Tesla Gen3 Wall Connector Warranty Voided by Charging Non-Tesla with an Adapter

[NAVEWO]

I contacted Tesla Wall Connector support about my Tesla Gen3 wall connector overheating and derating while charging my Lightning with a NACS to J1772 adapter. After several days they sent me an email to say they could not help me since using the Tesla wall connector with a 3rd party adapter voided my warranty. Really unacceptable as there is nothing to warn the consumer of this warranty issue and the software for the wall connector allows connection and charging to "Any EV" which really can't be done without an adapter to my knowledge. Tesla now markets a Universal Wall Connector but it was not available when I purchased my Gen3 back in 2022. So just a heads up to everyone with Tesla Wall Connector (not the Universal model) that you will likely get no support from Tesla if you use the EVSE for any EV requiring and adapter.

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[Yellow Buddy]

Really unacceptable as there is nothing to warn the consumer of this warranty issue and the software for the wall connector allows connection and charging to "Any EV" which really can't be done without an adapter to my knowledge.

The tesla wall connectors have a temperature sensor built into the handle of the charger. It also has a built in communication module to communicate with the Tesla upon charging. It’s a safety feature that delayed or stops charging in the event it starts operating outside the intended temperatures.

The way the adapters for these work, is they bypass the communication. Fooling the connector into operating. I don’t think it’s reasonable to bypass the connectors built in software to prevent operation and then saying the connector doesn’t prevent it.

Also…page 4 of the Gen 3 owners manual says don’t use adapters..

 

[NAVEWO]

Then why is there a setting in setup that allows for ALL ev’s? It should say Tesla only. I get it I guess, but suspect there are quite a few people like me that are unaware of this fact. Just thought I’d throw it out there to raise awareness. Everything still works but when my Tucson AZ garage goes over 100 degrees ambient…even overnight…the charger will aerate and I get the 3 red blinks. It does it less often with my Tesla MY but even that will overheat in the summer. The wall connector is on a 60 amp breaker and 4/3 copper but I setup the wall connector as 50 amp and I still have issues in summer.

However, as you rightly point out…apparently I’m guilty of not thoroughly reading the warnings and cautions. I suspect I’m not the only one.

 

[NAVEWO]

Then why is there a setting in setup that allows for ALL ev’s? It should say Tesla only. I get it I guess, but suspect there are quite a few people like me that are unaware of this fact. Just thought I’d throw it out there to raise awareness. Everything still works but when my Tucson AZ garage goes over 100 degrees ambient…even overnight…the charger will aerate and I get the 3 red blinks. It does it less often with my Tesla MY but even that will overheat in the summer. The wall connector is on a 60 amp breaker and 4/3 copper but I setup the wall connector as 50 amp and I still have issues in summer.

However, as you rightly point out…apparently I’m guilty of not thoroughly reading the warnings and cautions. I suspect I’m not the only one.

And it just occurred to me that there are a lot of Tesla Destination chargers at hotels where owners will use adapters to charge their non-Tesla EV’s. They look like Gen3’s but maybe they are a different model???

 

[Yellow Buddy]

And it just occurred to me that there are a lot of Tesla Destination chargers at hotels where owners will use adapters to charge their non-Tesla EV’s. They look like Gen3’s but maybe they are a different model???

There’s different versions of Gen 3s. The NACS version, CCS version, and Universal which accommodates both NACS and CCS.

CCS versions can charge non-Teslas with CCS. NACS versions can charge non-Teslas with NACS ports, and universal adapters can charge either as long as the software configuration allows it.

If you flip the software configuration to disallow it, it
will do a comms check. If it doesn’t return a Tesla comm key, it won’t allow the vehicle to charge - even if the charge port is native NACS/CCS/Universal.

Not every destination configures this and if you use an adapter, you’re doing the same thing - tricking the charger into thinking you have a native port and bypassing built in safety measures.

