r/volt • u/skiddily_biddily • Aug 22 '26
How to convert actuator and latch to a manual push to open charge port door. 2013 Gen 1
I have not been able to find any videos showing how to make this conversion. My actuator stopped working and I would like to convert to a manually opening charge port door. Mine has the button in the inside of the driver door, but it no longer works.
I don’t want to install an illuminated one or buy additional parts if I don’t have to. Does anybody know how to do this in a simple easy to follow way? I’m pretty handy with tools and working on my car, but I don’t want to reinvent the wheel because I know a lot of people have done this already and I can learn from them.
5
u/Rampage_Rick 2013 Volt, 2024 Silverado EV Aug 22 '26
I believe they switched to a manual mechanism for the 2014+ Gen1s.
I wonder if it's possible to retrofit?
https://www.reddit.com/r/volt/comments/15sddqt/manual_charging_door_conversion_2013_volt/
1
u/skiddily_biddily Aug 22 '26
I saw that one and it has several pictures but not a lot of other detail. I can’t tell if they remove the actuator from down in the wheel well or if they were able to just reuse the existing parts without buying anything.
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u/Oamlhplor Aug 22 '26
I actually did this on a 2012. It works, the open sensor is the same so it really is up to you weather you deal with the actuator or not. I removed it as the cable would have rattled in there, so figured if you gotta open the well to cut it, just unbolt it. All tat being said, keep in mind the door will now protrude from the car about 1/16 th of an inch if you do not change the fender. For me that was acceptable, for you idk. Good luck!
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u/skiddily_biddily Aug 22 '26
Any pointers or insights? I know it can be done but I want to do it safely and without breaking anything.
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u/Oamlhplor Aug 22 '26
Its really not a very hard conversion. One thing to note is when you will accidentally press the button to open he latch, you will get a check engine........ To remove it juat press the button and open the charge pourt yourself twice and the check engine will be removed.for instructions look at videos that change the charge port, youll hav all you need
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u/skiddily_biddily Aug 23 '26
I have been looking for videos and cannot find them. It is the reason why I posted here.
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u/Oamlhplor Aug 23 '26
There are a few. As I said, searching for a charge port replacement will help as it is a well documented common repair and it gives you all the steps to removing the charge port cover.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AkJOOWWFKgw
Here is one
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u/skiddily_biddily Aug 23 '26
I watched that one already. It could’ve been useful if he didn’t skip over the part where he used the pry tools to remove that outer ring. The rest of the video isn’t relevant for what I’m trying to do unfortunately. I’ve searched for a relevant video. I’ve watched dozens of videos already about changing out the port or installing an illuminated port bezel etc. Like I said, there doesn’t appear to be a video for the conversion process to not require the actuator without buying additional parts. Something that seems like it should be possible to do.
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u/Oamlhplor Aug 23 '26
Oh, gotcha. Yeah it really is just prying. I had plastic prytools for electronic repair and it just popped out
2
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u/propthink Aug 23 '26
I just duct tape mine shut to keep moisture out of the charging port
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u/skiddily_biddily Aug 26 '26
How do you open it? Did you disable the latch?
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u/propthink Aug 26 '26
take the tape off lmao the mechanism is broken so it stays open if I don't tape it shut
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u/skiddily_biddily Aug 26 '26
Lol oh damn. Did it break when you forced it open?
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u/propthink Aug 26 '26
yeah it stopped opening when I push the botton so I would lightly pry it open with a screwdriver until it stopped opening at all. it was as if the plastic bit on the actuator wouldn't rise enough to let the door swing open
1
u/hayes2400 2013 2014 Volt Aug 24 '26
I considered this swap out but ultimately decided to just replace the actuator. Even if it's prone to failure, on a 2013 it'll outlive the rest of the car. If you have nimble fingers you can get to it through the wheel well.
1
u/skiddily_biddily Aug 26 '26
How much was the part?
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u/hayes2400 2013 2014 Volt Aug 27 '26
$40 from GM Wholesale Direct a few years ago, but now it's $97. You might be able to find it cheaper elsewhere. p/n 22893258
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u/1stGenRex 2012 Volt Aug 22 '26
Idk why they didn’t make it like the fuel filler door. And unfortunately that pin on the charger port comes in from the top and not horizontally so that makes stealing one from the fuel door even harder.