Test Chevy Portable Charging Cord

Owners of 2017 Chevy Bolt EV vehicles may comment that the 120V portable charge cord does not work or that the vehicle does not charge completely or may charge intermittently. The cause of the condition may be the customer’s faulty power outlet. Test the 120V portable charge cord to verify.

Warning: do not use extension cords, multi-outlet power strips, splitters, grounding adapters, surge protectors or similar devices. Do not use an electrical outlet that is worn or damaged or will not hold the plug firmly in place. Do not use an electrical outlet that is not properly grounded. Do not use an electrical outlet that is on a circuit with other electrical loads.

Visually inspect the 120V portable charge cord for any damage, overheating at the power outlet plug terminals/prongs, etc. Possible issues to inspect for would be trapping and crimping the 120V portable charge cord in a car door, a damaged cord power outlet plug such as missing or bent terminals/prongs or driving over the body of the cord set. If any signs of damage are found, replace the 120V portable power cord assembly.

Using a known good quality dedicated power outlet with nothing else on the circuit, plug in the 120V portable charge cord. Plug the cord into the vehicle receptacle. After plugging the cord in, it will perform a quick self-test. Compare the charge cord status lights to the status lights in the table (see image here).

If a charge cord fault is detected, replace the 120V portable charge cord. Record the light status and red blink pattern on the repair order. If the status lights indicate ready to charge, charge the vehicle for 5 minutes. If the vehicle charges for 5 minutes without interruption, return the 120V portable charge cord to the customer. Ask the customer if they can provide a short video of the 120V portable charge cord status lights and the dash charging status light when/if the problem occurs.

It is suspected that a majority of no-charge events will be due to the electrical outlet/plug being overheated, which is the customer’s responsibility. Any issues with the customer’s electrical outlet must be inspected and repaired by a qualified licensed electrician. The 120V portable charge cord requires a minimum circuit capacity of 120 volts and 15 amps.