L1 charger does't work.

I'm pretty sure this is a warranty problem, but am I doing something wrong?
I tried using the included charger-in-a-bag yesterday to make sure it worked.
1st try tripped my driveway GFCI outlet, so I used a 50' #12 extension cord to
connect to the dedicated 20A table saw outlet in the garage. I got a READY light,
the car beeped once when I plugged in the J connector, but charge did not start.
I looked at a bunch of screens and everything seems to be set up correctly for
80% timer charge starting at 11:10AM and ending at 11:00AM. (Thanks to this
board for that tip. ) I still had the READY light, no CHARGING light, no FAULT.

So I pulled the J plug and connected my AV dock. The car started charging right
off. Switched back to the trickle charger, same thing, no charge only a READY
light.

Defective trickle charger, no?

Any possibility the J connector on the portable unit didn't go all the way in?

I would at least try the timer override button before I take it in for a warranty adjustment.
I might also try a different GFI outlet.

I did double check that, pulled it out and put it back in just to make sure.
I can't see any contamination on the connector either.

Maybe the extension cord wasn't heavy enough gauge to handle the trickle charger's draw? I'd probably try to find one more place to try plugging into an outlet directly, before writing the EVSE off. If THAT doesn't work either -- trickle-charger failed on two outlets and didn't work on the extension cord -- then I'd say you should probably go ahead and take the charger in to the dealer for replacement.

The saw outlet has no GFCI and is dedicated. Since the box shows no
fault and the READY light in ON, I think the power supply must be OK.

I did try the timer override, that's the one in the group of buttons near
the driver's door right?

Trying another outlet couldn't hurt though. I will do that before I take it in.

highcountryrider said:

The saw outlet has no GFCI and is dedicated. Since the box shows no
fault and the READY light in ON, I think the power supply must be OK.

I did try the timer override, that's the one in the group of buttons near
the driver's door right?

Trying another outlet couldn't hurt though. I will do that before I take it in.

Click to expand...

I doubt the dealer will have a replacement in stock. If you know another LEAF owner you can save a trip to the dealer and try it on their car, swap etc. These units are made VERY well, far better than AV and Blink and have a high reliability rate. If you get a new one you may consider upgrading it from EVSE upgrade which will allow you do use it with more outlet options. This is the first I have heard of a bad unit.

That was actually why I was testing it. I want to make sure I send
a working unit to get upgraded.

I just re-read the manual and it appears to me that the unit is defective.
I will try a third outlet before taking it in, but the "one beep" indicates
that the J plug is properly connected and the EVSE is talking to the car.
I should hear two beeps if charging starts or is waiting on a timer.
The READY light on the EVSE tells me that it is happy with the power
input.

And the AV L2 unit works just fine.

It's no big deal if I have to wait for a replacement. I was going to send
it in for upgrade anyway. We can always try it on another LEAF at the
dealer, they do have a demo car now.

I will report back on what happens.

highcountryrider said:

I did try the timer override, that's the one in the group of buttons near
the driver's door right?

Click to expand...

Did you confirm timer override by observing the center of the three charging indicator lights coming on? Do that and then plug the J1772 nozzle into your car. It's a long-shot, but I have seen occasions where the timer override doesn't work after connecting the J1172 nozzle to the car first.

How embarrassing. BOTH of the outlets that I had tried have open grounds.
The third one worked just fine. I'm not sure why the EVSE didn't show a FAULT,
although on this morning's try the READY light did blink on the defective outlet
while showing steady on the good one.

So, when I get back from errand today I will need to figure out what is wrong with
those outlets. Open grounds not good! I guess I'd better take the outlet tester around
and see if I have any more as well.

Glad I posted so I didn't embarrass myself at the dealer.

Glad you found the real cause. It's highly unusual that the EVSE is defective right off the bat after they have tested it to work OK at the factory.

The open ground may be marginal that sometimes it's good enough to trick the ready light to stay on but not good enough to enable the charging.

I think I've located the trouble. 30 years of Seattle weather:


Two new heavy-duty outlets and all connections redone - works fine now.

Didn't get to the saw outlet yet, but I suspect something similar.

highcountryrider said:

I think I've located the trouble. 30 years of Seattle weather:

Two new heavy-duty outlets and all connections redone - works fine now.

Didn't get to the saw outlet yet, but I suspect something similar.

Click to expand...

WOW. :shock: This was inside your garage? I hope you used outdoor rated outlets and replaced the box, too. That's a lot of rust for an indoor location.

It's actually inside a box with a swing-up cover, on the side of the house. It probably
got some rain when I was doing some work on the paint/siding and had the box
disassembled for a while. I cleaned it up, but did not replace the box; the rust is
superficial. I did take apart every connection, clean the copper, and restore the
connections. Things DO rust here; it's wet! It was somewhere 1975-80 that I installed
that outlet which is at least 30 years ago.

As a Seattle homeowner, I'm suddenly REALLY GLAD I don't have any outside outlets on the house. I always found that annoying before, but... DANG. :shock:

30 years ain't that bad. What lasts that long? Oh, wait, my 1982 Toyota Starlet. :?

highcountryrider said:

What lasts that long?

Click to expand...

In fairness, your outlet was about the same age I am! I imagine if I'd stood outside in the rain all my life, I might not be in great shape either.

Packet said:

highcountryrider said:

What lasts that long?

Click to expand...

In fairness, your outlet was about the same age I am! I imagine if I'd stood outside in the rain all my life, I might not be in great shape either.

Click to expand...

Truly! :lol:

Mine fried today. Plenty of smoke. Judging from the smell, I'd guess MOVs. You know that distinctive smell.

The ready light does not work. Tried in five outlets in two buildings.

Anyway, took it to the dealer and they are confused about what to do with it. I'm still waiting for a call back.