Mercedes-Benz Intermittent Communication / Handshake Failure

Vehicle shows ‘Charging not possible’ but wallbox LEDs appear normal; no specific error code displayed on wallbox.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Marginal CP or PP contact in Type 2 plug, Slightly bent signal pins in Mercedes-Benz wallbox socket, Oxidation on connector contacts, Loose signal wiring inside wallbox

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power before opening the wallbox or handling internal wiring.

  • Clean plug and socket: Use electrical contact cleaner and a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the Type 2 plug pins. For a socketed wallbox, clean the socket carefully without inserting metal tools.
  • Inspect pins: Check for pins that are recessed, bent, or discolored. If any are damaged, the cable or socket should be replaced.
  • Check cable strain relief: Ensure the cable gland or strain relief at the wallbox is tight and that the cable does not move excessively when pulled.
  • Internal wiring check: With power off, verify that CP and PP conductors are firmly connected at the control board and socket terminals.
  • Test with another cable/vehicle: Swap components to isolate whether the issue is with the cable, vehicle, or wallbox.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Type 2 Socket or Cable Assembly
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