Tesla Won’t Charge at Supercharger: Troubleshooting Tips
Have you ever found yourself at a Tesla Supercharger zone, only to discover that your Tesla won’t charge? This can be a frustrating experience, especially if you’re on a road trip and need to get back on the road quickly. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can use to identify the causes of the problem and fix the bugs.
Some of these techniques include rebooting and resetting your Tesla, cleaning the Supercharger port, inserting the charger in the right way, and heating the battery before plugging the connector into the port. While these techniques may seem simple, it’s important to understand the procedure well and perform the job correctly. In this article, we’ll explore these techniques in detail to help you troubleshoot charging issues at Tesla Supercharger zones.
Try This Fix When Tesla Won’t Charge at Supercharger
If you’re having trouble charging your Tesla at a supercharger, there are a few things you can try before panicking. Some of the most common fixes include rebooting the Tesla, wiping out the charger port, plugging the charger properly into the Tesla, and heating up the battery before plugging. In this section, we’ll go over each of these methods in detail.
Method #1: Basic Fix
Rebooting the Tesla is a quick and easy way to fix charging issues. To do this, click and hold the two scroll buttons (Left + Right) on the steering wheel. Wait for the car to complete the reboot. Then, power cycle the Tesla by changing the car into P (Park) mode and touching the screen to go to Controls > Safety & Security > Power Off. Click on it and hit the Power Off bar. Wait for around 2 minutes to complete the power cycle. After that, hit the brake pedal or open the door to wake up the car. If this doesn’t work, try hard resetting the Tesla by following the steps provided in the background information.
Method #2: Wipe Out the Tesla Charger Port
If there is debris in the charging port, it may prevent the charger from connecting properly. To fix this issue, go to your touchscreen and click Controls > Charging Port icon (lightning bolts). Or unlock your Tesla and then press the bottom of the Charging port door to open it. Take a small brush or rag to wipe the surface of the charging port and remove the dust. If you locate snow or anything else, then remove that.
Method #3: Plug the Charger Properly into Tesla
Sometimes, the charger may not connect properly to the Tesla, causing charging issues. To fix this, get out of the Tesla and open the charging port. Take the Supercharger connector and insert it into the Tesla Charging port in a left-to-right motion. Keep on doing it until you hear a small clicking noise to confirm the connection.
Method #4: Heat Up the Battery Before Plugging
If it’s cold outside, the battery may be too cold to charge properly. To fix this, go to your phone’s Tesla app and click on Climate > Defrost Car. Be sure your phone’s Tesla app is connected to the Tesla. Wait for around 30 – 45 minutes to defrost the car charging port and melt down snow. Enter the location to locate the nearby Supercharger in navigation. Then, select one where you want to go and charge. During the period of your driving, it’ll help the car’s battery to warm up and stay heated.
In summary, if your Tesla won’t charge at a supercharger, try these four methods. They are easy to do and require no tools except for a pair of pliers and safety equipment to avoid mishaps. If none of these methods work, it may be time to contact Tesla support for further assistance.
Why Is My Tesla Not Charging at A Supercharger?
If you are facing a charging issue with your Tesla at a Supercharger, there could be several reasons behind it. Here are some possible causes of this error:
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Internal errors: Due to extreme usage, Tesla may fail to recognize the external charger inserted in the port from the Supercharger. This can cause internal errors that sometimes pop in.
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Obstacles in charge port: Snow or dust can get stuck inside the charge port or servo, causing obstacles when you are trying to lock the Supercharger connector. This happens when the temperature is freezing wet.
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Improper connection: The Supercharger connector may not be connected properly to the Tesla charger port. It needs a few seconds with a left-to-right motion to insert it properly. Plus, you’ll hear a clicking noise.
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Cold weather: Lithium-ion batteries are not able to charge if the weather is below 20° C. In that case, it needs heating for 4 – 5 minutes before charging at this temperature.
If you encounter any error messages or logs, try to understand the message and take appropriate action. In case of any fuses/battery damage, it’s best to take your Tesla to a repair shop for further investigation. Always make sure to follow the instructions provided by Tesla and ensure that you have a good internet connection before charging.
5 Things to Note Before You Charge at Supercharger
If you’re planning to charge your Tesla at a Supercharger station, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are five things to note before you charge at a Supercharger:
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Ensure your battery is around 20% or above before you arrive at the Supercharger station. This will help you to avoid any issues with charging.
