1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

PIP charging cable won't click into the car

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Nathan505, Jan 15, 2014.

  1. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,751
    48,967
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    not that i recall. you can call customer service. also, there have been no reports of adverse effects from removing it, including those who charge outside in bad weather.
     
  2. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2010
    3,961
    2,609
    0
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    My daughter dropped my EVSE into the floor, and the thumb switch broke off. It still worked, but I had to reach my fingers in to unlatch it.

    I got tired of this, so I took it apart and removed the silver thumb switch completely. Now it doesn't latch onto the car, but it fits just fine. It leaves a small micro switch exposed. If I press this while the car is charging, it stops charging. Since I use this in a covered garage now, I don't need the ultra-safety of a solution that is 100% safe outdoors in a rainstorm. After all, it's really no different than plugging in a hairdryer... which is perfectly safe indoors, but not outdoors in a rainstorm.
     
  3. Redpoint5

    Redpoint5 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2013
    1,026
    508
    0
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    My OEM EVSE plug isn't fitting into the charge port due to the O-ring constantly binding up. I've only used it maybe a dozen times when I didn't have access to a 240v EVSE. Since I charge outdoors with it, usually in the rain, I wasn't comfortable removing the O-ring.

    Crazy that this engineered EVSE has so many problems when the Leaf EVSE I use daily never has an issue.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,751
    48,967
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    you don't need the o ring in the rain. new units don't have them. i've been using mine for 4 years without issue. i'm sure leaf has had a few problems as well.
     
    Redpoint5 likes this.
  5. Maine Pilot

    Maine Pilot Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2011
    166
    504
    0
    Location:
    Saco, Maine
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    III
  6. evebc

    evebc Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2007
    3
    3
    0
    Yesterday my PIP wouldn't charge. Before I dragged myself to the Dreaded Dealer, I searched here for 5 minutes, found this thread, and fixed the problem. Orange ring was out of place. Pulled it out, and the plug clicked into place. It took a bit of fussing to reseat the ring, but got that done and plug clicks in fine. If it doesn't behave itself, I will remove it since I charge indoors.

    Once again, problem quickly solved by the internet and PriusChat! Thanks to you all for the info in the thread.
     
    Rebound, markabele and jerrymildred like this.
  7. ukr2

    ukr2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2007
    1,009
    275
    31
    Location:
    Victor, NY
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XLE
    After I had your problem and removed the Orange ring, I left it off for 4 years without a problem.
     
  8. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2016
    11,491
    14,100
    0
    Location:
    Tampa, FL
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I've had my PiP since late December. I finally looked and discovered that I already don't have an orange ring, or any color o-ring in my plug.
     
    #68 jerrymildred, Mar 12, 2017
    Last edited: Mar 12, 2017
  9. Redpoint5

    Redpoint5 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 31, 2013
    1,026
    508
    0
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I tossed my orange gasket into the garbage this weekend. It's rare that I use the 120v EVSE, but whenever I do, the gasket gets in the way.
     
  10. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2012
    5,084
    1,782
    1
    Location:
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    I believe they shipped only with 2012's. Mine doesn't have it either.
     
    jerrymildred likes this.
  11. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2009
    2,938
    2,288
    0
    Location:
    Silicon Valley
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Orange is the new invisible

    Mike
     
    jerrymildred and Raytheeagle like this.
  12. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2012
    5,084
    1,782
    1
    Location:
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    So it turns out mine does have the orange O-ring and mine is finally starting to bind up on me after all these years. I tried needle nose pliers and couldn't get a hold of it. Any other ideas?
     
  13. Pluggo

    Pluggo Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 23, 2016
    608
    532
    0
    Location:
    Folsom, Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Twist a paperclip into a hook and pull it out.
     
    jerrymildred, bisco and markabele like this.
  14. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2016
    11,491
    14,100
    0
    Location:
    Tampa, FL
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I'd use a dental pick or a 90 degree machinist's scribe. But I already have those in my tool box. ;)

    I don't know how hard it is to pull it out. If the paper clip isn't strong enough, maybe a bobby pin or a safety pin would work. I think they are stiffer.
     
  15. markabele

    markabele owner of PiP, then Leaf, then Model 3

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2012
    5,084
    1,782
    1
    Location:
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    I ended up getting it out ok (used a paint can opener). But wow, I should have done that a long time ago. Goes in like butter now.