[Crocker!]

I recently purchase a 2016 Volt. Love it. My employer has charging facilities including two Bosch level 2 240 volt chargers. I use one everyday, for free. It's like getting a raise. The chargers are outside in the elements in use every workday for about six years now. I figured that is one rugged design. So I bought a used one. But there is a problem. It won't charge.

It does all of the usual things at start up just like the ones at work. It makes clicking noises then the light flashed green/red a few times then steady green which means it's ready to charge. But when I plug it in it does not charge and the car does not recognize it at all. Repeated attempts have proven useless. The unit was professionally installed and wired correctly. So, I have a question.

This Bosch has the black connector as shown in the picture below. The ones at work have a white connector. Does that make a difference? Do the different looking connectors work differently?

 

[lagagnon]

No, they're both standard J1772 connectors and it matters not whether they are black or white. If all other chargers work with your Volt and the used one you bought does not then there is obviously a fault with the used one. I would return it for a refund (if that is possible).

I don't know what the Bosch sequence of lights flashing means - I would get the manual if I were you, but I don't believe any charger should be flashing red, even if it eventually goes to green. There is a fault with the charger unit, that is for sure...

 

[Crocker!]

No, they're both standard J1772 connectors and it matters not whether they are black or white. If all other chargers work with your Volt and the used one you bought does not then there is obviously a fault with the used one. I would return it for a refund (if that is possible).

I don't know what the Bosch sequence of lights flashing means - I would get the manual if I were you, but I don't believe any charger should be flashing red, even if it eventually goes to green. There is a fault with the charger unit, that is for sure...

Thanks for the confirmation. It's just a single item that I had not confirmed as I troubleshoot (as much as I can) the failure. I will be attempting a return.

As for the lights, they behave as the manual says they should and the same way as the chargers at work do. So I was just saying that the power-up appeared normal. At this point I assume the fault is in the connector or cord, and not a problem of incompatibility.

Also, I just got the parts to make the adapter to run my GM-supplied level one charger as level two per the excellent threads on this fine forum. So once I return this "not as described" unit for a refund (or turn it over the the fraud folks at my credit card) I have my weekend level two charging needs covered.

I love this little space ship!

 

[bjrosen]

I'd check the voltages where it's connected in the junction box, make sure it's really getting 220-240V. If the voltages are OK then you should return it and get a Clipper Creek.

 

[Synovialbasher]

I'd check the voltages where it's connected in the junction box, make sure it's really getting 220-240V. If the voltages are OK then you should return it and get a Clipper Creek.

+1 for the Clipper Creek if you end up returning the Bosch. CC units are ridiculously durable and extremely well made. I expect mine to work for my next car(s) assuming J1772 remains the standard.

I had an issue on my stock EVSE where it wouldn't charge and found the issue to be crud that got "pinched" inside the pins on the connector. With the power OFF and disconnected I used some electronics cleaner spray and a Q-tip to clean out the pins, and it resolved the issue for me.

 

[Don M]

So I bought a used one.

That may be the problem - Did you get any sort of guarantee?

Don