Removing the protector cap on the J1772 connector

The door is not gasketed. Dirt and water can still get in behind the door, and if the connector is open then the connector will get dirty or wet. I would not remove the protective cover from the plug.

 

I wonder what Japanese version of PRIME (Prius PHV) have in the charge port. As I understand, Japanese Prius PHV has CHAdeMO port at where the North American version of PRIME use as cap holder (arrow in the diagram). Do they have two separate caps for both J1772 and CHAdeMO connectors and no placeholders?

 

I found the answer. This photo from Japanese Toyota site shows two separate protector caps.

 

Too bad that they couldn't just build the cover into the door, like they for the PiP (2012-2015 PlugIn Prius). All you had to do was shut the charging port door, and the protective cover went into place.

 

It almost seems like the engineers looked at it and decided it was way too convenient, so they changed it to something more complex. "It it ain't broke ... hurry up and break it!!"

 

No, the engineer's slogan is "If it ain't broke, open it up and fix it!"

 

I believe we call that "job security"

As one who occasionally charges outside in the rain/snow, I do prefer the door to not be water tight so it will dry out after I close it.

 

pip door isn't watertight, the plug cover is attached to it, and protects the plug when you close the door. simple, and elegant

 

Does protective cap consistently fall out of its holder and dangle on your car
I've had a hard time getting that damned cap to stay in there once or twice and that is frustrating enough for me.

 

Nope. The trick is to just turn it a little. That tightens the grip.

Exactly! I've had mine covered in a blanket of snow quite a number of times. It dries out fine.

 

Thanks. Good tip.

 

Interesting. Mine just stays. No special technique required. In fact, it takes a little tug to pull it out and makes a small squawk.

Then again, I don't think mine ever got used till I bought the car in March this year. Maybe a wear issue? Did yours come loose when new?

But I can't help wondering whether it would be possible to find a PiP charging door and retrofit that inner panel to the Prime's door. I haven't looked because I don't imagine there are very many PiPs in the junk yards yet.

 

I can't count the number of times I've done that myself!!

 

No problem with the cap here. I pretty much charge every day and the cap fits fine in the holder while charging. Very rarely does it come out. Usually my fault for not fitting it correctly in the holder.

 

Once or twice on a dark cold snowy night I've had issues with that cap staying in it holder. Maybe the night light in the charge well was obscured by snow or something like that, I don't really remember all the details.
I have been frustrated when pushing the on button only to see the notice on the MID that the charge door is open. Usually when I'm late besides.

 

Is it possible to buy the Japanese charger and install it in a US prime (and have it work)?

 

If you are thinking of CHAdeMO, then the answer is simply NO.

 

It would have been so simple to just engineer a rubber gasket all around the door.