The external cover (flap) for my electricity hook up is jammed

[Kirsti]

Here is a motorhome newbie asking a silly question, but here goes:
I took my van to the garage today and managed to unattach the electricity cable OK, but when I returned and tried to reattach it again, the flap would not open. The van is a 1998 Ford Legend. Is it normal for them to get jammed like this? I have tried to prise it open, to no avail. Should I use more force, or perhaps apply a squirt of FD-40?

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

Here is a motorhome newbie asking a silly question, but here goes:
I took my van to the garage today and managed to unattach the electricity cable OK, but when I returned and tried to reattach it again, the flap would not open. The van is a 1998 Ford Legend. Is it normal for them to get jammed like this? I have tried to prise it open, to no avail. Should I use more force, or perhaps apply a squirt of FD-40?

Think we need a picture to asses the situation.

 

[jollyrodger]

Hinge on top?
It's a press fit on the bottom can sometimes be tight

 

[Kirsti]

Yes, hinge on the top.
Ah, this is where I begin to despair: due to disability (hereditary CMT), there is very little power in my hands. Will see if a neighbour could help me in the morning. Or a parcel delivery person/postman.

In the meantime, I don't suppose it will hurt to leave the van for one night not plugged in. Will try again in the morning, and take a picture in the daylight.

Kirsti

 

[jollyrodger]

It shouldn't hurt if your battery(s) is/are good.
There should be a lip on the bottom center of the flip up ,a spoon or something you can grasp ,could maybe help it open by gently but firmly using it to pry open

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Kirsti]

Yay, if at first you don't succeed, try and try again!
The old metal fish slice did the trick.

 

[Spriddler]

Will see if a neighbour could help me in the morning. Or a parcel delivery person/postman.

The old metal fish slice did the trick.

Glad they could help. Nobody likes being threatened with a fish slice.

 

[pandas]

Give it a smack

 

[Kirsti]

Oops, that did sound strange! Sorry!
Anyhow, Guinevere plugged in and happy!

 

[Off da Grid]

You may have got some dirt or grit in the slit that the clip goes into, tooth brush time

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[bigwood]

When we bought our motorhome the dealer was in full flow demonstrating were everything fitted externally. When he came to hook up cover and TV socket he couldn’t open either of them. He broke the hook up cover after trying to pry it open with a key.
We left with a new cover and are very careful not to break it ourself.

 

[Barclaybasher]

Mine is the same - I have to thump it closed or it just flaps about....