Owning an electric vehicle is usually no trouble at all. However, it can be extremely annoying and frustrating when you plug in your car to charge it and nothing happens. The good news is that most common EV charger issues have easy fixes.
The Mystery of the No-Show Spark
If your charger does not even turn on, check your electrical panel. Since charging a car pulls a significant amount of energy, chances are that you have a tripped circuit breaker. This shuts off the power to keep your house safe from danger, such as an electrical fire. See if the switch for your charger has flipped to the “off” or middle position. If it has, reset it once to see if that clears the issue. If the breaker keeps tripping every time you plug in your car, you likely have a bigger problem with your home’s wiring.
Sometimes, the problem is just a loose plug. So, make sure the wall connection is pushed in all the way, fits snugly, and that the handle is clicked firmly into your car’s port.
Decoding the Dreaded Red Lights
Most modern chargers use colored lights to tell you what is wrong. These lights are often coded to specific errors like a ground fault. This means the electricity is trying to escape through a path it has no business taking. A common reason for this is moisture or dirt getting inside the connector. So, you should inspect the plug for any dampness or debris, such as spider webs or dust. If you see a solid red light, try the classic “IT fix” by unplugging everything, waiting for about 60 seconds, and then plugging it back in to let the software reset. If the red light stays on after a reset, this is a good time for you to chat with a professional and get some help.
Why Is Charging Taking Forever?
One big reason for slow charging is the temperature. In the middle of a freezing winter, for instance, your car might slow down the charging rate to protect the battery cells until they warm up. Another thing to check is your smartphone app or the car’s dashboard settings to see if you accidentally turned on a “scheduled charging” or “eco mode.” That limits the power flow. If you are sharing a circuit with other big appliances, such as a dryer or a water heater, your charger might also be “load balancing.” This means it slows down to avoid blowing a fuse.
If you have tried these basic troubleshooting steps and nothing is working, it is time to call for help. A licensed electrician can get you up and running in no time at all. To schedule EV charger services in Delray Beach, FL call Assurance Power Systems.
