GE WattStation Problem Thread (Was: Dead on Day 2 of use.)

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TTAC's take on this http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/07/dead-leafs-and-ge-chargers/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Not just the same stuff reposted, they actully put good pictures, quotes from both Nissan and GE, and did their own analysis.
 
dhanson865 said:
TTAC's take on this http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2012/07/dead-leafs-and-ge-chargers/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Not just the same stuff reposted, they actully put good pictures, quotes from both Nissan and GE, and did their own analysis.
Refreshing to see some real reporting for a change...
 
As best I can tell, there are (as least) three issues here. One is related to the diode in the control (pilot) circuit and whether or not some EVSE's perform a check on it as part of the "handshake" between car and EVSE. The second is the issue of damage to the leaf's on board charger but no mention of damage to the GE Wattstation. The third (my) issue concerns a heavy current that took out the two 40 amp fuses in the Wattstation, tripped the house breaker, and resulted in damage to the Leaf in-car charger. I hope we get resolution on all three issues.
 
In view of their suspicion of an under-rated D1, and GE's assertion that their surge suppression is equivalent to their competitors, it's hard to make these fit the data. Specifically that the problem only seems to affect the LEAF-Wattstation combination. Not Wattstation-Other and not LEAF-Other.

Or, maybe there just aren't enough data points yet. In any case, while I'm sorry for those affected, it will be interesting to finally learn the actual mechanism at play.
 
http://www.nissanpartszone.com/parts/nissan-charger-assy~296a0-3na1a.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here is a link showing the retail price of the Nissan Leaf charging assembly unit that was replaced in my Leaf after I plugged the GE Wattstation into the car. About 150% of the value of the GE Wattstation, methinks ....
 
av8r said:
http://www.nissanpartszone.com/parts/nissan-charger-assy~296a0-3na1a.html

Here is a link showing the retail price of the Nissan Leaf charging assembly unit that was replaced in my Leaf after I plugged the GE Wattstation into the car. About 150% of the value of the GE Wattstation, methinks ....

So what is the change from 3NA1A and 3NA5A? Better rated diode?
 
http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/19/ge-says-its-wattstations-arent-behind-fried-nissan-leafs/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I just hit 11,000 miles in 7 months charging with the WattStation. I feel bad for the four people that have had a problem with their WattStations but I wonder what percentage that is of total units sold?
 
i too have a Wattstation and a Leaf. keeping my fingers crossed. after reading the article: my house is grounded with the typical long metal spikes, i have a whole house surge protection installed by the local power company. hopefully the whole house surge protection will protect my Leaf from the Wattstation.
 
http://www.plugincars.com/nissan-and-ge-have-figured-out-why-wattstation-damages-some-leafs-123471.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

they found out why it looks like... Nissan software problem
 
jpokoraw1 said:
http://www.plugincars.com/nissan-and-ge-have-figured-out-why-wattstation-damages-some-leafs-123471.html

they found out why it looks like... Nissan software problem

I read that and believe it but it just does not explain why no similar reports using Leviton, Schneider, or others.
 
smkettner said:
jpokoraw1 said:
http://www.plugincars.com/nissan-and-ge-have-figured-out-why-wattstation-damages-some-leafs-123471.html

they found out why it looks like... Nissan software problem

I read that and believe it but it just does not explain why no similar reports using Leviton, Schneider, or others.

I have had my Leaf since last Dec and am using a SPX power unit. Not the one for the Volt but the bigger one selectable to I think 36 amps with 32 being preset. Plugged into the wall on a dedicated 40amp circuit. No problems at all. Of course I do not use an end timer, just a start timer, and normally just charge to 80%.
 
jpokoraw1 said:
http://www.plugincars.com/nissan-and-ge-have-figured-out-why-wattstation-damages-some-leafs-123471.html

they found out why it looks like... Nissan software problem

If this is a Nissan software problem, will it still be Nissan's responsibility to replace the charger if this rare situation occurs after the warranty is over? If they have upgraded the charger now and I have a Wattstation, shouldn't they upgrade/replace their defective charger under my warranty?
 
When I talked to Nissan Consumer Affairs they said to keep using the wattstation and if I had a problem again they would fix it under warranty again. But at this point I am using the wattstation and it is now nearly 11k miles and no further issues. *knock on wood*
 
My wattstation just tripped the breaker... wont turn on again. And my leaf isnt charging with the level 1 charger....

The leaf can still power on. But im still like, FUuuuuuu
 
Re: "tripped breaker" ... sounds like what happened to me; be prepared to wait two weeks or so while Nissan replaces your on-board charging unit. See if you can get the part number of the replacement unit; I'd be curious to know if it has the software fix in it .......
 
jpokoraw1, did you experience any AC line anomolies that you know of at the time of the failure? My understanding is that this failure is related to line voltage issues. I have a strong interest since I have a Leaf, a wattstation and live in Florida , land of lightning!
 
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