Public charger not working? Try this!

[Peter_M]

I've run into several cases where a public charging station has power, but won't charge, apparently because of a wet or dirty connector. In my case, these were Sun Country Highway J1772 charging stations made by Clipper Creek, but I expect the problem (and the solution) applies to most/all types.

This problem could show up as an error light (PROTECTION) or a chattering relay in the unit when you plug in. If you run into this, try spraying some electrical contact cleaner into the contacts of the J1772 connector, wait a couple of minutes for it to dry and try it again (and push the handle in firmly). This has fixed 2 for 2 non-working charging stations for me in the past week. Of course, there are lots of other problems a charging station could have, including no power to the unit, but this is a problem you might be able to fix quickly yourself.

I'd suggest all EV drivers should carry a can of this spray - it could save you!

 

[David99]

Interesting and good to hear it helped. I was thinking about what to do if I ever get in a situation where the plug is too wet or filthy or frozen water inside. But so far I never had any issues. I was considering keeping a can of compressed air ("dust off") in the car. With the little tube this would work great to get dirt and water out of the connectors.

 

[HankLloydRight]

Great... Before, you needed to carry a can of ether to get a car started... Now it's contact cleaner.

 

[AudubonB]

That's funny, Hank! You should re-work that one a bit and place it in the "Tesla Humor" thread - better than almost any of the entries so far.

 

[Btrflyl8e]

That's funny, Hank! You should re-work that one a bit and place it in the "Tesla Humor" thread - better than almost any of the entries so far.

well, that bar wasn't set very high, was it? Lol