Is Your Home EV Charger Not Working?
Here’s What to Do Before Calling a Pro
EV chargers are built to be reliable—but like any electrical system, they can experience issues over time. Whether you're seeing flashing lights, a dead screen, or a car that just won’t charge, it's frustrating to be stuck without your main charging option.
Before you panic (or start shopping for a new charger), there are several quick fixes you can try. As local Indianapolis electricians who install and service home EV chargers, we’ve helped homeowners troubleshoot every kind of issue, many of which don’t require a full replacement.
Here’s how to figure out what’s going wrong and what to do next.
1. Check the Basics First
Before diving into deeper electrical diagnostics, start with these quick checks:
- Is the charger plugged in? (Some units use NEMA 14-50 or other plug-in options.)
- Is the circuit breaker tripped? Open your main panel and look for a tripped breaker or blown fuse.
- Has a GFCI outlet been triggered? If your charger is plugged into a GFCI outlet, it may need to be reset.
- Did the utility have a power outage? Check nearby lights and appliances to rule out a service disruption.
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the right one—especially after a lightning storm or peak demand hours in Indianapolis.
2. Look for Charger Error Lights or App Notifications
Almost all EV chargers—like those from Tesla, ChargePoint, or JuiceBox—include LED indicators or smartphone apps that show status codes or diagnostics. A blinking red light or error message can help you pinpoint the issue.
Common messages include:
- “Ground Fault Detected”
- “Overcurrent Detected”
- “Plug Not Fully Inserted”
- “Vehicle Not Recognized”
Refer to your charger’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for interpretation. If you're unsure, take a photo of the error lights or codes to show your electrician.
3. Inspect the Charging Cable and Plug
Next, examine the cable and plug for physical damage.
Look for:
- Fraying or kinks in the cord
- Burn marks around the prongs or socket.
- Debris or corrosion on the plug head
- A loose wall mount or cracked housing
In colder Indianapolis winters or hot garages in summer, plastic parts can expand and contract, which may affect connectivity or damage cables over time.
If you notice any damage, stop using the charger immediately and contact a licensed electrician to inspect the unit.
4. Try Charging Another EV or Use a Public Station
To rule out an issue with your car itself:
- Try plugging your charger into a friend’s EV (if possible).
- Attempt to charge your EV at a public Level 2 station in Indianapolis
If your car charges elsewhere, the issue is likely with your home unit or outlet. If it won’t charge anywhere, your car’s charging port may be the culprit.
5. Check Wi-Fi and Firmware
Some EV chargers require a Wi-Fi connection to function correctly, especially smart chargers with scheduling features. If the network is down or the firmware is outdated, you may lose charging capabilities.
To troubleshoot:
- Restart your router.
- Reconnect your charger to Wi-Fi.
- Check for firmware updates in your charger’s app.
This is a surprisingly common fix after power outages or internet service resets.
6. Call a Licensed Electrician if the Problem Persists
If none of the above steps solve the issue, it’s time to bring in a licensed Indianapolis electrician who specializes in EV charging systems.
Common electrical issues we find include:
- Undersized or faulty circuits.
- Loose wiring connections.
- Faulty breakers or GFCI faults in the panel.
- Improper grounding or code violations.
We have specialized tools to test load capacity, continuity, and connectivity to diagnose the root cause quickly and safely.
How Much Does EV Charger Repair Cost?
In Indianapolis, the cost of diagnosing and repairing a home EV charger typically ranges from $150 to $600, depending on:
- Whether the issue is with the charger or your electrical system.
- The need for part replacement (outlets, breakers, etc.).
- Whether permits are required for rewiring or upgrading.
Many issues are minor and can be resolved during a single visit.
Proactive Tip: Schedule Annual Maintenance.
Like any major appliance, your EV charger benefits from routine inspection. Annual checkups can catch early signs of wear, loose wiring, or voltage fluctuations—especially as you use it every day.
Need Help with an EV Charger That’s Not Working?
If your home EV charger isn’t working and you're in the Indianapolis area, don’t waste time guessing. Contact us for fast, friendly service. Don’t just trust what we say - check out our hundreds of 5-star reviews on our Google Business page. We specialize in both installation and repair of EV charging systems and can get you back on the road safely.
Book your EV charger repair today —and power up with confidence.
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