Charging is the most distinctive aspect of owning an Electric Vehicle and in most cases provides a convenient and easy way to re-fuel your vehicle from the comfort of your own home.
However, there are times where charging does not go as expected. In this article we will review the most common charging alerts your Tesla may show you, what they mean, and how to troubleshoot them so that you can get back to charging your car with ease.
1. CP_a004 - Charging Equipment Not Recognized - Try Again or Try Different Equipment
This charging alert will appear on your vehicle’s touchscreen if the vehicle is unable to detect or properly communicate with your charging cable. This alert typically indicates an issue with the charging cable and not with your vehicle.
If this alert appeared while your vehicle was plugged in, troubleshoot by charging your vehicle with a different charge cable or home charging station. If your vehicle begins charging, the charging cord is presenting the issue. If the vehicle does not start charging, the issue may be with your vehicle.
If this alert appeared when no charging cable was inserted in the charge port, inspect the charge port for debris, moisture, and/or foreign objects. Once the charge port is clear, try charging again. If the issue persists, you may need remote diagnostics to identify the underlying problem.
2. CP_a051 - Charge port may not open when pressed - Use another method to open the charge port
This alert populates when your Tesla detects an issue with the charge port door sensor that may inhibit it from opening properly. As such, the charge port door may not recognize the command to open when the charge port is touched.
When this alert is active, you can still use other methods to open the charge port, including the charge port door button on your vehicle’s touchscreen, the Tesla App button, and the button on your charge cable.
If this alert persists across multiple attempts to charge, you may need remote diagnostics to identify the charge port door communication error.
3. CP_a054 - Charge port latch not engaged - Fully insert charge cable or check for obstruction
This alert appears when the charge port is unable to latch to the charge cable. This can occur because the charge cable is not fully inserted into the charge port. Remove the cable and reinsert it firmly, then retry charging.
If the alert persists, inspect the charge port and charge cable for debris, moisture, or foreign objects. Ensure the charge port is clean and free of obstructions, then retry charging.
If this does not resolve the alert, check to ensure that the manual charge port release cable has not been pulled. If it has not, attempt charging with a different cable or at a different charging station to identify whether the issue is on the charge cable side or the vehicle side.
If the vehicle cannot charge, schedule remote diagnostics to identify any underlying causes.
4. CP_a151 - Charge port error detected - Service is required - AC charging may not function / OK to Supercharge
This alert triggers when your vehicle’s charge port requires service. Your vehicle’s charge port is no longer able to communicate with AC charging equipment. You will still be able to charge at Tesla Supercharging stations when this alert is active.
Schedule service as soon as possible for remote diagnostics and to establish a repair plan.
5. CC_a004 - Unable to charge - Wall Connector issue. Wall Connector needs service
This alert will appear on-screen if an issue is detected with your Wall Connector. This can be caused by a variety of internal hardware faults.
If this alert activates in your vehicle, first try charging again by disconnecting the Wall Connector from the vehicle and then reconnecting. If the issue persists, turn off the Wall Connector circuit breaker for ten seconds, then turn it back on. Attempt charging again.
If the issue continues, secure an electrician to make sure the Wall Connector’s wiring is properly connected and torqued and that no further electrical issues are present.
If the Wall Connector still cannot charge properly, it will need service.
Conclusion
Charging alerts do not have to be an alarming occurrence in your Tesla ownership. With our guide, you can effectively navigate the most common charging hiccups and keep your vehicle operating smoothly.
If you do note any persistent charging alerts or issues, schedule a remote diagnostic with Amber to receive a full diagnosis from our team of Tesla veterans.
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