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2018 Model 3 Long Range charging super slow or not at all sometimes

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Kim L. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:24 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range

Hey everyone, I'm having a weird issue with my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. Lately, it's been charging incredibly slowly, or sometimes not at all, especially at home with my Wall Connector. I've tried restarting the car, but it doesn't seem to make a difference.

It's not consistent; sometimes it charges fine, other times it crawls. I've checked the Wall Connector for any visible damage, and it looks okay. Is this a common problem with the older Model 3s? Could it be a software glitch or something more serious with the charging port or internal electronics?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:24 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Slow or inconsistent charging on your 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range can stem from several electrical and electronic issues. Here's a breakdown of common causes and troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check Charging Equipment:

    • Wall Connector/Mobile Connector: Ensure the connector is fully seated in the vehicle's charge port. Inspect the cable and connector for any signs of damage, fraying, or corrosion. Try using a different charging cable or a different charging station (e.g., a Supercharger or public Level 2 charger) to isolate if the issue is with your home setup or the car.
    • Home Electrical Circuit: Verify that your home's circuit breaker for the Wall Connector hasn't tripped and that the wiring is up to code. An overloaded or faulty circuit can limit charging speed.

  2. Vehicle Software & Settings:

    • Software Update: Ensure your Model 3's software is up to date. Tesla frequently releases updates that can resolve charging bugs or optimize performance. Navigate to Software on your touchscreen to check for updates.
    • Charging Limit & Schedule: Confirm that your charging limit isn't set too low and that there isn't a scheduled charging time preventing immediate charging. Check these settings under Charging on your touchscreen.
    • Vehicle Reset: Perform a soft reset (holding both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen goes black and the Tesla logo reappears) to clear any temporary software glitches.

  3. Potential Causes & When to See a Shop:

    • Charge Port Actuator/Sensor: The mechanism that locks the charging cable in place or the sensors detecting the connection can fail, leading to intermittent charging. This often requires professional diagnosis.
    • Onboard Charger (OBC) Failure: The OBC converts AC power from your Wall Connector into DC power for the battery. A fault here can severely impact charging speed or prevent it entirely. This is a significant repair.
    • Battery Management System (BMS) Issues: The BMS monitors and controls battery charging. If it's malfunctioning, it might incorrectly report battery status or limit charging to protect the pack. This would likely trigger specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that only Tesla service can read.
    • Diagnostic Codes: While you might not see a check engine light, a Tesla service center can pull specific internal diagnostic codes related to charging system faults (e.g., CP_a001 for charge port communication errors or BMS_w026 for charging current limits). These codes are crucial for accurate diagnosis.

If after checking your equipment and software settings the problem persists, especially if you experience a complete failure to charge or repeated slow charging, it's time to schedule a service appointment with Tesla. Intermittent charging issues can sometimes escalate, and professional diagnosis is essential to prevent further damage or ensure safe operation.

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