I just DC fast charged for the 1st and 2nd time... it didn't go well.

[kenfaber62]

Ok, the problem is that the cable plug would not unlock from the truck. Shame on me, I didn't know about the lock button. So 40 miles later I wanted to try a different station - same problem. The solution: Press the cable unlock button on the truck and PRESS IN on the cable and then pull it out.

I checked the owner's manual, and it does not state that you should ever have to push in on the plug before removing it.

What works for you all? What is the best practice?

Sponsored

 

[sotek2345]

I suspect it isn't a need to push in so much as a need to lift up a bit to level it out and take the pressure off. CCS connectors and cables are heavy and depending on how the cable it hanging, that is a lot of torque on the connector.

Never had to push in on our Mach-e and it seems to be the exact same connector.

 

[Blainestang]

Doesn't hurt to push in/lift up. Like Sotek said, it's just a heavy cord.

I don't have a Lightning, but I've had to push and hold in the plug for a few seconds when the charge/lock was activating in my i3, too, or it wouldn't lock/start.

 

[RickLightning]

Ok, the problem is that the cable plug would not unlock from the truck. Shame on me, I didn't know about the lock button. So 40 miles later I wanted to try a different station - same problem. The solution: Press the cable unlock button on the truck and PRESS IN on the cable and then pull it out.

I checked the owner's manual, and it does not state that you should ever have to push in on the plug before removing it.

What works for you all? What is the best practice?

When DC charging, you MUST push the button on the charging lights circle to disconnect, then wait until charging stops. From the manual, page 212:

I suspect it isn't a need to push in so much as a need to lift up a bit to level it out and take the pressure off. CCS connectors and cables are heavy and depending on how the cable it hanging, that is a lot of torque on the connector.

Never had to push in on our Mach-e and it seems to be the exact same connector.

The OP is referring to the button in the middle of the colored lights.

 

[kenfaber62]

Does it matter if I have ready hit the 'stop charging button' on the station charger first? Or should I always disconnect from the vehicle first? When I hit stop charging on the station the truck said "Charging error" or something similar.

 

[sotek2345]

Does it matter if I have ready hit the 'stop charging button' on the station charger first? Or should I always disconnect from the vehicle first? When I hit stop charging on the station the truck said "Charging error" or something similar.

I have done both with our Mach-e. The only difference I have seen is the "charging error" message in the car. probably better to use the unlock button, but I haven't seen any issues caused by using the station.

 

[orangefirefish]

Happened to me the first time I DCFC’d our Mach E. I think the material needed to be worn in. Had to call EA thinking it was an equipment fault but they said make sure it was not locked, push the charging handle button, push in and remove. It might just be the first few times since I haven’t had to do that since.

Ok, the problem is that the cable plug would not unlock from the truck. Shame on me, I didn't know about the lock button. So 40 miles later I wanted to try a different station - same problem. The solution: Press the cable unlock button on the truck and PRESS IN on the cable and then pull it out.

I checked the owner's manual, and it does not state that you should ever have to push in on the plug before removing it.

What works for you all? What is the best practice?

 

[jefro]

Can stop the charging from the app or from front of charger usually also.

You never want any possiblity that there is power on that cord while moving it.

Not sure if this is good or bad. I put silicone all over the cord and port. I have to watch it for dust and dirt but it really is smoooothhh.

My i3 had an emergency release cable.

 

[GDN]

Can stop the charging from the app or from front of charger usually also.

You never want any possiblity that there is power on that cord while moving it.

Not sure if this is good or bad. I put silicone all over the cord and port. I have to watch it for dust and dirt but it really is smoooothhh.

My i3 had an emergency release cable.

The truck also has an emergency release cable. It is under the frunk. You have to take some of the cowling off and then I believe it is attached to the washer fluid bottle. The manual covers it.

 

[GDN]

Luck would have It - another user(thanks @jrbessette) just posted this picture talking about some loose bolts he had under the frunk. To say the least his picture shows the release cable perfectly.

 

[hturnerfamily]

DC Fast Chargers CONTROL the charging process, versus when you are charging at home and the TRUCK controls the process.

When DC FAST CHARGING: always stop the DC Fast Charger. Then uncouple. It may actually take the DC Fast Charger equipement a few moments to 'stop' the charge, and 'unlock' the CCS plug.

When HOME Charging: press the button on the TRUCK to stop charging, then uncouple.
This 'button' on the Lightning charge port is not common, as compared to most other EVs where you just simply pull out the J1772 plug to stop charging, if charging is still active at the moment.

 

[RickLightning]

You wanna get real upset? Look at the excellent place Ford puts the charge port for their EV van.......smack dab in the front center, easily accesible which would reduce how much torque is on the connectors when charged. Why the Lightning didnt get that is beyond me.

Impossible to reach in a standard 20 foot family garage, glad they didn't put it there.

 

[RickLightning]

DC Fast Chargers CONTROL the charging process, versus when you are charging at home and the TRUCK controls the process.

When DC FAST CHARGING: always stop the DC Fast Charger. Then uncouple. It may actually take the DC Fast Charger equipement a few moments to 'stop' the charge, and 'unlock' the CCS plug.

When HOME Charging: press the button on the TRUCK to stop charging, then uncouple.
This 'button' on the Lightning charge port is not common, as compared to most other EVs where you just simply pull out the J1772 plug to stop charging, if charging is still active at the moment.

No, no, no. Wrong. Been DC charging for over a year.

DC fast charging, push the button on the car or center screen. Ending on the charger can cause errors in the vehicle or get the account hung up.

Home charging just uncouple, button does nothing.

RTFM

 

[hturnerfamily]

your point goes to show that every manufacturer might do it a little differently - with our LEAFS you had to stop the charging at the PEDESTAL, there was nothing in the car to stop it. You were at the mercy of the Charging device, otherwise you were held hostage, like I was one time at a Chargepoint/GA Power unit in Columbus GA - had to call customer service to get them to 'stop' the charging and let me unplug : /

 

[RickLightning]

your point goes to show that every manufacturer might do it a little differently - with our LEAFS you had to stop the charging at the PEDESTAL, there was nothing in the car to stop it. You were at the mercy of the Charging device, otherwise you were held hostage, like I was one time at a Chargepoint/GA Power unit in Columbus GA - had to call customer service to get them to 'stop' the charging and let me unplug : /

It's simple - you bought an $80,000 vehicle. Read the manual. The Lightning is not a LEAF.

We ended an ElectrifyAmerica session by using the button on the charger. The EA account was hung up for the entire day until EA's IT department got it reset. We had difficulty charging at every stop.

Sponsored