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Make sure you park your Tesla inside the line and set it to P (Park) mode before inserting the connector. This will ensure that the charging process is smooth and safe.
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If you have low battery power, turn on the C heaters to the max in order to keep the environment warm. And go to Climate Controls and turn off the A/C. Plus, lower the air temperature so it doesn’t drain battery power and use much.
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Register the ANPR 10 minutes before you reach the parking spot. This will help you to avoid any delays in the charging process.
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Be sure to put the Supercharger on your map. It’ll help the battery to heat up manually until the Tesla reaches its destination.
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your charging experience at the Supercharger station is smooth and hassle-free.
Can I Charge To 100% At A Tesla Supercharger?
According to the electrical standard limit for actual amps charging that can be set in the touchscreen charge option, the Tesla is rated to charge 80% at the Supercharger based on the outlet (10–30 or 14–30) to flow 24A. Therefore, charging to 100% at a Tesla Supercharger is not possible. It is suggested to set the range to 80% to lessen the congestion at high-use Superchargers. The charge limit can be adjusted using the screen settings or the Tesla app after plugging in the connector. This is especially important for road trips to ensure that the vehicle has enough range to reach the next Supercharger.
Ending Note
Resolving a Tesla not charging at Supercharger bug can take patience and effort, but the solutions provided in this guide can help. If the issue persists, using EVSE or seeking assistance from an expert may be necessary. Remember to contact Tesla’s service center or roadside assistance if needed. Keep in mind that resolving technical issues with electric vehicles can be complex, so it’s always best to seek professional help when in doubt. With these tips, you can ensure a smooth charging experience at Supercharger stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What could prevent a Tesla from starting the charging process at a Supercharger?
There are several reasons why a Tesla may not start charging at a Supercharger. Some common issues include:
- Charging Equipment Not Ready Error: This error message may appear on the vehicle’s screen if the Supercharger equipment is not functioning correctly or if there is a problem with the vehicle’s charging port.
- Payment Issues: If the vehicle owner has not added a valid payment method to their Tesla account or if there are payment issues, the Supercharger may not start the charging process.
- Bad Weather: Adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow can sometimes prevent the Supercharger from working correctly.
Is there a common issue that causes a Tesla to stop charging mid-session at a Supercharger?
Yes, there are several reasons why a Tesla may stop charging mid-session at a Supercharger. Some common issues include:
- High Battery Temperature: If the battery temperature of the Tesla is too high, the charging process may stop mid-session to prevent damage to the battery.
- Charging Equipment Failure: If there is a problem with the Supercharger equipment, the charging process may stop mid-session.
- Power Outage: If there is a power outage or interruption at the Supercharger station, the charging process may stop mid-session.
What should be checked if a Tesla is plugged into a Supercharger but isn’t receiving a charge?
If a Tesla is plugged into a Supercharger but isn’t receiving a charge, there are a few things that should be checked:
- Check the Tesla’s charging port to ensure that it is properly engaged with the Supercharger cable.
- Check the Supercharger equipment for any visible damage or issues.
- Ensure that the Tesla is properly connected to the Supercharger station and that the charging process has been initiated.
How can connectivity issues be troubleshooted when a Tesla won’t connect to a Supercharger?
If a Tesla won’t connect to a Supercharger due to connectivity issues, there are a few things that can be done to troubleshoot the issue:
- Ensure that the Tesla’s software is up to date.
- Check the Tesla’s cellular or Wi-Fi connection to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
- Check the Supercharger station’s connectivity to ensure that it is functioning correctly.
Can cold weather affect a Tesla’s ability to charge at a Supercharger, and how can it be mitigated?
Yes, cold weather can sometimes affect a Tesla’s ability to charge at a Supercharger. To mitigate this issue, Tesla owners can:
- Preheat the battery before arriving at the Supercharger station.
- Use the Tesla app to monitor the battery temperature and charging progress.
- Use the Tesla’s “Max Range” charging setting to reduce the amount of time spent at the Supercharger station.
What steps can be taken if a Tesla’s charging session at a Supercharger is unexpectedly slow or interrupted?
If a Tesla’s charging session at a Supercharger is unexpectedly slow or interrupted, there are a few steps that can be taken:
- Check the battery temperature to ensure that it is not too high or too low.
- Check the Supercharger equipment for any visible damage or issues.
- Move the Tesla to a different Supercharger stall to see if the issue persists.