Usually, you’ll get a notification from the Tesla app when charging is finished. But what’s the reason for Tesla’s charging interruption notification on your phone?
The Tesla ‘charging interrupted’ notification typically appears during maintenance charging when Tesla performs maintenance on your vehicle. It can also result from switching between 1 and 3-phase charging or various other causes.
Whatever the other reason behind this frustrating situation is, we’ll find out all of them and give you the easiest solutions. So read on to resolve this issue and ensure smooth charging experiences with your Tesla.
What is the Meaning of Tesla’s ‘Charging Interrupted’ Notification?
A Tesla “charging interrupted” notification is a message or alert you may receive on your vehicle’s touchscreen or mobile app. It occurs when a Tesla electric vehicle has completed its charging session prematurely without fully charging the battery.
Moreover, the “charging interrupted” notification may not always indicate a problem. It may simply be a notification that maintenance charging is in progress or that the EV has reached its desired charge level.
Once an EV reaches its desired charge level, it may enter maintenance charging mode. This mode involves periodic top-ups to maintain the battery’s optimal charge level.
During these brief interruptions, the “charging interrupted” notification may appear. This is normal behavior and doesn’t indicate a problem.
Again, if you set a specific charge level, the charging process will halt once the battery reaches that level. In such cases, the “charging interrupted” notification simply indicates that the charging cycle is complete.
Tesla Charging Gets Interrupted: Possible Reasons and Solutions
There could be many reasons behind this occurrence. Here are the most common causes and solutions at a glance.
| Reason | Solution |
| Scheduled Charging/Departure | Turn off scheduled charging |
| Damaged Battery | Replace the battery |
| Corroded Charging Port | Clean the corrosion or replace it |
| Defective Wall Charger | Repair or buy a new one |
| Burned-Out Chip | Contact the Tesla service center |
| Glitch | Seek professional help |
| Over Charging Your Tesla | Stop charging at 75% |
| Fuse Issue | Replace the fuse |
| Tesla Is Safeguarding Its Battery | Contact the Tesla service center |
Tesla Charging Interrupted: In-Depth Possible Reasons and Solutions
If you find your Tesla charging process unexpectedly interrupted, there could be several underlying causes. Now that you know the causes in brief, let’s check them out in detail.
Scheduled Charging/Departure
Imagine you’ve plugged in your EV and manually initiated the charging process. If a scheduled charging setting is active, it might interfere with the manual charging or stop it prematurely.
This could lead to unexpected charging behavior and display “charging interrupted” notifications.
Solution
To resolve the issue, disable scheduled charging to prevent any interruptions in your charging routine. Here is how to do it:
- Step 1: Go to the Control menu from your mobile app or Tesla dashboard.
- Step 2: Then select Charging.
- Step 3: As you have already scheduled your charging time, you will see it on the Scheduled Charge Start box.
- Step 4: To turn it off, touch the blue button and swipe it on the left. If the blue button turns blackish, you’ve successfully turned it off.
Damaged Battery
A damaged or deteriorating battery can lead to charging interruptions. If the battery has a short circuit or wiring issue, the built-in protection systems may detect a fault. It’ll automatically terminate charging for safety reasons with this particular notification displayed.
Solution
If your battery is damaged, it may require replacement. Since Tesla is a battery-powered car, it has multiple batteries. You need access to some specialized diagnostic tools to determine which battery is defective, such as:
- BMS data analysis tool
- Battery impedance tester
- Cell voltage tester
- Battery cell temperature tester
- Battery pack leak detection system, and so on.
This is a significant and costly repair and also requires multiple diagnostic tools. Hence, I highly recommend you should contact Tesla’s service center for guidance.
Corroded Charging Port
Corrosion in the charge port can disrupt the electrical connection between the charger and your Tesla. The common reason for this is not using your car for a long time.
Solution
Carefully inspect the area for any telltale white spots. Clean it with a suitable brush if possible. If the corrosion is severe, contact a professional or replace the port.
Defective Wall Charger
One of the most common causes of interruption in charging is a Defective wall charger. It mostly happens due to charging your vehicle through 3rd party chargers.
Are you noticing a red light on your Tesla wall charger? Don’t worry, we have a detailed guide on Understanding the Tesla Wall Charger’s Red Light.
