Charge port door does not open in the cold ?

[Hauser37]

I took a trip 2 weeks ago to Canada and Lake Louise and stopped to charge in Invermere BC to charge. It was about 15f and when i touched the button to open the port in the Drivers side fender and nothing. Fortunately I opened from the inside and it was fine. But this happened twice in 4 days of freezing temps. is there something wrong? I am worried in colder temps below zero that it may not open at all. Anyone had this problem before?

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[Mellowyellow]

Sometimes it gets frozen shut or ice builds up. I just pour some hot water over the whole area and it always opens right up.

 

[sherold]

The fender well "button" is a capacitive sensor. It could have ice/debris frozen over it or, maybe you are attempting to touch it with a glove on?

Once it opens, can you close it with the outside button?

 

[VSG]

It's clearly not frozen if it operates from the inside. It's definitely the capacitive sensor isn't recognizing your finger because you have a glove on (?) or because there is a thin layer of ice or water which is grounding your finger when you touch it. The same way your phone touch screen doesn't work well when it's all wet

When I pull into a charger I just ask alexa to open the charge port door, while I'm unbuckling and getting out of the car. Then it's already open by the time I get there and I don't have to wait or mess with the touch sensor.

 

[VSG]

I just pour some hot water over the whole area

Just use some de-icer spray - far more convenient and it works in seconds. Also useful for other things. But I've never had the charge port door freeze up on me

 

[1stPlace]

I had this issue a while back, regarding the capacitive sensor. Charge port door would not open by touch when it was very cold or very wet. Worked fine when opened via software in vehicle.

Service center "applied silicon lubricant to the charge door port to repel water and prevent freezing inside." I have not had any issue since.

This is likely what is needed if you continue to experience the problem.

 

[COdogman]

Yes, this happens sometimes in bad weather. I've had it happen in winter and once in the rain. If it opened from inside the vehicle or the app it's working fine.

 

[Hauser37]

Thanks everyone. VSG may have it right. not sure but it closes when i touch it but from inside vehicle it works

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