Classification:

Reference:

EL15-042

Date:

NTB16-009

January 19, 2016

LEAF; EVSE (120VAC CHARGER)
APPLIED VEHICLE: 2011 - 2016 LEAF (ZE0)

SERVICE INFORMATION
If a customer states “vehicle charger is not working” or “the EVSE is broken”, verify EVSE
(Electric Vehicle Service Equipment) condition and operation before replacing it.


The EVSE is also known as a trickle charge cable, L1 charger, and 120VAC charger
(see Figure 1).

Refer to the following pages in this bulletin for supplemental diagnosis and service
information.

Figure 1

Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are
properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job
properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO
NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle.
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EVSE Kit

7

5
4
2

3
8

1

6
Figure 2
1. EVSE
3. Warning label
5. Charge connector
7. Storage case

2. Control box
4. 110-120VAC Plug
6. Safety cap
8. Quick reference safety instructions

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NTB16-009

EVSE
Control box

Figure 3

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NTB16-009

EVSE DIAGNOSIS
INDICATOR LIGHTS
READY
(Green)

CHARGE
(Orange)

FAULT
(Red)

Illuminates for 0.5 seconds

READING
All EVSE indicator lights turn
ON for half second (bulb check
confirmation) after being
plugged in electrical outlet
EVSE is connected to
electrical outlet

ON

OFF

OFF

ON

ON

OFF

If charge connector is plugged
into vehicle charge port,
charging is complete or
charging timer is activated
Traction battery
is charging
EVSE malfunction

ON

OFF

ON

ON

OFF

Flashing

Stop using EVSE
immediately

EVSE communication error or
electric leakage occurs
EVSE cannot detect any power
coming from electrical outlet

OFF

Flashing

OFF

OFF

OFF

OFF

If electrical outlet supply is
good and all indicator lights
have not switched on for
half second,
EVSE may be damaged
EVSE cannot detect sufficient
ground at electrical outlet to
support charging
EVSE detects overheating in
electrical outlet, regulates
charging power to minimize
possible damage

Flashing

ON, OFF,
or
Flashing

Flashing

CHARGE indicator light status:
- OFF : Not charging
- Flashing : Reduced
charging power
- ON : Charge in progress
and monitored

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PROPER ACTION
BEFORE REPLACEMENT
No further action necessary
EVSE has no malfunction

See SUPPLEMENTAL EVSE
DIAGNOSIS-Charging does not
start

No further action necessary
EVSE has no malfunction
Confirm no abuse or modifications
to EVSE
If OK, replace EVSE, confirm
proper charging
with replacement EVSE
See SUPPLEMENTAL EVSE
DIAGNOSIS-EVSE detecting an
error
See SUPPLEMENTAL EVSE
DIAGNOSIS-EVSE does not wake
up
and
SUPPLEMENTAL ELECTRICAL
OUTLET DIAGNOSIS-Socket
outlet not available
See SUPPLEMENTAL
ELECTRICAL OUTLET
DIAGNOSIS-Sufficient grounding
not available

See SUPPLEMENTAL
ELECTRICAL OUTLET
DIAGNOSIS-Overheating
detected

NTB16-009

SUPPLEMENTAL EVSE DIAGNOSIS
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Charging timer
activated

Charging does
not start

EVSE does not detect
customer vehicle

Communication
not built
EVSE detecting
an error
Electrical leakage
occurred
EVSE does not
wake up
(indicator lamps
do not illuminate
for half second)

No power at
electrical outlet

CONFIRMATION
OF CAUSE
Verify charging timer is
activated per vehicle
owner’s manual
Attempt charging
customer vehicle with
customer EVSE
and then
Attempt charging
customer vehicle with
more than one known
good EVSE
Check indicator light
status:
1. Connect EVSE to
electrical outlet
2. Connect EVSE charge
connector to vehicle
charge port
3. Release charge
connector from charge
port
See SUPPLEMENTAL
ELECTRICAL OUTLET
DIAGNOSIS-No power at
electrical outlet

RESOLUTION
Deactivate charging timer or press
the “charge now” switch
If charging does not start with
known good EVSEs, perform ESM
vehicle diagnosis
If charging starts properly with
known good EVSEs, replace
customer EVSE (if not
modified/damaged)
If FAULT (red) indicator light
flashes during procedure 1-3,
replace EVSE (if not
modified/damaged)
If FAULT (red) light flashes only
during procedure 2, perform ESM
vehicle diagnosis
If FAULT (red) light starts flashing
on procedure 2 and continues after
procedure 3, perform ESM vehicle
diagnosis
If electrical outlet has proper
power, replace EVSE (if not
modified/damaged)

SUPPLEMENTAL ELECTRICAL OUTLET DIAGNOSIS
POSSIBLE CAUSE

CONFIRMATION
OF CAUSE

RESOLUTION

Electrical outlet
circuit breaker OFF
Electrical switch
OFF (differential)

Confirm proper electrical
outlet power with other
electric devices

If the electrical outlet power is
proper and EVSE does not wake
up, replace customer EVSE (if not
modified/damaged)

Sufficient
grounding not
available

Customer electrical
outlet not grounded

Connect customer EVSE
to other approved
electrical outlets
(110-120VAC 15A,
dedicated)

If EVSE does not detect ground at
verified electrical outlet, replace
customer EVSE (if not
modified/damaged)

Overheating
detected

Connection of
domestic plug to
deformed or aged
electrical outlet

Connect customer EVSE
to known good approved
electrical outlet at
ambient temperature
for 10 seconds

If EVSE does not detect
overheating, recommend customer
electrical outlet replacement. If
customer electrical outlet known as
OK, replace customer EVSE (if not
modified/damaged)

No power at
electrical outlet

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NTB16-009

ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSIS
Popping noise heard
from control box
just before EVSE
starts charging

Is noise similar to other
YES known good EVSEs? NO

EVSE operating
normally
Do not replace EVSE

Replace customer
EVSE (if not
modified/damaged)

Circuit breaker trips
at house or facility
when EVSE is used

Is EVSE being plugged
into a 110-120VAC 15A
NO
YES
dedicated electrical
outlet?

Recommend to
customer to have a
110-120VAC 15A
dedicated electrical
outlet installed

Replace customer
EVSE (if not
modified/damaged)

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NTB16-009

ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSIS/INFORMATION
EVSE Plug Terminal Resistance Inspection

Verify the EVSE condition by checking its
internal resistance values at the 110-120VAC
plug (see Figure 4).



1
2

Resistance between terminals 1 and 2:
0.485 mega ohms - OK

3

Resistance between terminals 1 and 3,
and then between 2 and 3: open/infinity OK
NOTE: Polarity is not an issue. The
leads of a volt/ohm tester may contact
the terminals in any order during testing.

Figure 4

CAUTION:
 Do not use an extension cord or adaptor with the EVSE. Overheating may occur.
 Do not use the EVSE outside during inclement weather (for example, rain, snow,
lightning, thunder, etc.).
NOTE:
 Always have the safety cap installed on the charging connector when not in use.
 Before using the EVSE, read the operating instructions in the owner’s manual
including all warnings, cautions, and important information.

Figure 5: Warning label
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NTB16-009

NON-WARRANTABLE Modified/Abused Conditions (some examples shown)

Broken terminal plug
Figure 6

Overheated 110-120VAC plug
Figure 7

Water damaged unit (corrosion)
Figure 8

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NTB16-009

NON-WARRANTABLE Modified/Abused Conditions (continued)

Non-Nissan adapter
with AC plug

Non-Nissan sticker on control
box showing 120/240VAC rating

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

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NTB16-009