Mains charging port flap won't open.

[BuieBodach]

OK, a quick question anyone with a California can answer, but I can't as I've not done this before on the older T5 I bought. I can't lift the flap covering the hookup port on the side of the van - is there a catch to release or something I'm not seeing? It may just be stiff but I don't want to apply force in case I break something which could have been avoided if I'd only known! It's maybe just short of a bit of WD40...

Thanks!

 

[flying banana]

Just grab it at the bottom and pull it. It's better when they're stiff so they dont open in the wind when driving

 

[rod_vw]

If you do damage it beyond repair then the caravan trade sell a unit that is a 99% identical replacement, I've used them in the California fitment in my self builds.
This is an example https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/240v-compact-flush-mounted-inlet-plug-black.html
Probably a lot cheaper than going to VW for the same thing!

 

[Wildcamper]

Pour some hot, not boiling, water over it - give it a good drenching - then try. This should warm the plastic and make it a bit softer.

 

[WelshGas]

OK, a quick question anyone with a California can answer, but I can't as I've not done this before on the older T5 I bought. I can't lift the flap covering the hookup port on the side of the van - is there a catch to release or something I'm not seeing? It may just be stiff but I don't want to apply force in case I break something which could have been avoided if I'd only known! It's maybe just short of a bit of WD40...

Thanks!

The flap has 2 moulded clips on the bottom edge, on the outer edge. Use 2 hands on the bottom corners rather than pulling in the centre of the bottom edge.