Plug Will NOT Disengage From FCSP FIXED POST 87

[marc_hanna]

I tried to see how this would happen on my unit and I think it’s a little easier than you think. If I were in a hurry and I stuck it in there at the wrong angle and too quickly, I think the additional resistance to make it get stuck like that would hardly be noticeable. In my little test, I realized I was dangerously close to recreating the situation, so I stopped. I think it is an honest mistake and a borderline design flaw.

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[rdr854]

I tried to see how this would happen on my unit and I think it’s a little easier than you think. If I were in a hurry and I stuck it in there at the wrong angle and too quickly, I think the additional resistance to make it get stuck like that would hardly be noticeable. In my little test, I realized I was dangerously close to recreating the situation, so I stopped. I think it is an honest mistake and a borderline design flaw.

Thank you

 

[rdr854]

This is 100% user error.

It is amazing that he was able to jam it in like that.

Getting it out will be easy but it will require someone with a little more dexterity and spatial recognition.

This problem does not exist with the Mercedes AA Class sedan

https://iplayerhd.com/player/video/dae6a69a-adb1-4692-aaba-cff7e6bcd493

 

[Henry Ford]

You're going to need a tamper resistant 5 point torx bit in the range of t10- t15 that has a long reach, conventional bits mount on a 1/4 driver might not reach, you would need a screw driver length version to reach in to the depth these fasteners are seated.

In addition, the screws closest to the charger will be really difficult to access with a bit. Maybe with an Allen style L-wrench but that is one very specific tool. I'm saying the great Harbor Freight doesn't even have that.

 

[TaxmanHog]

In addition, the screws closest to the charger will be really difficult to access with a bit. Maybe with an Allen style L-wrench but that is one very specific tool. I'm saying the great Harbor Freight doesn't even have that.

https://www.amazon.com/2x7-Screwdriver-Shank-Electric-Screwdrivers/dp/B0CZRVT1MR

 

[JRT]

I tried playing around with mine this morning, I'd have to use some brut force to make it jam like this. I installed mine so it is pretty simple to pull the cover, also the latch on the cover has a clear open in the bottom, so maybe even able to twist the removed cover and use a thin long screw driver to push to up the latchat the same time.

I hope they help you out but this is for sure some user error, which happens.

 

[Henry Ford]

https://www.amazon.com/2x7-Screwdriver-Shank-Electric-Screwdrivers/dp/B0CZRVT1MR

There's no space to use a bit on the screws nearest to the charger. Maybe you could use a wrench with one.

 

[TaxmanHog]

There's no space to use a bit on the screws nearest to the charger. Maybe you could use a wrench with one.

1/4" ratchet wrench at the hex end of the torx driver?

Removing 5 of the 6 might be just enough to get the locking lever out of position.

 

[Sneakypetie78]

Except good luck finding another charger that'll pump out 80A. That's how this is unique, and comes (came) free with ER batteries. This is a clear case of bad user error, and not common.

 

[chl]

Unfortunately, mine is outside and in the path of the wind driven rain and snow.

Covers are available, e.g.:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/161157...search_preloaded_img=1&organic_search_click=1

 

[chl]

1/4" ratchet wrench at the hex end of the torx driver?

Removing 5 of the 6 might be just enough to get the locking lever out of position.

That is what I used - my hex wrench set came with an extension, it was even magnetic which was nice to hold the Torx screws as I pulled them out of the cavites (only a couple need the extension). I already had a Torx set when I had to screw around with some other things.

It is a T20 Torx head you need for the FCSP cover.

EDIT: seems to be smaller than a T5 for the handle - my set only goes to T5 and it is too big...it is so small I can't really even tell if it is a Torx or a star or what.

 

[chl]

Good points...

But....

I got my FCSP new in the box from someone selling it on eBay for $600 with tax so about 1/2 the list price.

I will not be charging at 80A, I can't right now because I currently have an SR battery limited to 40-something or other amps, but I wanted the FCSP for the home integration, when the price is right.

The current $10k or so price is not worth it right now, I think the price will come down.
Before anyone flames me for that prediction, I also predicted the Lightning price would come down.

EV battery prices are also coming down as the supply chain readjusts after the COVID reopening,

https://cleantechnica.com/2024/03/18/ev-battery-prices-dropping-a-lot-this-year-next/

My long range plan is home integration with solar (PV).

Functionally, the circuitry is basically a control module, an inverter and a transfer switch.

This is a diagram of the SunRun version without the photovoltaic circuits (solar) (or other battery storage - except a dark start 12v battery) connected.

So far I haven't seen any other EVSE's that doubles as a home integration battery backup interface.

In the mean time (before I jump on a home integration system) I will use the 240V 30A out from the Lightning bed via a Generac neutral switching transfer switch in case of an outage with just the basic house circuits connected (as I did with my gasoline generator and my old transfer switch).

If a better EVSE with home integration comes along, that can work with the Lightning, I hope news of it shows up on this forum!

 

[TaxmanHog]

That is what I used - my hex wrench set came with an extension, it was even magnetic which was nice to hold the Torx screws as I pulled them out of the cavites (only a couple need the extension). I already had a Torx set when I had to screw around with some other things.

It is a T20 Torx head you need for the FCSP cover.

You disassembled the cable head???

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