What to Do When Your Tesla Charger Blinks Red

Tesla is leading the pack in electric cars by combining modern technology with eco-friendly rides. These vehicles have a high-tech charging system, making owning an electric car doable and manageable for many. When that crimson light blinks, it’s a cue to pay attention — a sign that something in the charging process needs a closer look. Understanding what the red blink means can help you keep your electric ride in top-notch shape. Let’s look at what this blinking red light means, why it’s essential, and what to do about it.

1 or 2 Red Blinks

One blink on your Tesla charger indicates a ground-fault circuit interruption (GFCI). A GFCI monitor is a safety device that protects from electric shock. A ground fault will occur when electricity takes an unintended path to the ground. When the GFCI monitors any imbalance, it quickly shuts off power to prevent injury or electric shock.

Two blinks indicate a ground assurance fault or a high ground resistance. This is a situation where the electrical system cannot ensure proper grounding. It can occur if there is an issue with the ground connection in the charging system. Either way, one or two blinks indicate an interruption in the charging.

You can do a few things when you spot these blinking lights. Check the charging connection whenever your Tesla charger has one or two blinks. Ensure the charging cable is securely plugged into the Tesla vehicle and the charging station. Damage to the charging cable can also cause the blinks. Check for any visible signs of wear, such as frayed wires or bent connections. Double-check and unplug the charging cable from the vehicle and the charging station. You should wait a few seconds and reconnect.

If the problem persists, check for error messages on the Tesla vehicle display screen. It may provide additional information about the charging issue. Ensure that the charging settings on your vehicle are configured correctly and that no specific preferences are causing the interruption. You can also call an electrician to address the ground issue. If the GFCI device has tripped, the electrician will reset it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The electrician will also ensure the grounding wire is not directly connected to a conductor in the branch circuit.

3 Red Blinks

Three blinks indicate the charger has detected high temperatures. Examine the physical components of the wall connector, including the faceplate and the charging cable. Feel for any signs of warmth or unusual heat. Regardless of whether you feel excess heat, you should call a professional electrician to assist. An expert will verify that the wires used are sized correctly to handle the charging load. It is also important to consider removing objects from around the charger. These could obstruct the airflow and result in increased temperatures.

4 or 5 Red Blinks

Four red blinks indicate a disruption in the internet connection and the loss of online features. Five blinks indicate a power-sharing communication problem. This will reduce charging speed.

Start by checking whether your internet connection is working correctly. The Wi-Fi network or Ethernet connection may have become unstable. It’s also possible that someone changed the router settings, passwords, or charger settings, causing the interruption.

Locate and remove any objects that could be interfering with the signal strength. If there are still issues with the internet connection, try restarting your router to resolve the glitch. You can also reposition the charger for better connection, or improve your Wi-Fi coverage if the problem persists.

You can use your mobile device to follow the commissioning process for re-linking the wall connectors for power sharing. Also, update the vehicle and charger software. Remember, the specifics of troubleshooting internet connection issues may vary based on your Tesla model, charger model, and software versions. However, Tesla vehicle manuals usually provide helpful guidance.

6 Red Blinks

Six blinks indicate the voltage supplied to the wall connector exceeds the acceptable range. It is also possible that the electrical grid supplying the power is experiencing fluctuations, surges, or other quality issues. To address this problem, have a qualified electrician measure the voltage at the wall connector to ensure it falls within the specified range. If the voltage exceeds 240 volts, the electrician may need to investigate and correct the issue.

An electrician can use specialized equipment to assess the quality of power coming from the grid and address issues that may be causing fluctuations or poor power quality. A professional can ensure that the wiring connecting the wall connector to the power supply is in good condition. You can also refer to the user manual or documentation provided by Tesla for the wall connector. It may contain specific troubleshooting steps or information about the error code.

7 Red Blinks

Seven blinks mean the charging system has detected vehicle overcurrent. This occurs when the charging current exceeds safe limits. Check the vehicle’s charging setting on the control dashboard, and reduce the current to the recommended limits. Wait a few seconds to monitor for changes. If the problem persists or you are unsure about making adjustments, record the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the approximate fault time. Contact Tesla or the vehicle’s manufacturer for assistance. Additionally, ensure that your vehicle’s software is up-to-date. Software updates may address charging-related issues.

Find Professional Support

Tesla’s support team is well-equipped to assist with troubleshooting. You will be guided on how to address issues with your charging equipment. Before contacting Tesla support, gather relevant information about the issues that are occurring. It is essential to note the specific pattern of the red blinking lights, the blinking frequency, any error messages displayed, and any observations about when the issue occurs. If your Tesla vehicle is linked to your Tesla account, you might find support options through the vehicle’s touchscreen or the Tesla mobile app.

Tesla support representatives may guide you through additional troubleshooting steps or provide specific instructions to help resolve the problem. If you cannot resolve the issue through remote troubleshooting, Tesla support may assist in arranging for service. You will make an appointment with a qualified technician to inspect, repair, or replace the wall connector if necessary. If your Tesla charger and wall connector are still under warranty, Tesla support will guide you on the warranty coverage and potential solutions. This may include no-cost repairs or replacements for any issues that fall within the coverage.

Troubleshooting the red blink on your Tesla charger may uncover underlying electrical issues. Hence, having an electrician whom you can contact when the problem arises is important. Are you seeking top-notch electrical service in Ellisville, MO, and the St. Louis Metro Area? Potts Electric provides extensive electrical service experience. We can assist you with our range of electrical services whether you are buying a home or retrofitting an older building. We can install generators, smart home devices, and car chargers.

Contact Potts Electric today to schedule an appointment!