 

[RickLightning]

The solution is to buy a quality NACS to J1772 adapter that doesn't overheat like the A2S Stellar adapter. https://a2zevshop.com/collections/charging-adapters/products/a2z-stellar-plug?ref=Typhoon

 

[NAVEWO]

I have been using the Tesla Tap mini rated for 80 amps continuous. It’s all moot at this point as I’ve ordered the Tesla Universal Connector Just providing this for the record

Additional details from the website


Authentic TeslaTap MINI LIGHTNING Version – MADE IN USA .... YES, THIS ADAPTER DOES WORK ON ALL WALL CONNECTORS and DESTINATION CHARGERS including Gen2 and Gen3. The TeslaTap MINI has O-Ring seals on all Tesla and J-1772 pins and is virtually waterproof. TeslaTap adapters have a special circuit that allows you to charge your non-Tesla EV on ANY Tesla Destination, UMC, or High Power Wall Connector. Safety is the most important issue and our adapters have all of the pins needed to maintain full functionality and safety protocols used by both Tesla and J-1772 charging systems. This adapter is NOT COMPATIBLE and will not work with the Tesla Supercharger Network. We do not list all of the vehicles that are compatible as our bypass circuit makes the TeslaTap MINI 80 compatible with ALL US built EV’s with a continuous charge rate up to 80 AMPS @ 250V (20 Kw). TeslaTap has a US Customer Support line that you can call or email if you have any type of issue using their adapters. Clarification: Tesla is the registered trademark of Tesla Inc. and is not affiliated with TeslaTap.

 

[captcory]

Same thing happened to my gen3 wall connector. It would overheat and derate. Problem is that Tesla doesn't make an approved adaptor. Mine finally failed and I got a universal wall connector. FYI it also over heats here in Florida in the summer when in direct sun. If I pull into the shade it's fine. So you might want to look for a different brand.

 

[Theredshift]

I contacted Tesla Wall Connector support about my Tesla Gen3 wall connector overheating and derating while charging my Lightning with a NACS to J1772 adapter. After several days they sent me an email to say they could not help me since using the Tesla wall connector with a 3rd party adapter voided my warranty. Really unacceptable as there is nothing to warn the consumer of this warranty issue and the software for the wall connector allows connection and charging to "Any EV" which really can't be done without an adapter to my knowledge. Tesla now markets a Universal Wall Connector but it was not available when I purchased my Gen3 back in 2022. So just a heads up to everyone with Tesla Wall Connector (not the Universal model) that you will likely get no support from Tesla if you use the EVSE for any EV requiring and adapter.

I acquired fords tesla adapter. Great deal

 

[Yellow Buddy]

TeslaTap adapters have a special circuit that allows you to charge your non-Tesla EV on ANY Tesla Destination, UMC, or High Power Wall Connector. Safety is the most important issue and our adapters have all of the pins needed to maintain full functionality and safety protocols used by both Tesla and J-1772 charging systems. This adapter is NOT COMPATIBLE and will not work with the Tesla Supercharger Network. We do not list all of the vehicles that are compatible as our bypass circuit makes the TeslaTap MINI 80 compatible with ALL US built EV’s with a continuous charge rate up to 80 AMPS @ 250V (20 Kw). TeslaTap has a US Customer Support line that you can call or email if you have any type of issue using their adapters. Clarification: Tesla is the registered trademark of Tesla Inc. and is not affiliated with TeslaTap.

That is a high quality adapter, from one of the original brands ever made - I have and use this one as well as the Typhoon from A2Z on multiple vehicles for several years now.

I used to use it on a Gen2 at home, I have since replaced it with Gen3 Universal, and I still use the adapters on the road when I need. With my Gen3 Universal, the handle has never heated up to the level of when I used an adapter. I don't recall ever grabbing my TeslaTap and thinking it was too warm/hot. I have grabbed my A2Z in SE USA, outdoors in the sun and thought - that is toasty. And I got rid of my Lectron when it got uncomfortably warm inside my garage in NE USA.

That said, I'm going to highlight in bold two sections though. The reason it works is because of the bypass circuit, and going back to the original post. That bypass circuit is the modification that probably gives them the basis to void the warranty.

 

[unicorn1]

I acquired fords tesla adapter. Great deal

Fords Tesla Adapter for Supercharger? If so, it ain’t gonna work on Level2.

 

[Theredshift]

No. Only works on superchargers. I bought the primecom adjustable level 2 for home and man, everyone should check it out. Well worth the price and the ability to adjust is amazing. Great support as well

https://www.primecom.tech/collections/residential/products/24-amp-adjustable-ev-charger

 

[SomeStupidDriver]

Why by a tesla charger if your truck is j1772?

 

[captcory]

the Tesla universal wall connector is j1772 and nacs.

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