Solution
You should repair or replace the faulty wall charger to fix this issue. Also, ensure that your home’s electrical supply to the wall charger is stable and within the required specifications, such as:
| Model | Maximum Amperage | Minimum Voltage | Maximum Voltage |
| Gen 3 Wall Charger | 48 Amps | 208 Volts | 250 Volts |
| Gen 2 Wall Charger | 32 Amps | 208 Volts | 250 Volts |
| Gen 1 Wall Charger | 16 Amps | 240 Volts | 250 Volts |
Burned-Out Chip
Tesla vehicles use various chips, like the flash storage chip within the MultiMediaCard (eMMC), which is responsible for the charging problem. Overworking it can lead to burnout, causing charging issues.
You may notice some common symptoms through the wall charging due to a burned-out chip, for example:
- The wall charger will cause strange noises like humming or buzzing.
- A burned-out chip may cause the wall charger to release a burning smell.
- You may find cracks or discoloration in the wall charger.
Solution
If this happens, seek professional help from Tesla’s tech service. Don’t attempt to fix it yourself. Improper handling can worsen the situation and disrupt your car’s charging capabilities.
Glitch
Tesla owners have reported a frustrating glitch where their vehicles stop charging just shy of reaching 100% capacity. This issue can leave the battery at 95-99% charge.
Solution
You should contact the Tesla service center. Tesla is continually working to address such problems to ensure a smooth and efficient charging experience.
Over Charging Your Tesla
To maintain the longevity of your Tesla’s battery, it’s crucial to avoid overcharging. Tesla’s battery management system (BMS) is designed to protect the battery from overcharging. This system is also known as the Tesla battery safeguard.
The system constantly monitors battery voltage, current, and temperature levels. When the BMS detects that the battery is charging beyond 100%, it may interrupt the charging process to prevent further damage.
Solution
Stop charging at 75% is a smart strategy to maintain your battery’s health and maximize its lifespan.
Thinking about driving over charging cables? Find out why it’s not recommended in our article: Is It Safe to Drive Over a Tesla Charging Cable?
Fuse Issue
Fuses, present in both gasoline and electric cars, serve as protective components within the wiring. Their function is straightforward: in the event of a power surge, the fuse prevents damage to vital systems.
Solution
The only cost-effective solution for this is to replace the fuse.
Tesla Is Safeguarding Its Battery
Tesla EVs have a hidden safeguard to protect their batteries from excessive wear. If your Tesla undergoes too many rapid charging sessions, the software can temporarily restrict further charging.
Solution
This problem can only be fixed by Tesla tech. So contact a Tesla expert near you.
What to Do When Tesla Says Charging Stopped?
When Tesla says charging stopped, first try again by unplugging the charger and waiting for 10 seconds. If the issue persists, turn the charging OFF in the car’s interface.
Next, check your circuit breaker to ensure it’s not tripped. If it is, reset it and attempt reconnecting the charger.
If the problem continues, disconnect the charger, inspect it for damage, and reconnect securely. Consider consulting Tesla support for further assistance if you still can’t charge your car.
FAQs
Here, we’ve shared more commonly asked questions by people regarding Tesla Charging Interrupted.
Yes, they automatically stop charging when the vehicle’s battery reaches its preset capacity, preventing overcharging. This is known as Smart Charging.
The popping sound occurs when charging your Tesla due to the battery getting hotter during charging. It causes the vent caps to expand and release pressure, creating noise.
First, to reset your battery charge, charge your device to 100% and then continue charging for an additional two hours. Next, use your battery until it automatically shuts off due to low charge. Finally, recharge it uninterrupted until it reaches 100%.
Final Words
Receiving a Tesla charging interrupted notification can be both frustrating and concerning. When you encounter such a notification, it’s crucial to take a methodical approach to troubleshoot the issue.
Start by checking for common culprits like a damaged battery, a corroded charging port, or a defective wall charger. Then, find ways to solve them or contact your Tesla expert for help.
So, the next time you see that notification, don’t fret. Take it as a reminder to be a responsible and informed Tesla owner.
I am an experienced guide in electric mobility, offering clear and expert guidance for those venturing into the world of electric vehicles.
Through collaborations, research, and hands-on experience, I navigate readers through the evolving landscape of smart automobile technologies and the significance of renewables.