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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