Opening the battery compartment on the Cannondale Monterra 3

[Rowena]

Hi everyone,

I have difficulty removing the plastic battery cover to access the battery on my Cannondale Monterra 3 ebike.
There is a small plastic dail at the top that feels impossible to turn to the open position.
Does anyone know a trick or the right way to turn this dail to the open position?

Thanks in advance

 

[Gionnirocket]

There may be a key also associated with the battery lock and dial.

 

[Rowena]

Thank you for your reply, and yes there is a key which I turned in the hopes that this might release the dial so that I can turn it to open.
It only released the battery inside the frame but I still can’t turn the dial to open the cover.
I wonder what other people do?

 

[Chazmo]

@stompandgo ??

 

[Gionnirocket]

The way the instructions read there is a latch that you release with your finger at the bottom end of the battery. It's only possible with the key in the unlocked position.

 

[BlackHand]

@Gionnirocket I think that latch is for the battery and is only accessible after the cover is off. It keeps the battery from falling to the ground when you remove the cover or turn the key.
.
@Rowena Is this what your latch looks like? You might try pushing in on the cover/knob to try to relieve some pressure while you turn it.

The latch on my cover is in the same spot, but is a sliding mechanism. Can be real pain if it gets fouled with grit.

 

[Gionnirocket]

I don't own similar... I was just reading the instructions for the bike mentioned.
My Zen has a key and a turn knob to remove the battery. Takes 5 seconds and ever without issue.
ymmv

 

[Rowena]

@Gionnirocket I think that latch is for the battery and is only accessible after the cover is off. It keeps the battery from falling to the ground when you remove the cover or turn the key.
.
@Rowena Is this what your latch looks like? You might try pushing in on the cover/knob to try to relieve some pressure while you turn it.

The latch on my cover is in the same spot, but is a sliding mechanism. Can be real pain if it gets fouled with grit.
View attachment 200393

Thank you for your reply
I tried these suggestions but the cover is super tight and there is no possibility of pushing it inwards.
Eventually I used a rubber mallet to tap the lever down. It’s not something that I’ll do often

 

[Gionnirocket]

Thank you for your reply
I tried these suggestions but the cover is super tight and there is no possibility of pushing it inwards.
Eventually I used a rubber mallet to tap the lever down. It’s not something that I’ll do often

That's Bosch for you. Over_designed/over complex for no reason.
@BlackHand probably has given some good insight on the problem. I'd give everything a good cleaning.

 

[stompandgo]

It sounds like the battery has slipped in it's mount, making the cover difficult to remove. It shouldn't be. Check the alignment of the battery and the latch, and adjust accordingly. Cannondale publishes an owners manual supplement for their e-bikes. Find the one for your Moterra. There should be an exploded diagram inside that shows the battery mounts and the screws used to adjust them.

 

[BlackHand]

Or, if the bike is new(ish) take it to the dealer and ask them to adjust it. It should be snug - you don't want the latch rotating open while you're riding! - but if it is more than finger tight then something is out if adjustment.