[Urgent] charger lock wouldn't release

[bshaw]

there is no lock, it's unlikely the handle has a lock either (because there's nothing to lock on to)

all prior instances of this was something wrong with the handle, i.e. it fused to the car. generally only solution was pulling it out hard...

There is a latch on the handle, which grabs onto a notch in the charge port. But there is no "lock" where the car will hold onto the latch during L2.

Pressing the button on the handle will signal the charger to stop sending power, and it should also raise the latch, allowing the handle to be removed.

If the button is able to be pushed down, then yes recommend pulling hard. If the button doesn't press, then its a latch issue and do NOT recommend pulling hard as you could damage the charge port.

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[Schmedlack]

There is a latch on the handle, which grabs onto a notch in the charge port. But there is no "lock" where the car will hold onto the latch during L2.

Pressing the button on the handle will signal the charger to stop sending power, and it should also raise the latch, allowing the handle to be removed.

If the button is able to be pushed down, then yes recommend pulling hard. If the button doesn't press, then its a latch issue and do NOT recommend pulling hard as you could damage the charge port.

I had to try a fix. I am using a ChargePoint EVSE. It may work for other charging stations, too.

1. I started an L2 charging session.

2. I had string trimmer "string" In my garage, and cut off a short piece.

3. The trimmer string was threaded under the latch bar.

4. Without touching the J1772 release lever, I pulled straight up on the trimmer string.

5. The latch released and the charge plug was withdrawn from the charge port without pressing the latch "button".

DO NOT TRY TO PRY ANYTHING WITH A SCREWDRIVER! I DON'T THINK IT WILL WORK AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE OR INJURY.

 

[AliRafiee]

Is the op still stuck?

 

[bshaw]

Is the op still stuck?

OP should at least change the thread title from [Urgent] to “Eh, I’ll get back to you soon”.

 

[lyyq]

Thank you guys for your comments.

After 3 hours try, I finally get it disconnected, and finally get home now.

I tried to wiggle it in different directions and pull it hard, I can pull it out a little bit, then I can see from the gap that the handle lock does release. Closest Hertz is 100km away, but only have 1 car available and I have to return it in 2 days. so I decided to get it out no matter what, even I had to break something. I wiggled it and pull it harder and in a particular angle, it eventually came out. Hopefully my charge port is not broken because of it. I will probably go to dealership and try charge my car there before I go to other public charger, at least if it stuck again, I don't need a roadside assistance.

 

[RyGuy]

I had this happen earlier this year. Did you get a charge error? Have you had any charge errors leading up to this? I had a 90% charge limit set and after removing the limit it charged to 100% and released. I then took it into the dealer and had to have a SOBDM replaced.

 

[AlpaChino]

This looks like it was a Grizzl-e level 2 evse. Can you confirm @lyyq ?

This wouldn't be the first Grizzl-e that has presented problems to this group.

 

[lyyq]

You are right, it is a grizzl-e level 2 charger!! I guess I will avoid this brand charger in the future.

This looks like it was a Grizzl-e level 2 evse. Can you confirm @lyyq ?

This wouldn't be the first Grizzl-e that has presented problems to this group.

 

[AlpaChino]

You are right, it is a grizzl-e level 2 charger!! I guess I will avoid this brand charger in the future.

That's what I thought. I had a similar issue and it was just a flaw in the manufacturing tolerances of the Grizzl-e nozzle.

The one-piece button and latch mechanism is metal. My charge port was getting hot when I had my Grizzl-e, and I suspect the metal (and/or plastic) expanded just enough to cause problems. I suspect that this is what you encountered as well. Grizzle E immediately offered a replacement for me and I have installed it at my parents' home 2 hours away so I can charge there when visiting. It's not something I rely on daily anymore, and I carry an additional level two mobile charger in my vehicle at all times as a backup.

 

[Homestead]

OP, could you see any problems with the pins/connectors after it finally released?

 

[Mach-Lee]

OP, could you see any problems with the pins/connectors after it finally released?

Yes, OP you should inspect your charge port for damage in case you had some pins melt and get stuck. There are photo examples here: https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/how-to-clean-and-inspect-your-charge-port.29901/

 

[lyyq]

I didn't see any bent pins, tried to plug into a charger at dealership, seems my charge port is still functioning and is able to charge.

OP, could you see any problems with the pins/connectors after it finally released?

 

[lyyq]

Thank you! it is very helpful, I checked my charge port, seems no damage other than some scratch on the plastic.

Just wondering if it will be covered by warranty if the charge port indeed is damaged due to this situation?

Yes, OP you should inspect your charge port for damage in case you had some pins melt and get stuck. There are photo examples here: https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/how-to-clean-and-inspect-your-charge-port.29901/

 

[Tampamike]

Thank you! it is very helpful, I checked my charge port, seems no damage other than some scratch on the plastic.

Just wondering if it will be covered by warranty if the charge port indeed is damaged due to this situation?

I’m betting it was just a bad locking clip on the charge cord that you were using. Stuff happens, right?

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