We had a few days below Zero the last month. Now the last 2 weeks it is hard to push the charge cable Plug into the car. No matter if you hold the release or just push until it clicks in, it's Hard to get it to connect. I can not see anything in the way or out of the ordinary. It used to be very easy to connect. Anyone else have this problem.
Sorry, Just noticed another Thread was already started. I'll check the O-ring in the plug and re-seat or remove it.
is it the stock unit or aftermarket? i haven't had any problem, but the coldest i've charged in is about 15 degrees.
Better would be a silicone or teflon spray that goes on dry. Any grease (or an oil like wd-40) will attract dirt and eventually make the problem worse. I get silicone spray cans for about $4 at my local auto parts store to periodically lubricate the door seals to stop squeaks. I use a dry teflon lube on my motorcycle chain.
Seems like this is becoming an issue with the "older" ie 2012 PIP's. Since I removed my O-ring two weeks ago- my handle has locked into the car's charge port easily again.
FWIW- I charge with the OEM EVSE once per day every weekday and maybe up to 3-4times per day on weekends. That amounts to 12x per week (x68 weeks I've owned the PIP= 816 uses) for the OEM EVSE.
Since March 14, 2012, I plug-in once every day at home and twice at work every workday. 365 x 2 years less 37 days = 693 times at home and 2 x 495 workdays = 990 times at work So I've plugged my PIP in 1,683 times. The O-ring started causing the problem 3 weeks ago when temp dropped below zero. Doesn't look like it has a purpose, except to cushion the pushing in of the cable.
I don't think so. The ring is in the bottom of the Handle, which is angled down when plugged in. So water wouldn't reach the ring.
Like ukr2 said- "The ring is in the bottom of the Handle, which is angled down when plugged in" which makes it the highest point when actually plugged in. I'm guessing it's a moisture/splash seal of some sort?
