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EVSE (cable) error/replacement

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by Michael Duchek, Mar 31, 2022.

  1. Michael Duchek

    Michael Duchek Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 21, 2018
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    Location:
    Madison, WI
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    Hello - I have a 2018 Prius Prime. Last winter (so, over a year ago) I ran over my cable with the snowblower. The damage seemed minimal and putting some electrical tape around it, it still worked fine.

    Recently, I started getting errors. The red light on the cable flashes 3 times which according to the manual means electrical leakage detected. I am assuming the cable is failing, though it's odd that this issue happened all of a sudden. My son also dropped it recently so maybe that did it.

    Anyway - I was looking into EVSE repair as well, but I called dealership and a "new" cable would be over $800. I'm not inclined to do that. It seems my best options are to a) get some 3rd party 120V EVSE, or b) get my garage wired for a level 2 charger? Is that right? I would be hesitant to do b as it's a plug in hybrid so kind of uneconomical since I mostly charge at night anyway, but I am looking into it.

    Any thoughts on any of this? My utility has a $500 rebate for level 2 chargers, but there seems not to be much info yet on it...
     
    #1 Michael Duchek, Mar 31, 2022
  2. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
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    Model:
    Prime Advanced
    Unless you drive a ton of EV miles a day or a PEV is on your radar go with plan A. Amazon has multiple reasonably priced EVSE devices. You don’t need to pay Toyota prices.
     
    #2 schja01, Mar 31, 2022
  3. Washingtonian

    Washingtonian Senior Member

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    May 26, 2017
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    Location:
    Western Washington
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Since your EVSE is already toast, I would first go with plan C. Unplug it from the wall, remove the tape you put on it and look at the damage closely. More than likely you tore off the insulation from two adjacent wires and they are now shorting together. Carefully cut off more of the insulation so you can separate the two or three wires enough so you can re-insulate and separate them. Might not be pretty, but it should work.
     
    #3 Washingtonian, Mar 31, 2022
  4. PT Guy

    PT Guy Senior Member

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    Nov 23, 2016
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    Location:
    Washington, the state
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    To add to what Washingtonian said...the cable has 4 conductors--4 wires inside the outer sheath. It has two for communications between the charger inside the car and the power supply brick on the other end of the cable. It has two wires for power from the power supply to the charger. Unplug both ends. Carefully open the sheath as suggested and repair what you can. Wrap electrical tape carefully around any damaged sections, then tape the outer sheath together. You can add RTV silicone adhesive/sealant with the tape for better stick.

    Here is a $200 power unit that can be used on either your existing 120 volt receptacle or a future 240 volt one. This guy has been around for a few years, so these are probably OK units. You just need to tell him which plug you need for your receptacle (probably one of the 15 amp, 120 volt plugs). https://www.bsaelectronics.com/collections/charging-stations/products/16a-3-84kw-portable-charging-station-25-length-evse-d25-16a?variant=3222602874906
     
    #4 PT Guy, Apr 2, 2022
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