Malfunctioning EV Charger: Here’s How an Electrician Can Help

March 10, 2025

Perhaps you went to charge your EV and the charger won’t turn on. Maybe the charger has turned on, but it’s charging slower than normal or not at all. The best thing to do is stop using the charger and call an electrician to run diagnostics. Continuing to fiddle with it can cause further damage to the charger and even your vehicle.

Ruling Out Power-Related Issues

Often, diagnosing charger issues begins with the electrical panel and, if applicable, the outlet. If you have a portable charger, an electrician can rule out a bad outlet you need to replace. Many panel issues are related to the circuit breaker. A dead circuit breaker will cause the EV charger not to turn on. A worn circuit breaker will lead to frequent trips. An electrician will also test wires and electrical connections, as those may require replacement. In some cases, it could be the onboard electrical system, as capacitors and even control boards can go bad over time.

Checking Error Codes

An EV charger that can receive power but is otherwise malfunctioning will post error codes. If the display is active, it will show the error codes. If not, an electrician can often investigate the error codes through the main control board. Once electricians know the error codes, they can look them up for that particular EV charger manufacturer and model. Error codes help to limit the trial and error that electricians would otherwise need to perform.

Inspecting Cables and Connectors

What if the EV charger and the home’s electrical system are functioning as expected? The next step is to rule out a problem between the charger and the vehicle. The plug at the end of the cable may need cleaning or replacement. It could also be a problem with the cable itself. A professional electrician may need to repair or even replace it.

Resetting and Verifying Firmware and Software

Have you tried turning it off and on again is a joke in the IT world, but it can cure many EV charger problems. An expert can perform a soft reset and, if necessary, a factory reset. If the firmware isn’t current, your expert will update it to the current version. It’s also important to update the software and ensure problems aren’t software-related.

Addressing Overheating Problems

Overheating is among the most common EV charger problems, and it often explains why a charger will work sometimes but not others. An expert can help you identify causes of overheating beyond electrical issues, including insufficient airflow. A charger in a cramped garage, for instance, may not vent heat as quickly and efficiently as it needs to.

If your home’s EV charging station in Ann Arbor, MI is acting up, contact Current Electrical Systems today to schedule an inspection.

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