Why Does My EV Charger Keep Stopping and Starting?

One of the most frustrating EV charging problems is when your charger keeps starting and stopping repeatedly. Instead of a smooth charging session, you’re left with interrupted charges and uncertainty about whether your car will be ready when you need it. Let’s look at the common causes of this issue, how to troubleshoot it, and when to call for professional help.

Common Causes of Stop-and-Start Charging

1. Loose Connection

• A plug that isn’t fully seated or a worn outlet can cause intermittent charging.

• Even slight movement of the cable may interrupt the session.

2. Overheating Protection

• Chargers have built-in thermal sensors. If the charger, outlet, or cable overheats, it may stop to cool down and then restart once safe.

• Common with plug-in chargers on older or undersized outlets.

3. Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) Tripping

• If the charger senses current leakage, it will stop charging immediately for safety.

• Once reset, it may try to start again, creating a stop-and-start cycle.

4. Vehicle-Side Issues

• Some cars pause charging if they detect unstable voltage.

• Software glitches in the car’s onboard charger may also cause this pattern.

5. Shared Circuit Overload

• If your charger isn’t on a dedicated circuit, other appliances may cause voltage drops.

• The charger may stop to protect itself, then restart when power stabilizes.

6. Faulty Charger Hardware

• A failing relay, circuit board, or internal sensor may cause unpredictable charging behavior.

Troubleshooting Steps

1.    Check the plug and outlet – Make sure connections are tight and not overheated.

2.    Inspect for heat – If the plug or charger feels hot, stop charging immediately.

3.    Try another circuit or charger – Helps determine if the issue is with your charger or vehicle.

4.    Update firmware – Both EVs and smart chargers release updates that can fix communication issues.

5.    Test a dedicated circuit – If possible, ensure your charger is on its own breaker.

When to Call a Professional

• If your charger overheats repeatedly.

• If breakers or GFIs keep tripping.

• If your EV shows charging errors on multiple chargers.

• If the charger has visible damage or unusual smells.

These are signs of deeper electrical or hardware issues that require a licensed electrician or EV service technician.

Final Thoughts

When your EV charger keeps stopping and starting, it’s usually a sign of loose connections, overheating, or electrical instability. While minor issues can sometimes be fixed at home, recurring interruptions should never be ignored. Safe, reliable charging depends on a properly installed and maintained setup.

👉 If you need help with EV charger installation in Dallas, Plano or the surrounding area, contact us today to schedule service or installation.