming the VCM isn't at fault that leaves the switch/relay/actuator or wiring at fault.
What parts are included in the new diagnosis?
 
If the new estimate involves different parts, insist on them replacing your old ones and crediting you for the cost - labor included. They are responsible for their work, despite what they would have you think.
 
cje said:
The port lid opener switch in the dash signals the VCM which in turn operates the port lid opener relay that powers the port lid actuator to release the lid.

So assuming the VCM isn't at fault that leaves the switch/relay/actuator or wiring at fault.
What parts are included in the new diagnosis?

They didn't provide a parts list this time, the service advisor just showed me a diagram of a part when I arrived to pick up the car.
Perhaps its the relay that you mentioned.

Ironically, the Leaf "expert" was not there the four times I was in the repair and parts department, just the service advisor, even though the advisor noted that the "Leaf guy" would be the one to go over the details. Never occurred. The whole ordeal did not seem professional in their approach and especially in the outcome.
 
Doubtful that all the parts are needed. May be that the diagnosis isn't very accurate.
Try to confer with the present Leaf tech or another if possible.
Let us know how it goes.
 
cje mentioned:

The port lid opener switch in the dash signals the VCM which in turn operates the port lid opener relay that powers the port lid actuator to release the lid.

It should be easy enough to check the relay and actuator by running some wire directly from the 12v battery to the relay. Any competent mechanic should be able to diagnose that, to pinpoint the root cause.

If the VCM isn't sending a signal to the relay, there's probably an OBD2 fault code.

If they say the VCM needs to be replaced, I would just run wire between the switch on the dash and the relay, bypassing the stock system. At the end of the day, it's a charge port latch - there should be zero risk in putting in a bypass...
 
I’m having almost the same problem. Pressing my interior button makes all the right solenoid and lid release noises. However the door remains closed. Pressing the remote lid release on the key FOB makes the same noises but the lid actually opens. What’s up with that?
 
That is odd. Maybe there is some feedback switch used for the inside switch that stops the process when it signals the door is open while the FOB is 'open loop'. That's a wild guess but there must be something different in how the two modes operate. I'd try cleaning and lubing all contacts and switches in the door area. Especially any push-pin type switches that would indicate the door is open/closed.

You might also want to look into adding a manual release cord in case things get worse. I think I remember reading about someone who did that here on MNL previously.
 
LeftieBiker said:
If the new estimate involves different parts, insist on them replacing your old ones and crediting you for the cost - labor included. They are responsible for their work, despite what they would have you think.

1+
 
I got into a minor fender bender. Now the charging port lid seems to be stuck shut. Any way to wedge it open somehow from behind? Or do I have to take the whole front bumper off.

2019 Leaf SV
 
bkleaf said:
I got into a minor fender bender. Now the charging port lid seems to be stuck shut. Any way to wedge it open somehow from behind? Or do I have to take the whole front bumper off.

2019 Leaf SV
Try pressing down on the charging port door while pushing the release button on the fob.
 
GerryAZ said:
bkleaf said:
I got into a minor fender bender. Now the charging port lid seems to be stuck shut. Any way to wedge it open somehow from behind? Or do I have to take the whole front bumper off.

2019 Leaf SV
Try pressing down on the charging port door while pushing the release button on the fob.

If that doesn't work, then try a more manual approach:
1. Open the hood and look at the area behind the charge port for a small manual lever.
2. Use a flat head screwdriver to move the lever in the direction of the arrow shown by the lever.
Moving the lever should unlock the charge port lid.
 
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