What should I do if I cannot charge my Ford electric vehicle?

If you are having issues charging your Ford electric vehicle (EV), get support by reviewing the following common charging concerns and possible remedies. 

If you need urgent charging-related support:

Charging Troubleshooting

Select the charging topic you are seeking help with from the drop-down options below.

Charge Station Activation

The BlueOval Charge Network combines multiple charging networks, giving you hassle-free, pay-as-you-go access to the largest public charging network in North America.

You can use the FordPass®** App from your vehicle's SYNC screen to find and pay for charging anywhere in the network. At Tesla Superchargers, you can also pull up and charge, payment should happen automatically.  

To learn more about the BlueOval Charge Network refer to the What is the BlueOval Charge Network? topic.

You can also view the BlueOval Charge Network interactive map to see stations near you. 

BlueOval Charge Network Payment

You can also pay for a charge session utilizing the BlueOval Charge Network which allows you to select within the FordPass®** App the charging location and the specific charger you would like to use once you have arrived at your charger. 

If you have a payment concern with this charging method: 

  • Ensure you are at a BlueOval Charge Network location. If a charger is out of network, you will not be able to pay for your session with the payment method on your Ford account. Follow the payment instructions at the charging site. 
  • Check in the FordPass App that your BlueOval Charge Network account is active. If you have not done so already, activate your BlueOval Charge Network account.
  • Verify your credit card on file in FordPass is in good standing and has not expired. 
  • Confirm that the charger you are at matches the one you selected in the app. 

For more support, refer to the following articles:

If these options do not resolve your concern, call the support number listed on the charge station, try a different charger, or contact us through Live Chat or by calling 1-800-565-3673.

Plug & Charge Payment

The Plug & Charge feature automatically recognizes your vehicle when you plug in at Tesla Supercharger locations. Simply park at a participating charging station, plug in your vehicle, and your charging session will begin.

Plug & Charge is enabled once you activate your BlueOval Charge Network access, and each charging session is automatically billed to the active card linked to your Ford account. 

If you have a Plug & Charge payment concern: 

  • Ensure you are at a Tesla Supercharger location. If you are at another charging location, you will not be able to pay for your session with the payment method on your Ford account. Follow the payment instructions at the charging site. 
  • Check in the Connected Services area of the FordPass®** App to see if your BlueOval Charge Network account is active. If you have not done so already, activate your BlueOval Charge Network account.
  • Confirm Plug & Charge is enabled in FordPass.
  • Verify the credit card on file in your Ford account is in good standing and has not expired. 

Charging Cord Connection

If you are experiencing a concern when physically connecting the coupler, determine if the concern is from the DC Fast Charger or the Fast Charging Adapter and follow the recommendations below.  

DC Fast Charger 

To ensure your DC Fast Charger is connected to the charger properly: 

  1. Make sure the dust cap that covers the bottom ports on the vehicle charge port is open. 
  2. Press the Lock Release button once the dust cap is open, which is located in the centre of the charge status indicator and try to connect.

Note: If the charger still does not connect to the vehicle port, try a different charger. 

DC Fast Charger port.

Fast Charging Adapter 

To learn how to charge your all-electric vehicle at a designated Tesla Supercharger using your Fast Charging Adapter, refer to the How do I charge my electric vehicle with my Fast Charging Adapter? topic.

Ford Fast Charging Adapter.

Disconnecting a Stuck Charger from a DC Fast Charging Station

Always press the unlock button located next to the charge port to disconnect your charger. If you are unable to remove the charger, do not try to force it as that could damage the lock pin. Press the unlock button again to unstick the charger.

Ford Fast Charging Adapter.

Mobile Power Cord

To learn possible remedies for your mobile power cord, review the diagrams and information below.  

Proper Assembly 

If you are having issues charging with your Mobile Power Cord, it is important to confirm the 120V or 240V grid cord is fully seated in the Mobile Power Cord body. The surface between the grid cord and the body should be seated flushed together as shown in the illustration. 

Technical drawing of Mobile Power Cord assembly showing how to and how not to connect the cord to the cord body.

Proper Bracket Installation 

If you have not installed your charging bracket, it is very important that you do so to ensure proper retention of the Mobile Power Cord. Refer to the Mobile Power Cord installation instructions for more information. 

Note: Your Mobile Power Cord comes preassembled with the 240V grid cord. To change the grid cord to 120V, hold the Mobile Power Cord in one hand while gripping the base of the 240V grid cord (not the cord itself). Pull apart while rocking the base of the cord back and forth. Once removed, install the 120V grid cord by pushing firmly until you hear a click. Be sure the grid cord is installed flush to the top of the Mobile Power Cord. 

Technical drawing of proper charging bracket installation.

Fault Indicator Lights 

If the amber fault indicator, blue status indicator, and red trouble indicator are all off when connected to the power outlet, the charging issue may be the power outlet of the 120V or 240V grid cord. Disconnect the Mobile Power Cord from the wall outlet and connect it to another wall outlet. If the same condition occurs on another wall outlet, schedule your vehicle for service. 

If the amber fault indicator is on while the blue status indicator and red trouble indicator are off when connected to the power outlet, the charging issue could be from the use of an extension cord, the grid cord connection, or improper grounding. Remove any extension cords and verify that the 120V/240V grid cord is fully inserted into the Mobile Power Cord. To rule out a grounding issue, try another outlet on a different ground circuit. If these steps do not resolve the issue, disconnect the Mobile Power Cord from the wall outlet and connect it to another wall outlet. If the same condition occurs on another wall outlet, schedule your vehicle for service at your Ford Dealer

To learn more about your Mobile Power Cord, refer to the How do I use the charge cord for my electric vehicle? topic. 

