Unable to charge with CCS chargers

[patfear]

Hi all,
Apologies if this issue has been discussed elsewhere, I just can’t find it.
We have just recently bought a used MG ZS gen 1. I’ve managed to charge it on the slow public chargers but not on the CCS DC option. I’ve tried various types around town with the same result, connects and then says communication error. After some investigation I’ve concluded that it’s not locking the plug. I know this because I can just pull the pug out. Have I missed something dumb or is there a fault with the locking pin?

 

[Steve W]

Hi all,
Apologies if this issue has been discussed elsewhere, I just can’t find it.
We have just recently bought a used MG ZS gen 1. I’ve managed to charge it on the slow public chargers but not on the CCS DC option. I’ve tried various types around town with the same result, connects and then says communication error. After some investigation I’ve concluded that it’s not locking the plug. I know this because I can just pull the pug out. Have I missed something dumb or is there a fault with the locking pin?

Try holding/pushing the plug into your car as the charging station is running through its initialising phase.

 

[Jomarkh]

The charger needs to talk to the car using the small pins at the top. As above hold the plug in until it does its handshake.
Not all ask for you to plug in first follow the instructions carefully.
Next step is take it to MG as they should have a DC charger on site.

 

[patfear]

I do plan to take it to MG but am checking to see if it’s something I’m missing as a new EV owner. I did notice the one pin (of the top two) in the car side of the socket is more recessed than the other. It is slow charging so I expected that would use those two pins too? I will revisit a charger with tips gained here and hopefully solve the issue soon. Thanks for the support!

 

[Coulomb]

notice the one pin (of the top two) in the car side of the socket is more recessed than the other.

This is normal and by design.

The fact that you can remove the plug probably just means that the handshake between the car and the charger hasn't progressed far enough. So it's not likely that your charge port lock is faulty.

It can certainly be frustrating getting a charge started, especially when you haven't done it before. In a perfect world, it would always "just work". Or at least, the charger snd/or the car would tell you exactly what is wrong and how to fix it. The reality is sadly different.

It does get easier!

 

[decrep]

Yes I've had trouble at first with public chargers. You have to get the sequence right. Even to the point of locking the car first, then unlock it without getting into the drivers seat, then start the charger, before plugging in. plug in when charger tells you to. These steps may not be necessary on all chargers, but are things to try, as it's got me going on most I've used. The main thing is to follow the charger instructions carefully.

 

[chowbenter]

My Gen1 ZS wouldn't charge unless the doors were locked.

 

[patfear]

Thanks all for your useful tips, I’ll give those options a try on Friday , failing that I’ll get MG to check the locking pin.
Great help on this forum cheers!!

 

[Slipstream]

Hi all,
Apologies if this issue has been discussed elsewhere, I just can’t find it.
We have just recently bought a used MG ZS gen 1. I’ve managed to charge it on the slow public chargers but not on the CCS DC option. I’ve tried various types around town with the same result, connects and then says communication error. After some investigation I’ve concluded that it’s not locking the plug. I know this because I can just pull the pug out. Have I missed something dumb or is there a fault with the locking pin?

The car needs to be locked to start a charge.

 

[patfear]

I’ll be trying these out on Friday and report back on the outcome, thanks all. Car booked in for next Friday at the dealer in case. Installation of home charger next Thursday so we should be good and no more ‘me’ time at a slow changer..

 

[chris69]

I had this happen to my Gen 1 in France this year. Fixed by disconnecting the 12V battery for a minute.

The Gen 1 has to be locked to charge from a Type 2 but it doesn’t matter with CCS charging.

 

[Ealing Guy]

I'd agree with holding in the plug as well as they can get damaged. And avoiding Tesco CCS chargers until you have had some experience, it used to take me 4 or 5 goes to get them to work when I first had the car, maybe try an older charger for an older car like the 50kW cylindrical BP's or 50kW Shell, nothing faster first time. Everything should be OK except perhaps Tesla though.

 

[patfear]

Quick update- I took the car into MG last Friday and they said it needed a few updates to various systems which they did under warranty for me. I can confirm that it is now charging on public fast charging units.
Thanks for all the help and support.

 

[Tr380r67]

Hi all,
Apologies if this issue has been discussed elsewhere, I just can’t find it.
We have just recently bought a used MG ZS gen 1. I’ve managed to charge it on the slow public chargers but not on the CCS DC option. I’ve tried various types around town with the same result, connects and then says communication error. After some investigation I’ve concluded that it’s not locking the plug. I know this because I can just pull the pug out. Have I missed something dumb or is there a fault with the locking pin?

I would get an MG dealer to check the CCU as the same issue happened with my brother's car. It was replaced within 2 days and has worked well since ?.