Schumacher Unstable Contactor Control / Pilot Negotiation Failure

Charger clicks repeatedly (relay chatter) when a vehicle is connected, but charging does not start.

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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

Weak contactor coil voltage, Faulty control board relay driver, Unstable supply voltage, Vehicle pilot response out of spec

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Repeated relay operation can indicate a serious fault. Turn OFF the breaker if chattering continues.

  • Try another vehicle: If the charger works normally with a different EV, the original vehicle may have a pilot or onboard charger issue.
  • Check supply voltage: Have an electrician verify that the line voltage is stable and within the charger’s rated range during startup.
  • Listen closely: If the contactor chatters even with no vehicle connected (during self-test), the control board or contactor coil may be faulty.
  • Service required: Replace the main contactor and/or control board as recommended by a qualified EVSE technician.
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Repair Difficulty

Professional Required 5/5

Required Part

Main Power Contactor
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