Other Common Charging Concerns

Some other common charging concerns can be found in the table below. 

Charging Concern

Explanation/Remedy

Vehicle will Not Reach 100% Charge

Your vehicle may not charge if the charge level has reached 99%. 

If your vehicle is not charging to 100%, there may be a charge target set that has been reached (e.g., 80% state of charge). 

To confirm, go to "Charge Settings" on your vehicle's SYNC screen and ensure "Charging Locations" is enabled. If enabled, select the pencil icon to edit the charge target on a per-location basis. You can also disable "Charging Locations" and try to charge again.

Scheduled Charge Conflict 

Your vehicle may not charge if there is a scheduled charge set for a specific time already set up. 

To check if a scheduled time is established, go to the vehicle's "Charge Settings Status" screen. If a time has been set up, a message will display advising the vehicle, "Will wait for preferred charge time."

A scheduled charge can also be disabled by going to "Charge Settings" using your vehicle's SYNC screen, and switching off "Charging Locations."

Coupler Not Fully InsertedIf the coupler is not fully inserted, try pushing it firmly until you hear a click. 
Stuck Coupler 

To remove a stuck cord from your vehicle's charging port: 

  1. Make sure your charging session has been stopped. 
  2. Push the unlock button next to the charging port, then pull the charger out.
  3. Hold down the button on the plug handle and push in towards the plug. You may hear an audible click. 
  4. Try to firmly pull out the cord. 

Visit the "DC Charging - Stop Charging" section of your Owner's Manual if you are still unable to remove the cord.

If you continue to experience charging issues, contact your contact your contact your Ford Dealer for support. 

Learn More About Charging Your Electric Vehicle 

Select one of the topics below for more information about charging your EV. 

Home Charging

Charging at home is fast and easy with the 48 Amp Ford Connected Charge Station or 80 Amp Ford Charge Station Pro. You can even charge overnight with the Ford Mobile Charger on a 120V wall outlet or a 240V wall outlet. 

  • Ford Charge Station Pro: Discover the plugged-in potential of your Ford EV. The Ford Charge Station Pro can provide up to 80 Amps of power. Plus, it enables a Ford F-150® Lightning® truck to provide Home Backup Power to a properly equipped home.
  • Ford Connected Charge Station: If you own or plan to order a 240V/48 Amp hardwired Ford Connected Charge Station, you can make sure your EV is charged and ready to go as quickly as possible from home. It is strongly recommended that you have a trained, licensed electrician install your unit. For more information and to find a licensed installation expert, visit RocketEV.
  • Ford Mobile Charger With 240V Wall Outlet: The available Ford Mobile Charger can be plugged into a 240V NEMA 14-50 wall outlet.
  • Ford Mobile Charger With 120V Wall Outlet: For simple charging, your electric vehicle can be plugged into a standard home or garage 120V wall outlet.

Note: When plugging in the Ford Mobile Charger, be sure it is connected by verifying the connector is flush. You will hear a click when it is fully inserted. If your charger is not flush, you may see a yellow light and your vehicle will not charge.

Learn More About Home Charging

Maintenance

Regular maintenance checks can also optimize your electric vehicle's performance. 

Tip: To get maintenance and service notifications, activate your vehicle in the FordPass®** App.

To view some recommended electric vehicle maintenance tips refer to the How do I maintain my Ford electric vehicle? topic. 

Find a complete list of general and scheduled maintenance in your Owner's Manual and schedule service at your preferred Ford Dealer

Cold Weather

Cold weather can affect the performance of any vehicle, but we have some tips that can help.

  • Precondition your vehicle and get your electric vehicle’s battery temperature optimized before you need to use it. Do this while your EV is plugged in, and you will keep your EV charged up, too. Just set your departure times in the FordPass®** App.

    Note: Battery preconditioning can take up to 45 minutes depending on the weather and battery temperature. This is different than selecting the fan in the FordPass App, which activates remote climate start for your EV's cabin.
  • Maximize range in cold weather by:
    • Parking in a garage wherever possible. The warmer storage temperature will aid in vehicle and battery performance.
    • Brushing all the snow off your vehicle before driving to eliminate extra weight and drag.
    • Keeping driving speeds moderate, as high speeds use more energy.
    • Ensuring your tires are at the proper pressure and wheels are in alignment to help your vehicle operate as efficiently as possible.
  • Keep your charge port free from ice and debris by purchasing a Charge Port Weather Kit on the Ford Parts website.

Additional Information 

How do I charge my electric vehicle with my Fast Charging Adapter? 
How do I find upgraded Tesla Superchargers?
Fast Charging Adapters Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the charge cord for my electric vehicle? 
How do I create a FordPass account? 


*Based on original equipment manufacturers (OEM) / automotive manufacturers that sell all-electric vehicles and have active charging networks. Department of Energy data as of February 15, 2024 used. Numbers subject to change. 

**FordPass® App, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via download. Message and data rates may apply. 

2024 F-150® Lightning® and all Mustang Mach-E® vehicles are able to receive 48 amps. Other Ford vehicles may be able to receive more power.