Unplugging Your E-Golf: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to unplug e golf

The Volkswagen e-Golf is a popular electric car, but some users have reported issues with unplugging the charger. The problem occurs when, after unplugging, the car still believes a charger is connected and won't start. This issue seems to be related to the charging lock, which is designed to prevent cable theft. Users have tried various methods to unplug the charger, including unlocking the car multiple times, turning off the charger, and disassembling the locking mechanism. While some workarounds have been suggested, there doesn't appear to be a definitive solution, and some users have recommended getting the issue addressed by a dealership.

Characteristics Values
Unlocking the car Press the unlock button on the key fob once or twice
Listening for disengagement Wait for the sound of disengagement and for the light to turn off
Turning off the charger Turn off the charger or turn off the charge in CarNet
Using a specific charger type Use a J-1772 (Type-1) handle, which has a button to stop charging
Disassembling the mechanism Remove a couple of torx screws from the wheel liner to access the mechanism
Using a specific browser Use an up-to-date browser to install the site as a web app on your home screen

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Troubleshooting a red light after disconnecting

Troubleshooting a red light error after disconnecting your e-Golf can be frustrating, but there are a few potential solutions you can try.

Firstly, it's important to understand the root cause of the issue. In some cases, the car may not recognize that it has been unplugged, and the dashboard indicates that the charger is still connected, preventing the car from starting. This issue seems to be more prevalent in colder climates and with certain types of chargers.

  • Try unlocking and locking the car once or twice with the key fob before unplugging the charger. Listen for the disengagement and wait for the light to turn off completely before unplugging.
  • If the issue persists, try turning off your charger or turning off the charge in CarNet. This has helped some users, although it may be coincidental.
  • Another potential solution is to disconnect the 12V battery for a few minutes and then reconnect it. This will help reset the entire car. Make sure to test the 12V battery to ensure it has the proper voltage.
  • Some users have suggested that the issue may be related to the charging lock. Try unplugging and replugging the charger to lock the plug into the car.
  • If the issue occurs only at home, try charging your car at a public charging station (AC type) to see if the problem persists. If it does, you may need to take your car to a dealership for service.
  • One user suggested that the issue could be a grounding problem with the outlet being used. Try using a different outlet or charging station to see if the problem persists.

It's important to note that if the red light is flashing, this could indicate a more serious problem, such as a faulty charger or electrical issues. In this case, it's recommended to have a professional inspect the electrical system to determine the exact cause.

Remember to follow all safety precautions when working with electrical systems and batteries, and refer to your e-Golf's manual for model-specific instructions.

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Unlocking the car with the key fob

If your Volkswagen e-Golf key fob is not working, it could be due to a dead battery. To unlock your car, you can use the mechanical key. There is a plastic cover next to the door handle that can be removed to reveal the keyhole.

To start the car, you will need to hold the key fob against the right side of the steering column and then hit the start button. You should be able to see an embossing in the plastic of where you need to hold the fob.

If you need to replace the battery, you can gently open the key fob using a small flat screwdriver. Be sure to take note of the direction the battery is facing before removing it. Insert the new battery, ensuring it is facing the same way as the old one. Then, press the two halves of the key fob back together and test the basic functions.

If your key fob is still not working, you may need to reprogram it. The process for reprogramming a Volkswagen key fob varies depending on the model and year of your vehicle. For most pre-2016 models, you can insert the physical key into the ignition and turn it to the second position. Then, lock your vehicle using the lock/unlock switch on the inside of the door. Press and hold the lock button with the key fob still in the ignition. When a red light begins to blink on the key fob, the process is complete.

If your key fob is still not functioning properly, you may need to take it to a Volkswagen dealership to have it replaced or reprogrammed.

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The charging lock mechanism

However, some users have reported issues with the charging lock mechanism. In some cases, the car fails to recognise that it has been unplugged, resulting in a red light on the dashboard and the inability to start the car. This issue appears to be more common in cold weather and with certain types of chargers. Workarounds suggested by users include unlocking the car by pressing the unlock button on the key fob twice in quick succession while simultaneously pressing the EVSE handle inwards to release pressure on the latch, or unlocking and locking the car multiple times.

Another issue reported by users is the inability to prevent the car from locking the charging plug when the car is locked, which can be inconvenient in situations where there are more EVs than chargers available. While some users have found ways to override the plug lock, such as by disassembling the mechanism or jamming the piston, these methods may not be recommended as they can result in hot disconnects and safety issues.

It is recommended that users experiencing persistent issues with the charging lock mechanism consult a dealership or a qualified technician for further advice and potential software updates to address the problem.

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Issues with the 2015 model

The 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf was the company's first electric vehicle and, unfortunately, it had its fair share of problems. The most notable concern for the 2015 model was the battery management system's reliability. Several users reported premature failures, leading to decreased range and overall performance. This issue caused inconvenience and potentially expensive repairs.

In addition to the battery issues, there were also electrical glitches. Some of these electrical issues were not isolated to the battery alone, with some reports of problems within the infotainment system and onboard charging equipment. There were 19 NHTSA complaints regarding the electrical system, with an average mileage of 14,646 miles. These electrical glitches could cause the car to stop without warning, with messages like "error: Electrical system" appearing. In some cases, the car could not be restarted, and the windows wouldn't roll down, requiring the vehicle to be pushed to the side of the road.

The charging connector was also problematic in some cases, with reports of it not unlocking or releasing, leading to the vehicle being immobilized. This issue was not limited to a specific charger, as it occurred with different chargers. The charging lock was considered annoying by some users, who had to fish around for the unlock button each time they wanted to disengage the charger.

The 2015 e-Golf also had a low-end powertrain in terms of power, and there were numerous reports about the car's fuel propulsion. The vehicle also had a higher likelihood of recalls or mechanical issues due to it being an early model. Overall, the 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf is not recommended, especially when compared to newer models with improved reliability and performance.

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Hot disconnects and safety concerns

The Volkswagen e-Golf has been reported to have charging issues, with some users experiencing problems with unlocking the charging port. The car should be unlocked using the key fob to disengage the charger, but some users have reported that the car still believes the charger is connected, resulting in a red light on the dashboard and the inability to start the car. This issue seems to occur more frequently in cold weather and with certain types of chargers.

To address this problem, some users have suggested turning off the charger or the charge in CarNet. Another workaround is to unplug and replug the charger, as locking the car will not lock the plug. Additionally, it has been noted that the eGolf does not have a way to prevent the plug from locking to the car when the car is locked, which can be inconvenient if someone wants to unplug it after it has finished charging.

Some users have raised safety concerns regarding hot disconnects, where the car ignores the signal from the plug, potentially bypassing safety features. This issue has been observed with the J1772 protocol, where pressing the trigger does not stop the charging at the charger, resulting in scorch marks on the charger's hot pins. It is recommended to measure the resistance between the proximity pin and the ground to ensure the safety features are functioning properly.

It is important to note that the charging lock feature on the eGolf is designed to prevent theft and ensure safe disengagement of the charger. However, the implementation of this feature has been a source of frustration for some users, especially when compared to other EVs that offer more flexibility in locking and unlocking the charging plug.

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Frequently asked questions

To unplug your e-Golf, you can try unlocking the car and then hitting the unlock button on your key fob once or twice. Listen for disengagement and for the light on the dash to turn off completely.

This seems to be a common issue with the e-Golf, especially in cold weather. Turning off your charger or turning off the charge in CarNet might help.

You can disassemble the mechanism by accessing it from the wheel liner and removing a couple of torx screws. However, this may cause hot disconnects as VW ignores the signal from the plug.

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