If the flap lock has failed you will need to break the solenoid as mentioned by the poster above.
The cable in the boot is to release the charger if it gets stuck after you’ve plugged it in.
Couple of things
Thanks for the response, I did understand that the cable is for the charging cable rather then the flap. Incredibly poor design.
Anyone have any guidance on how to break the solenoid....is it just a case of applying brute or is there a particular procedure to adopt?
Anyone have any guidance on how to break the solenoid....is it just a case of applying brute or is there a particular procedure to adopt?
If the flap is like my S3 then if you slightly lever the flap from back end of the car and look about 1 inch up from the bottom of the flap, you will see a slot, put a thin screwdriver in there and pull the painted flap cover towards you (DONT drop it, or you'll be even more upset).
Then you should be able to see where the solenoid latches to the black plastic, just break the tabs off in there with some snips.
The other thing you can try is put some pressure on the flap whilst locking and unlocking the car a few times and see if the solenoid releases before doing the above. If it does release, it will fail again so cut the tabs off the solenoid.
I wouldn't bother replacing it if it were me, if someone is determined to break into it, the lock wont do a lot to stop someone. What would they even do in there? Even the petrol models have an anti-siphon tank
Then you should be able to see where the solenoid latches to the black plastic, just break the tabs off in there with some snips.
The other thing you can try is put some pressure on the flap whilst locking and unlocking the car a few times and see if the solenoid releases before doing the above. If it does release, it will fail again so cut the tabs off the solenoid.
I wouldn't bother replacing it if it were me, if someone is determined to break into it, the lock wont do a lot to stop someone. What would they even do in there? Even the petrol models have an anti-siphon tank
Tried to force it myself but was concerned that I might cause damage so I went to my local dealer. An engineer managed to break the lock - not wthout some challenges....as you saw it functions well with out the lock. I will however get the solenoid replaced - very poor design and obviously a regularly occuring issue....the dealer obviously has a lot of experience of this.
