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Intermittent 'Charging Equipment Communication Error' on 2020 Model 3

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 24, 3:04 PM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus

Hey everyone,

I've been running into a frustrating issue with my 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus. Lately, I've been getting an intermittent error message on the screen that says 'Charging Equipment Communication Error' when I try to plug in, sometimes it prevents charging altogether.

It's not consistent; sometimes it charges fine, other times I have to try plugging and unplugging several times or even reboot the car. This happens with my Tesla Wall Connector at home, and I've also seen it at a Supercharger once or twice. I've checked the charging cable, and it looks okay.

Has anyone else experienced this? What could be causing this communication error? Is it a common software glitch, or could it be something more serious with the charging port itself?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 24, 3:04 PM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

The 'Charging Equipment Communication Error' on your 2020 Tesla Model 3 indicates a disruption in the communication protocol between your vehicle and the charging equipment. This is a relatively common issue with several potential causes.

  1. Troubleshooting Steps:

    • Inspect Charging Port: Carefully examine your vehicle's charging port for any debris, bent pins, or signs of corrosion. Use a flashlight if necessary. Ensure the charging cable connector is clean and free of damage.
    • Reboot Vehicle: Perform a soft reboot of your Tesla's infotainment system (hold both scroll wheels on the steering wheel until the screen goes black and the Tesla logo reappears). If the issue persists, try a full power cycle (from the Safety & Security menu on the touchscreen).
    • Try Different Charging Equipment: Since you've seen this at Superchargers too, try a different Wall Connector or public charger if possible. This helps determine if the issue is with your home setup or the vehicle.
    • Update Software: Ensure your Tesla's software is up to date. Sometimes, communication glitches are resolved with firmware updates.

  2. Potential Causes:

    • Charging Port Issue: The most common culprit is often the charging port itself, or the internal wiring/sensor related to it. Damage, wear, or a loose connection can interrupt communication.
    • Charging Cable Fault: Even if it looks okay, an internal fault in the charging cable (either your Wall Connector's cable or a Supercharger's cable) can cause this.
    • Vehicle Onboard Charger (OBC) or BMS: Less commonly, the vehicle's onboard charger or Battery Management System (BMS) could be experiencing an internal fault preventing proper communication. This would likely trigger specific diagnostic codes.
    • Software Glitch: As you suspected, a temporary software bug can sometimes cause these errors, which is often resolved by a reboot or update.

  3. When to See a Shop:

    • If the error becomes frequent, prevents charging consistently, or persists after trying all troubleshooting steps.
    • If you notice any visible damage to the charging port or if the charging cable feels loose when connected.
    • If the vehicle displays any specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to charging or power electronics. While Tesla's internal diagnostics are proprietary, a service center can read these codes to pinpoint the exact issue. Common internal codes might relate to CP_A010 (communication error) or CHG_A011 (charging port fault).
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