Cold Weather Charging Error Issues

[pritish]

Hi All,

I am hoping that someone can help me. I live in Michigan so the weather gets below freezing regularly - that is when my charging problems start. I have a Charge Station Pro that is on a 30amp circuit and is hardware limited to 24 amps. Whenever the temperature drops below 30 degrees and I put the truck to charge, invariably, after few minutes, the message pops up "Vehicle Charging Error". I have taken it to the dealer and the dealer says that there are no issues with the truck but whether I use the mobile charger or charge station pro at home, the both display the Vehicle Charging Error.

If the temperature is between 30 degrees and 45 degrees, then I have to take the truck for a one mile spin before putting the truck on the charger. If I do not do that, again the message pops up.

I have opened a ticket with Ford but they say nothing is wrong. I went to the dealer and they say that because I have limited the charger to 24 amps, that is causing the issue.

I feel like the battery needs to get pre-conditioned to accept the charge but for whatever reason, it is not getting preconditioned.

Has anybody else faced similar issue with charging the truck at home?

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[TaxmanHog]

The 24 amp limit is part of or the root problem.

In very cold conditions, the PTC fires up and can draw as much as 37 amps all by itself, ~9KW
This process could run for 15 to 30 minutes before the charging begins to consume available current, being limited to 24 amps would further extend the warming process and slow the charging process as well.

Is there any available capacity in the house load center to install a larger breaker and commisurate wire to 60 amps net load of 48 amps?

BTW
Have your electrician confirm all fasteners on the electrical circuit are torqued to spec.
What is the software version on your FCSP.

 

[Newton]

It sounds like water is melting as the truck warms up and getting somewhere that it shouldn't due to an improper seal. First check the charge port and the adapter for snow and ice, that would be the easy solution. Perhaps you could test by warming up the port with a hair dryer on low, letting it sit, and seeing if the problem reoccurs.

I have had no problems with my Clipper Creek in very low temperatures although I'm usually just leaving it connected for the cabin heat and general welfare rather than recharging any significant amount - since transportation ends around here when we get more than 1" of snow.

 

[Newton]

The 24 amp limit is part of or the root problem.

In very cold conditions, the PTC fires up and can draw as much as 37 amps all by itself, ~9KW
This process could run for 15 to 30 minutes before the charging begins to consume available current, being limited to 24 amps would further extend the warming process and slow the charging process as well.

Is there any available capacity in the house load center to install a larger breaker and commisurate wire to 60 amps net load of 48 amps?

Do you have a reference? That would be surprising since that is more than the amount of power to run an oven broiler.

Everything worked fine with my outside 15A charger during our cold snap. My largest charger (the indoor one) is 32A and no vehicle has ever had any problem like that in cold weather.

 

[TaxmanHog]

Do you have a reference? That would be surprising since that is more than the amount of power to run an oven broiler.

It's been mentioned in other threads about the appx power rating of the PTC in MME's & Lightnings 9KW

Observational measurements of energy flow during different phases of preconditioning, remote starting and battery charging.

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/...oning-pre-heat-your-battery.13693/post-349341

 

[Maquis]

My opinion - there’s something wrong with your truck. It’s true that when you L2 charge, the battery gets warmed to some point above freezing, but it will use battery power to so, if needed. It doesn’t take a continuous 9 KW for the duration of charging to keep the battery above freezing.

Can you try it on a public L2 to see if it works there?

 

[Heliian]

It's your house supply possibly.

If the truck is good but 2 different chargers at your house don't work then it's the house. I would try another level 2 somewhere else to confirm.

Possibly your voltage is sagging or some other wiring issue.

Also, did you add your house as a charging location? If so, clear and reset that.

I have used level 1, portable level 2 and fixed level 2 evse in cold temps (-20degc and below) without problem.

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